Transportation
Israel Public Transport Calendar – Check Holiday & Weekend Service
Planning to travel around Israel? Use this interactive calendar to check if public transportation (buses, trains, sheruts) is operating on your selected date. The tool highlights Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and special closures so you can avoid surprises and plan ahead. Whether you're visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or the north, this is the easiest way to know if transport is running in Israel today. Ideal for tourists, pilgrims, and independent travelers.
Public Transportation in Israel
Holiday & Weekend Checker
Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
Train
Most convenient and budget-friendly option for most travelers.
The train station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3. Trains depart frequently (every 20-30 minutes) and take approximately 11 minutes to reach Tel Aviv HaHagana station in central Tel Aviv.
Tip: Purchase a Rav Kav card (rechargeable travel card) at the airport or train station for easier fare payment (around ₪5 fee for the card itself). Single ticket prices start from around ₪10.
Schedule: Trains operate daily from early morning until late at night. Check the Israel Railways website (https://www.rail.co.il/en) for the most up-to-date schedule. However, there is no train service on Saturdays due to Shabbat.
Shared Taxi (Sherut)
More affordable than a taxi, but less convenient.
Sheruts are shared vans that depart once full (usually 10 passengers) to designated locations in Tel Aviv. Look for designated Sherut stands outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are fixed and typically cheaper than taxis (around ₪60-80 as of May 2024).
Tip: Sheruts might have limited luggage space and may take longer depending on the route and number of stops.
Taxi
Pre-arranged Private Transfer
Most comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for families or large groups.
Book a private car or minivan service in advance. The driver will wait for you at the airport with a name sign and take you directly to your hotel. Prices vary depending on the company and vehicle type.
This option provides the most flexibility and is a good choice if you have specific needs or a lot of luggage.
Fastest and most comfortable option, especially with luggage.
Taxis are readily available outside the airport arrivals terminal. Fares are metered and start around ₪200 to central Tel Aviv, with additional charges for luggage and nighttime service.
Tip: Agree on the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem
Train
Journey Time: 25-30 minutes.
Schedule: Trains depart approximately every hour from Ben Gurion Airport Station. However, there is no train service on Saturdays due to Shabbat. Be sure to check the schedule for any updates or changes.
Rates: Tickets cost around ₪17-23 (Israeli New Shekel), which is roughly $5-$7 USD. You can purchase tickets at the station before boarding.
Shared Taxi (Sherut)
Travelers seeking a more affordable option than a taxi but don't mind waiting to share the ride with others. Journey time: 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops.
They operate 24/7, including Saturdays.
Tickets cost around ₪60-80 (Israeli New Shekel), which is roughly $17-$23 USD per person. Fares are usually fixed and negotiated beforehand.
Shared taxis can be found outside the airport terminals. Look for a white van with a sign that says "Jerusalem" or "Sherut." Let the driver know your destination, and they will confirm the fare. Once the taxi is full, it will depart for Jerusalem, dropping passengers off at their requested locations.
Taxi
Pre-arranged Private Transfer
Most comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for families or large groups.
Book a private car or minivan service in advance. The driver will wait for you at the airport with a name sign and take you directly to your hotel. Prices vary depending on the company and vehicle type.
This option provides the most flexibility and is a good choice if you have specific needs or a lot of luggage.
Travelers seeking the most convenient and comfortable option, especially for groups or with a lot of luggage.
Journey Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the airport terminals.
Fares are not fixed and can vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and your destination. It is recommended to agree on a fare with the driver before getting in the taxi. Taxis typically start around ₪200-250 (Israeli New Shekel), which is roughly $57-$71 USD for the ride to Jerusalem.
Only use taxis with a meter. If the taxi doesn't have a meter, agree on a price before getting in. You can also ask your hotel to pre-arrange a taxi for you, which may give you a better rate.
Israel Transportation & Logistics FAQ
Essential Transit Tips for 2026 Travelers
How do I pay for buses and trains in Israel?
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You must use a Rav-Kav card or a mobile payment app like Moovit or Pango, as bus drivers in Israel do not accept cash. You can purchase a Rav-Kav at the airport or major train stations and "load" it with credit. For a full breakdown of transit costs, see our Israel Transportation Guide.
What is the fastest way to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem?
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The high-speed train is the fastest option, connecting Tel Aviv HaHagana to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon in approximately 34 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day but stop for Shabbat. Check our itinerary suggestions for the best ways to fit this transit into your sightseeing schedule.
Is there public transport in Israel on Saturday (Shabbat)?
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Most public buses and trains stop running from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. In Tel Aviv, you can use the "Sababus" (weekend bus) or shared "Sherut" taxis, which operate on a limited basis. Plan your weekend travel carefully using our Shabbat & Holiday Guide.
How do I get from Ben Gurion Airport to my hotel?
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The train is the most efficient transfer to central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, while licensed taxis are available 24/7 at the airport exit. For late-night arrivals or Shabbat travel, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance. View the real-time airport flight board to coordinate your arrival.
Should I rent a car to travel around Israel?
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Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Galilee, Golan Heights, or the Negev Desert, where public transport is less frequent. However, a car is not recommended for staying inside Jerusalem or Tel Aviv due to heavy traffic and limited parking. See our Transportation Guide for rental rules and parking tips.
What is the best taxi app to use in Israel?
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Gett is the most popular and reliable taxi app in Israel, allowing you to book rides with fixed or metered pricing. While Uber exists, it primarily functions as a platform for licensed taxis rather than private drivers. For help budgeting your daily taxi costs, use our Israel Trip Budget Calculator.
What is a "Sherut" and how does it work?
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A Sherut is a shared yellow minivan that follows specific bus routes and operates 7 days a week, including Shabbat. They are a cost-effective alternative to private taxis and can be "hailed" from the side of the road. Learn more about local quirks on our About Israel page.
Can I drive in Israel with a foreign driver's license?
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Yes, tourists can drive in Israel using a valid national driver's license from most Western countries for up to one year. However, some car rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. For more on safety and regulations, see our Safety Guide for Tourists.
How do border transfers to Jordan work from Israel?
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There are three main land crossings: Allenby (King Hussein), Jordan River, and Arava. You can take a bus or taxi to the border, but you must cross the "no-man's land" in a dedicated shuttle bus. For the latest on crossing status and visas, visit our International Travel Advice page.
Is it easy to walk around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv?
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Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are very walkable, with many major sites located close together in the city centers. Tel Aviv also offers a widespread bike-sharing system (Tel-O-Fun) and electric scooters for rent. Find the best walking paths in our Classic Israel Itineraries.
Transportation
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Moovit
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Israel Railway
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Bus.co.il
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Rav-Kav
Transportation Card
