There are many ways to discover the beauty of the northern city – just choose your pick and Haifa is there for the revel
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Despite being Israel’s third largest city, Haifa’s public transport system is the most advance in the country, making it easy for visitors to get from uptown to downtown, and find their way around the city.
Haifa’s transport system includes buses, trains, light rail, underground tube (Carmelit), and service taxis. In recent years the city’s public transport system has undergone major changes, making it the country’s most efficient and user-friendly.
The road leading to the Bahai Gardens
Always buy a Rav Kav
Your trips on the light rail, bus or intercity trains can be paid using the Rav Kav, Israel’s public transportation pass. This card enables the user to preload a balance to be used for trip fares on all public transportation (except for shared minivans or taxicabs). The cost of a Rav Kav card is 5 NIS, available at Ben Gurion Airport, central train stations, all light rail stations in Haifa, or local vendors. Download the Rav Kav application (search for ‘Rav Kav’ in Apple’s Appstore or Android’s App store), to add to funds to the card balance via your mobile phone any time you want.
Note that any use of the Rav Kav is valid for 90 minutes, so that if the trip includes transferring between buses or a light rail trip in Haifa there is no need to pay separately for each ride, provided that the passenger transfers within 90 minutes.
The Carmelit – Underground Train
The Carmelit is the only underground train in the country, bringing the city a lot of pride, and making it easy for tourists to access the city’s main attractions, museums, parks, promenades and restaurants.
Bypassing the city’s heavy traffic, it is an ideal choice for visitors, saving you a lot of time and hassle. The Carmelit’s total travel time lasts only eight minutes, and their frequency is so quick you will reach your destination in no time. It is green, quick and enjoyable way to experience the city’s PT system. It’s also possible to purchase combined Carmelit and bus tickets.
The Carmelit stops at 3 PM Friday and reopens Saturday evening. There are bus routes that will get you anywhere you need to go in the city every day of the week.
Haifa’s over ground system connects the city’s uptown and downtown neighborhoods and suburbs via busses, light rail, over ground train and low cost service taxis.
The Carmel Tunnels in Haifa
Metronit – Light Rail
The light rail, locally known as Metronit, runs three lines heading from the city center to Haifa’s southern and northern edges, via central station and along sea line and the port.
Train
There are nine train stations in Haifa, dotted across the city, heading north and south. The trains are a quick and efficient way to cross the city, with short travel time between stations. A train ride from Haifa to Tel Aviv for example, takes around 50 minutes, and is a great way to travel north from central Israel. All rail information can be found in Israel Rail website.
Haifa Transportation
Cable Cars
Ther are two Cable cars operating in Hifa: The Bat Galim cable car connecting the coastal area to the Stella Maris observation deck, and the Rakavlit commuter cable car linking HaMifratz Central Bus Station to the Technion and University of Haifa.
Buses
Apart from under and over ground trains, Haifa’s many buss routes operate seven days a week, and are a cheap, available and quick way to cross town. Egged, the main bus company, operates dozens of inner city lines, while Nateev and Omni Express travel to nearby satellite towns and suburbs. A detailed bus list can be found here.
Quick Answers
1. Can I use the Rav-Kav card on all public transportation in Haifa?
Yes, the Rav-Kav card is accepted on all major public transportation in Haifa**, including:
– Buses (Egged and other operators)
– Metronit(Haifa’s BRT system)
– Carmelit(Israel’s only subway)
– Trains (Israel Railways)
– Cable car (Rachbalit) to the Technion and University of Haifa
2. Are there public transportation options available on Shabbat in Haifa?
Yes, Haifa is one of the few cities in Israel where public transportation operates on Shabbat. While not all routes run, you can still use:
– Select Metronit lines (e.g., lines 1 and 5א)
– Some bus routes
– Service taxis (sheruts)
3. How do I get to the University of Haifa or the Technion?
From Ben Gurion Airport:
– Train to Haifa Hof HaCarmel Station (about 1.5 hours)
– Then transfer to:
– Bus or cable car (Rachbalit) to either campus
Within Haifa:
– To the Technion: Take bus lines 11, 17, 76, or the cable car from Merkazit Hamifratz.
– To the University of Haifa**: Use bus lines 24, 37, 146, or the cable car from the same terminal
4. Where can I purchase or recharge a Rav-Kav card in Haifa?
You can buy or recharge a Rav-Kav card at:
– Hof HaCarmel Central Bus Station
– Merkazit Hamifratz (Central Bus Terminal)
– Designated kiosks and service stations
– Online via [Rav-Kav Online](https://ravkavonline.co.il/en/) or the Rav-Pass app
