Getting around in Israel

In getting around Israel, be aware primarily of the Sabbath: from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, there is effectively no public transportation available in Israel (except in Haifa, and limited sherut services - shared taxis, see below). If you’re daytripping on a Friday, you should start thinking about how to get back by noon at the latest, and you should plan on staying near your lodgings on Saturday.

By bus

Buses are the most common form of public transportation for Israelis and travellers alike. The extensive national bus system is run by a public corporation called Egged (pronounced “Egg-ed"), the second-largest bus network in the world. Additionally, a bus company called Dan operates solely in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The bus transport system is slowly being changed, however, as Egged phases out of many of its former routes to be replaced by cheaper and faster companies.

NB: Without being unduly alarmist, buses and bus-stops have unfortunately been the targets of suicide bombers in recent years. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or discover an untended parcel, notify the driver, a soldier or police officer immediately. If you can, avoid standing in large crowds of people in order to further minimise any risk.

By sherut

Faster than the bus companies are the minivans, known as monit sherut or “service taxi", that follow the bus routes but can be hailed from anywhere. The drivers take the money whilst driving and so it’s not uncommon for lengthy arguments to develop about who gave how much.

Sherut fares usually cost the same or slightly less than the bus, but during Sabbath, when normal buses don’t operate, sherut fares will increase.

By train

One of the best advances in transport in Israel in recent years has been the modernisation of the train system, now set for major expansion. The system currently runs along Israel’s Mediterranean coast, being particularly useful for connections between Haifa, Tel Aviv and the airport, as well as the new link to Jerusalem.

By taxi

Taxis are very common in Israel. Try your best to get them to use the meter, or moneh in Hebrew.