IL Israel: how to get around

Jerusalem has a single light rail line with more planned and under construction, while Tel Aviv has a light rail system under construction. The oldest subway in the Middle East is "Carmelit" in Haifa, which is worth taking for the novelty, but of limited use otherwise, as it only serves one rather short line.

Buses are the most common form of public transportation for Israelis and travelers alike. Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around Israel, and is safe and reliable. Israeli soldiers travel for free on most public bus routes, so travelers will often see armed soldiers on buses. The largest bus company in Israel is Egged (Hebrew: אגד), which was formed in 1933. Egged operates 30% of the country's public transportation service lines.

Intercity buses typically begin and end their routes at central bus stations, and also pick up and drop off passengers along the route. Buses do not have toilets on them, But on journeys lasting more than three hours, the driver stops to refreshing for about 15 minutes at a gas station. Except of the buses to Eilat, there is no need and it is not possible to purchase tickets in advance.

The signage at the bus stops and buses in languages other than Hebrew is limited. Ask people around you for help or use mobile apps. If you are unsure where to get off the bus, sit near the front and ask the bus driver to help you. Most drivers are willing to help, as are most passengers.

Google Maps or Moovit apps offer directions for travel in Israel based on bus schedules. BusStation.co.il provides a complete directory of all bus lines, routes, stops and operators across Israel, available in English, Hebrew, Russian and Arabic.

A sherut (Hebrew for service) or servees (Arabic) is a shared taxi that seats more than four people (the usual occupancy is ten). Depending on the circumstances, a driver will either follow a predetermined route like a bus, or will transport a group of people from place to place according to demand. Reforms made to the taxi service industry alongside COVID that hit revenue have almost completely eliminated these vehicles, and therefore these vehicles can no longer be relied upon for mobility.

Trains are generally quicker and more comfortable than buses. Except in the Galilee, the Dead Sea and the Negev Desert. Israel's train network reaches most of the main cities as well as Ben Gurion Airport, the main entry point for foreign visitors. The main destinations reached by the train are Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Acre and Beit Shean. Unlike the train stations in Europe, the train stations are usually not within walking distance of the urban attractions and require the use of an additional means of transportation.

Trains run 2-3 times per hour in peak travel times and at least once an hour at off peak hours. Trains on the Nahariya-Haifa-Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport-Be'er Sheva line run through the night too. However, after midnight, trains stop in Haifa at the Hof Hacarmel station only, in Tel Aviv at Merkaz (Central) only, and in Be'er Sheva at Merkaz (Central) only. All other Be'er Sheva, Tel Aviv and Haifa stations close after midnight. One must also remember that trains operate only on weekdays (there are no trains from Friday afternoon till Saturday evening). In fact, the trains stop several hours earlier on Friday than buses do. The Tel Aviv-Jerusalem line via Ben Gurion Airport is the first electrified line in the country and trains reach up to 160 km/h (99 mph). You'll find a lot of double decker trains reminiscent of those found in Germany and IC3 multiple units like those found in Denmark. Most of the rolling stock has been bought in the 21st century and is therefore modern and comfortable.

Israel Railways runs intercity lines from Nahariya to Beer Sheva via Haifa, Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion airport, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, and suburban lines radiating from Tel Aviv to Binyamina, Ashkelon, Kfar Saba, Raanana, Rishon LeZion, Modiin and Bet Shemesh. There is also a suburban line between Beer Sheva and Dimona.

Tel Aviv has 4 train stations, Haifa (including its eastern suburban neighborhoods) has 6, and Be'er Sheva has 2, providing easy access to many parts of those cities.

To differentiate from a shared taxi (sherut), a regular Israel taxi is sometimes called special (using the English word). The driver should use the meter both inside and outside cities (in Hebrew, moneh), unless the passenger agrees to a fixed price (a fixed price is almost universally in the driver's favor). There are surcharges; for calling a taxi by phone (₪5 as of January 2013), for luggage (₪4.20 a piece), for more than 2 passengers (₪4.70 (fixed), passengers that are children under the age of 5 are not taken into account), for taking toll-routes and for hailing a taxi at airports or seaports (Ben Gurion airport - ₪5, Haifa seaport - ₪2).

Drivers are known to try to scam tourists by not turning on the meter to begin with and then fighting about the cost at the end of the ride. It is best to specify that you absolutely require the 'moneh' to be activated before you leave unless you know how much the trip should cost, in which case you can make a deal. However, if you are caught off guard some drivers will become extremely rude or even violent if you refuse to pay despite the meter never having been switched on. It is best to try to avoid this situation, but it is better to avoid any conflict with the driver by paying and learning rather than saving your money and risking an unpredictable escalation. Noting the taxi's number (clearly visible on the outside of the cab) and contacting the local taxi authority is an efficient form of redress.

