Jerusalem is located a few KMs from Ben Gurion’s airport. There are a few ways to get there and to get arround in the city itself. Here are some useful tips that will help you
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Jerusalem’s closest international airport is Ben Gurion International Airport. Israel Railways, Egged bus lines, and service taxis, or Moniot Sherut in Hebrew, connect Jerusalem to the rest of the country. Inside Jerusalem, you can travel by bus, light rail, or taxi.
Riding on bike in the old station in Jerusalem. Photo by Udi Goren
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). available at Ben Gurion Airport, central train stations, all light rail stations in Jerusalem, or directly from any bus driver. Download the Rav Kav application (search for ‘Rav Kav’ in Apple’s Appstore or Android’s App store), to add 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 Jerusalem there is no need to pay separately for each ride, provided that the passenger transfers within 90 minutes.
Bus
Jerusalem’s central bus station, or Tahana HaMerkazit in Hebrew, is located in the north of Jerusalem and mostly services Egged bus lines. Egged is one of the three major Israeli bus companies and the main one in Jerusalem. In the central station you can find all inter-city and most intra-city bus lines. Egged runs nearly 100 bus lines in Jerusalem and its suburbs. There is also a separate network of Arab-run buses that run services to Arab-Israeli towns and to Palestinian towns in the West Bank.
Little buggies in Jerusalem. Photo by Udi Goren
Light Rail
Jerusalem is the first Israeli city to have a light rail. City Pass, Jerusalem’s light rail, runs a track across the heart of the city. Trams run about every 10 minutes. This is a convenient way to get from the central bus station to the Mahane Yehuda market or to the gates of the Old City.
Train
Jerusalem’s train station is located in the south of the city near the Jerusalem Mall. It is operated by Israel Railways. Trains at this station are used for inter-city travel.
Tram on the light rail in Jerusalem
Useful Tips:
- If traveling with Israel Railways, make sure to keep your ticket stub because you will need it to exit the station
- Congestion is common when traveling inside the city and on highways during rush hour and on Fridays, so please allow for extra travel time
- Please note that buses and trains do not run on Shabbat. They stop in the late afternoon on Fridays and resume services on Saturday night. Monit Sheruts and Taxis do work on Shabbat
- If taking a taxi, ask your driver to turn on the meter as it is not uncommon for cab drivers to overcharge tourists. It is not customary to tip the cab drivers in Israel
Are there park-and-ride facilities in Jerusalem?
Yes, Jerusalem has several park-and-ride facilities to make commuting easier. Here are the main ones:
- Har Herzl Parking Lot: This facility offers around 500 parking spaces.
- Pisgat Ze’ev Parking Lot: This lot has about 200 parking spaces.
- Ammunition Hill Parking Lot: This is the largest, with approximately 700 parking spaces.
These lots allow you to park your car and use public transportation to reach the city center conveniently. Parking is generally free if you use the tram or bus services from these locations.
How can I travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem?
There are several convenient options to travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem:
- Train: The train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station is a popular choice. The journey takes about 25 minutes and trains run frequently.
- Shuttle Bus: The shuttle bus #485 operates 24 hours a day, 6 days a week (excluding Shabbat). It departs hourly and takes approximately 1 hour to reach Jerusalem.
- Shared Taxi (Sherut): Shared taxis, known as “sheruts,” are available outside the arrivals hall. They operate 24/7 and can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re traveling with others.
- Private Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and offer a direct and comfortable ride to Jerusalem. The fare is fixed and varies depending on the time of day.
- Car Rental: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from one of the rental agencies at the airport.
Are there discounts for students or senior citizens on public transport?
Yes, there are discounts available for both students and senior citizens on public transport in Jerusalem:
- Students: Students are eligible for a 50% discount on public transport fares.
- Senior Citizens: Senior citizens (women over 62 and men over 67) receive a 50% discount on fares. Additionally, travelers aged 75 and above can travel for free on all public transport.
These discounts can be accessed using the Rav Kav card, which is a rechargeable smart card used for public transportation in Israel.
Can I bring my bicycle on public transport?
Yes, you can bring your bicycle on public transport in Jerusalem, but there are some guidelines to follow:
- Light Rail: Bicycles are allowed on the light rail, but only during non-peak hours. This typically means avoiding the morning and evening rush hours.
- Buses: Generally, bicycles are not allowed on buses. However, folding bicycles are permitted if they are folded and stored properly.
- Trains: Bicycles are allowed on trains, but similar to the light rail, it’s best to avoid peak hours. There are designated areas on the train for bicycles.
