Israel Transport Cost Estimator
Compare the real cost of renting a car vs taking intercity buses & trains vs mixed transport — for your exact trip.
Plan smarter
Find your cheapest way around Israel
Figures are based on 2026 on-the-ground prices. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs. For the full transport overview, see our getting around guide.
Cost comparison
All figures are estimates · excludes airport transfers
Shekel figures use an approximate rate of ₪3.7 = $1. Car rental rates vary by season and provider — compare at our car rental guide.
Need a private transfer?
Skip the stress — book a private driver
For airport pick-ups, Shabbat travel, or multi-stop day trips where car hire doesn't make sense, a private transfer locks in door-to-door convenience at a fixed price. GetYourGuide's Israel private transfer options include Ben Gurion → Jerusalem, Ben Gurion → Tel Aviv, and custom routes.
Browse private transfers on GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
Is renting a car in Israel cheaper than using public transport?
It depends on your trip length and number of city changes. For trips with 4+ city hops over 7+ days, a rental car often works out cheaper per day than buying individual intercity bus/train tickets — especially for 2+ travellers sharing the car. For short trips concentrated in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, public transit is almost always cheaper. Use the estimator above to compare.
How much does an intercity bus trip cost in Israel?
A single intercity Egged/Dan bus journey (e.g. Tel Aviv → Jerusalem or Tel Aviv → Haifa) costs around ₪30–40 (≈$8–11) per person with a Rav-Kav card. The train is similarly priced. Longer journeys like Tel Aviv → Eilat cost ₪60–80 (≈$16–22). Prices correct for 2026 — verify at bus.co.il or rail.co.il.
How much does a sherut (shared taxi) cost?
Shared taxis (sheruts) run fixed routes at fixed prices. The TLV–Jerusalem route on Egged (sherut style) no longer operates as an intercity shared route — intercity sheruts from Ben Gurion Airport are discontinued. Intra-city sheruts still operate in some areas. Private taxis are metered; from Ben Gurion to Jerusalem expect ₪250–340 (≈$70–90) day rate.
Can I use a Rav-Kav card for intercity travel?
Yes. The Rav-Kav card (Israel's contactless transit card) works on Egged intercity buses and Israel Railways. Load credit at bus stations or major train stations. Each intercity journey is deducted at the point of boarding. The card costs ₪5 to obtain. See our full Rav-Kav guide for details.
Does public transport run on Shabbat?
No. Intercity trains and most Egged intercity buses stop from Friday afternoon (approx. 1–2 hours before sunset) until Saturday night (approx. 1–2 hours after sunset). Private taxis run all Shabbat. Rental cars are unaffected. If you are travelling on Shabbat, either hire a private taxi, rent a car, or book a pre-arranged shuttle. The estimator notes this in its mixed-transit recommendation.
Also useful: Getting around Israel · Should I rent a car? (quiz) · Rav-Kav guide · Car rental in Israel · Full trip budget planner