A good way of avoiding scams is to order taxis with the Gett/GetTaxi smartphone app. Gett use only licensed taxi drivers and the same fare structure as any other taxi ride. It gives the fixed price or meter price directly to you, allows for credit card payment (none of the "I have no change" nonsense), and you can put in your specific destination and see that the driver isn't taking a roundabout route to run the meter up.

Israeli taxi drivers do not expect a tip, and neither should you generally offer one. In addition, they are more likely to round the fare down to the nearest shekel than up.

All Israeli taxis are numbered, and all print out an official receipt on printers attached to their meters (if you request), useful if you are traveling on business.

Ridehailing is available in Israel. Gett is a local option, Uber works also in Tel Aviv and Yango works in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, Haifa, Herzliya, Hod HaSharon, Petah Tikva, Rishon Le-Zion and Tel Aviv.

Most major junctions have a shelter and are well lit throughout the night.

Hitchhiking is more accepted in rural areas, particularly sparsely populated areas like the Golan Heights or between smaller towns in the West Bank that have little bus service, than in cities. Local West Bank settlers rely heavily on hitch-hiking for transportation. Almost every car will stop and suggest a lift if you stand in any settlement's gate as most of them are defended by IDF soldiers. Nevertheless, inside the West Bank you should never hitchhike from Jewish settlements/cities to Palestinian areas (or vice-versa); this is dangerous.

Do not hitchhike in a car that stopped for you unprompted.

Read through Wikivoyage general guide, which provides a lot of good advice on the how, where and when of Hitchhiking.

Israel has a modern highway network that connects all destinations throughout the country. In general, intercity roads are generally of a quality similar to those in Western Europe. Traveling within urban areas and between cities is not recommended by car, as roads in Israel are congested most of the day. Places where driving is necessary are places outside urban settlements. Tourist areas where public transportation is limited or non-existent are around the Dead Sea, the holy sites for Christianity around the Sea of ​​Galilee, Caesarea, and Beit Guvrin.

Road signs often follow city names (rather than compass directions). That means that you will see signs to Road 1 Jerusalem and Road 1 Tel Aviv, rather than Road 1 West and Road 1 East, so generally you must follow the name of the largest city at the direction of your destination, even if it is not marked. For example, when traveling from Haifa to Be'er Sheva, you will need to travel southwards which means to follow signs directing you to Tel Aviv. When approaching Tel Aviv, you will start to see directions to Be'er Sheva. When getting directions, it's best to ask for the name of an exit as well as the exit just before it.

Roads are numbered according to orientation and significance. In general, east-west roads are given odd numbers, and north-south roads are given even numbers. Numbers generally increase from south to north, and east to west. The most significant national highways are numbered using one or two digits, while the least significant local roads are numbered using four digits. Exceptions to these rules do exist.

Traffic in Israel drives on the right. Traffic signs and regulations are standard and resemble those of Western Europe. Highway signage is usually in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, although sometimes just in Hebrew and English. Having signs in 3 languages (Hebrew, English, Arabic) usually makes signs overloaded with text, thus only the name of the destination is written in text and a pictogram is used for the type of destination. Usually, each traffic light has an arrow on top, and the traffic light then controls travel to the indicated direction, with a green light guaranteeing that all conflicting traffic faces a red light. Lights without arrows above them control all directions. Red light always means stop. Turning right or left at a red light is strictly forbidden. There is no turning left or right while yielding to opposite traffic, since conflicting traffic always faces a red light, even in the absence of arrows (however, this is not always the case with pedestrians, particularly when turning right). As in several other countries, the green phase is preceded by a red+yellow combination phase. A flashing green light indicates that the yellow light is about to appear, but can usually be found only on roads with speed limits of at least 60 km/h.

White road markings are used to separate both traffic travelling in the same direction and in opposite directions. Yellow lines are used to mark the outer edges of the road (do not cross these, except if stopping at a shoulder), and orange or red lines are used in road works zones or following a change in road signs. Traffic circles (roundabouts) are very common; one gives way to cars already in the circle. There are no all-way stop signs like the ones the USA, Canada, and South Africa. All stop signs require drivers to yield to all conflicting traffic after coming to a complete stop.

Headlights must be turned on (even during the day) on intercity highways from November to March. Motorcyclists have to have their headlights on in all months of the year. Seat belts must be worn at all times in all seats. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system is forbidden. If one must exit the vehicle on the shoulder of a highway, it is required to put on a reflective vest in order to promote visibility. It is required to keep the reflective vest at all times within the passenger's cabin of the vehicle, and not in the trunk. Car rental companies are required to supply such a vest and it is usually inside the glove compartment.

