Public Transport

Buses, trains, light rail, and getting around Israel.

Practical Guidance

Israel's public transport network includes buses, trains, and light rail systems in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The system is extensive but doesn't run on Shabbat (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). Understanding how to pay, plan routes, and navigate the system will make life much easier.

You can get around much of Israel without owning a car, particularly if you live in one of the major urban areas.

The system includes buses, Israel Railways and urban light rail. Just bear in mind bus drivers often think they are driving in Formula One so get on and get seated (or stand and hold on for dear life).

Rav-Kav

The Rav-Kav is Israel's public-transport smart card and can be used across buses and trains. Digital payment options are also widely used.

Public transport and Rav-Kav overview

Pango

Download the Pango app which enables you to make purchases such as car parking, bus and train journeys, all via QR Codes.

Planning Journeys

Transport apps such as Moovit, GoogleMaps and Waze are extremely useful because routes, traffic and service conditions can change.

For families, check:

Transfers.
Walking distance with children.
Accessibility.
Pushchair practicality.
Last services.
Weekend/holiday service.

Shabbat

Public transport availability changes substantially from Friday evening through Saturday, although the exact picture depends on location and service.

Plan ahead rather than discovering at 4pm on Friday that the journey home isn't straightforward.

For transport queries, the Ministry of Transport lists *8787.

Anglo Dad tip: For day trips, compare public transport with driving before automatically taking the car. Parking at some destinations can be far more stressful than the train.