Israel’s public transport is modern, affordable and easy once you have a travel card. Here’s how the pieces fit together.
The Rav-Kav card
The Rav-Kav is a rechargeable smart card that works across trains, intercity and city buses, and light rail nationwide. Pick one up at Ben Gurion Airport, any train station or a bus hub, then load either pay-as-you-go credit or a daily/period pass. Tap on each journey. There’s also a mobile app if you prefer your phone.
Trains
Israel Railways runs a fast, comfortable network along the coast and inland. The flagship line links Ben Gurion Airport to central Tel Aviv in about 20 minutes and to Jerusalem (Yitzhak Navon station) in about 30. Trains also reach Haifa, Akko, Beer Sheva and the coastal towns. Trains do not run on Shabbat.
Buses and light rail
Buses cover everywhere the trains don’t, from intercity Egged and Metropoline coaches to dense city networks. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv both have light-rail lines that are quick for getting around the centre. All take the Rav-Kav.
Sherut shared taxis
Sheruts are shared minibuses that run fixed routes, leaving when full. They’re cheap, frequent, and crucially they keep running on Shabbat on key routes — including between the airport, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — when trains and most buses pause.
Taxis and ride apps
Metered taxis are widely available; insist on the meter or agree a price first. Ride-hailing apps operate in the main cities and are the simplest option late at night or on Shabbat.
Renting a car
You don’t need a car for the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem–Haifa triangle. But for the Galilee, Golan Heights and Negev, where sights are scattered and buses are sparse, a rental transforms the trip. Drive on the right; an international licence alongside your home one is recommended.
On Shabbat
Plan ahead for Friday afternoon to Saturday night: rely on sheruts, taxis, ride apps or a rental car. See our Shabbat guide for the full rhythm of the week.