Parking regulations are indicated by curb markings:

• Red and white — Parking is prohibited, although this rule is often flouted outside weekday daytimes. However, just because others are doing so, doesn't mean your car won't be fined or towed.
• Red and yellow — Reserved for certain vehicles, such as buses at bus stops.
• Blue and white — Parking only with a parking permit purchased at a machine. There is not always a machine nearby, if so, cellphone payment system must be used. In some areas, such as in parts of Tel Aviv, blue and white markings are restricted even at night to residents only. A sign at the beginning of the street, usually in Hebrew only, will detail the specific restrictions.
• Red and Grey — Reserved for residents, but might only be reserved at specific times as stated in signs.
• Grey — Areas are free to park at, unless a parking sign at the beginning of the street requires payment or restricts it.
• Black and White — Marked for curb visibility, when no other coloring apply.

Israel uses the metric system of measurements. Default speed limits are 50 km/h in residential zones, 80 km/h on intercity roads without a physical separation median between opposing lanes, and 90 km/h on intercity roads with a physical separation median. By default, all major freeways (identified by the standard blue European motorway sign) have a speed limit of 110 km/h; however, in practice, speed limit signs bearing a lower limit (usually 90 km/h or 100 km/h) limit the speed on these roads.

Police presence on the roads is generally very significant, and speed and red light cameras are common. Both radar (mostly stationary) and LIDAR (laser, hand-held) are in use for speeding enforcement.

Police vehicles in active duty may have their blue lights turned on for the duration of their trip. Unlike most countries in the "First World", in Israel this is not a sign that they want to pull you over. If they do, they would either turn on their siren or use a loudspeaker to instruct you to stop on the shoulder. A verbal request, although usually made in Hebrew, will usually include the make of the car. It is advisable to comply.

• Highway 6 (Kvish Shesh - כביש 6), ☏ +972 3 9081111, +972 3 9086116. electronic-toll-highway, unique in having no toll booths. Vehicles using it are identified by license plates and/or electronic tags, and bills are sent to the vehicle's registered owner. The price is determined by the number of road segments that are used:
  :*On the main section (from 'Iron interchange to Sorek interchange) the minimum charge is for 3 segments (even if you drove through less segments) and the maximum charge is for 5 segments (even if you drove through more segments).
  :*On the northern segment (one segment from 'Iron interchange to Ein Tut interchange) there is a separate special charge, as it's not a part of the main section.
  :*The southern section (from Sorek interchange to Ma'ahaz interchange) is free of charge.
  :Various subscriptions are available. Consult your rental company regarding payment of highway 6 rides, as they often carry a surcharge. (updated Mar 2021)
• 32.65219535.0906741 6 North (Shesh Tzafon - 6 צפון), ☏ +972 3 9533929. The northern segments of Road 6. the road segments are: Yokneam tunnels (Toll), road 70 (Free), Somech tunnels (toll). 10 ILS for cars for all 6 North segments combined. (updated Sep 2022)
• 32.79001735.0051442 Carmel Tunnels (Minharot Ha'Carmel - מנהרות הכרמל), ☏ +972 4 6895424. A set of 4 tunnels (2 in each direction with the Neve Sha'anan interchange between them) that crosses Haifa under the Carmel mountain. The price is determined by the number of segments that you use (1 or 2 segments). Every vehicle must report at entry toll booths and again at an exit toll booth. 9.91 / 19.82 ILS for cars. (updated Mar 2021)
• 31.99305334.8821443 Fast Lane to Tel-Aviv (Hanativ Hamahir - הנתיב המהיר) (Entrance from Route 1 just before Ben-Gurion airport (thus no direct access from the airport itself)), ☏ +972 73 2100400, tofes@fastlane.co.il. 06:00-23:00. A 13km stretch from Route 1 (near Ben Gurion Airport), ending at the second highway exit to Tel Aviv, the Kibbutz Galuyot exit (only one direction). Vehicles going through the whole route must be registered in advance. The price is determined by the number of vehicles entering the lane, to keep traffic flowing smoothly. The maximum toll is ₪105, but is usually much less. Vehicles with at least 4 passengers (including the driver) may use the lane for free by making a stop at the toll booth. There is an unspoken agreement that if a uniformed soldier is with you in the car, the toll booth attendant lets you pass free even if there are only 3 passengers in the car (especially in the morning weekday hours). A formal free alternative is to leave your vehicle inside the lane's parking lot (which may get full very early in the morning), and take a free shuttle bus (every 15 minutes) to Tel Aviv (Kaplan road, mainly) or Ramat Gan (diamond exchange district, "Bursa"). With this alternative, after returning to your car with the shuttle bus, you must drive with the direction to Jerusalem or Rishon Le-Zion. Price depends on congestion of route 1, and may rise up to 105 ILS. (updated Mar 2021)

All drivers in Israel must carry a driver's license or ID. International driver permits, as well as licenses from foreign countries are accepted. Drivers of motor vehicles must be at least 17 years old, while insurance is mandatory. Driving a motorcycle or a moped is permitted starting at age 16. A driver's license is mandatory for two wheel vehicles as well! All cars in Israel must undergo an annual safety inspection, and a sticker bearing the month and year of the next inspection should appear on the front windshield. Every car is required to carry a yellow reflective vest at all times. Theoretically, the police could stop you at any time and ask to see it. If you stop on the edge of the road, and have to get out, you are required by law to wear the vest. All rental cars should have one, so it is a good idea to check before you leave. In Israel while you are driving, the police are allowed to stop you for any reason whatsoever; mostly they do so for license checkups. Shabby-looking vehicles get stopped far more often.

Car accident fatalities in Israel are on par with most European countries and less than half that of the US. However, Israeli drivers are known to be aggressive and impatient. Take this into consideration if you decide to drive in Israel, and use caution - be prepared for other drivers not to yield when they normally should and not to respect your right of way. Be especially cautious on two-lane intercity roads, especially when passing other vehicles. While most major highways have a physical separation median, many lower-traffic intercity roads do not. Also be particularly cautious when driving in the Negev desert, since most roads in that region have only two lanes carrying fast-moving traffic, and trips tend to last hours in the heat. Take care while traveling on Friday night and Saturday, the Jewish Shabbat, as roads tend to be emptier and invite faster, and occasionally more reckless, drivers. Also be more cautious in winter when it rains, as roads will be unusually slick. The first rainy days in fall are particularly dangerous, since the oil/grease and other substances that accumulated on the road all summer are released.

Most major international car rental companies as well as many Israeli ones provide car rental services.

You will be charged VAT for your car rental if you do not produce a visa (for example, if you entered via Allenby and avoided the stamps, although the paper will do).

If you are going to Palestinian areas in the West Bank, your rental insurance may not cover the trip. Clarify exactly where you plan to go with the company before renting.

Companies:

• Hertz.
• Avis. (updated Oct 2024)
• Budget.
• Sixt (Shlomo). (updated Oct 2024)
• Europcar (Albar).
• Eldan. Israel's largest car rental company
• Tamir. a car rental service that delivers and picks up the rental car for you
• GoTo (formerly car2go). provides rental cars by the hour with cars available near train stations and other main locations. This is the only service available for rentals pickup during weekend and public holidays. (updated Oct 2024)
• Sun Car.
• PaapmPaapm. compare prices between multiple car rental agencies in Israel (updated Oct 2024)

Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport to Eilat Ramon airport (or return) is the only active domestic air route. The flight time is between 30 and 45 minutes. Expect 4-8 daily flights during wintertime and roughly hourly during the peak vacation times in July and August. The twp operators are Arkia and Israir. Despite its popularity, the Haifa-Eilat route is inactive since the previous decade.

Private operators can arrange charter flights to one of the many airfields in the country (Rosh Pina, Kiryat Shmona, Meggido, Fik, Rishon LeTzion, Be'er Sheva, and Herzliya).

For aviation adventurers check Bar Yehuda Airfield (MTZ), at 378 m (1,240 ft) below mean sea level the lowest airport in the world can be quite an experience.

While there are some areas with a bikeshare system and even something of a cycling culture, Tel Aviv chief among them, and while you can see kids in secular cities fill the streets on their bikes on Yom Kippur, in general Israel is not a cycling country. Still, distances are short and some roads have not much traffic. Unfortunately there's not really any awareness of the tourism benefits of bikes and on some routes a four lane highway with no shoulder in the scorching desert sun are all your options. Bike carriage on Israel Railways is free outside of rush hour, however.

Israel is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting trails. However, due to the often remote nature of these trails (like the Ramon Crater or the Negev), it is important that you are well prepared and have a proper and reliable map with you. In addition, using GPS adds an extra layer of safety, both in cities as well as the countryside. For reliable (offline) maps, GPS navigation, comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap, which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd and Mapy.cz. Or just download the according GPX or KML files through Waymarked Trails for such trails on OpenStreetMap. (Note, you just need to change the OpenStreetMap relation ID to download additional GPX or KML files through the same link.)