Jerusalem Transportation Guide
מדריך תחבורה בירושלים
Getting Around the Holy City
Getting around Jerusalem is easier than you might think — but it helps to know the system. The city is served by Egged buses, the growing Jerusalem Light Rail network, taxis, ride-hailing apps, intercity trains, and shared shuttles. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to the Old City, or getting to Ben Gurion Airport, this guide covers everything you need to know about fares, apps, schedules, and the latest on light rail construction.
Important: Public transportation in Jerusalem does not operate on Shabbat (from approximately 2–3 hours before sunset on Friday until about 1 hour after sunset on Saturday). Plan accordingly — taxis and ride-hailing apps (Gett, Yango) do operate on Shabbat.
Light Rail
Routes, stations & updates
Buses
Egged, Superbus & routes
Ben Gurion Airport
Flights, terminals & access
Taxis & Rides
Gett, Yango & shuttles
Rav-Kav Card
Fares, passes & payment
Jerusalem Light Rail (הרכבת הקלה)
The Jerusalem Light Rail is the backbone of the city's public transit system. The Red Line opened in 2011 and runs from Mount Herzl through the city center (Jaffa Street, Machane Yehuda, City Hall, Damascus Gate) to Heil Ha'Avir in Pisgat Ze'ev — with 23 stops spanning 13.8 km.
New lines under construction (2024–2028):
- Blue Line (under construction) — Will run from Gilo through Emek Refaim, the German Colony, Talpiot, and Givat Ram to Ramot. Expected to open in stages starting 2026–2028.
- Green Line (planned) — Future east-west line connecting additional neighborhoods.
- Purple Line (planned) — Extension to the southern and western suburbs.
Fares: A single ride costs ₪8.00 (2026). Free transfers within 90 minutes to buses. Daily and monthly passes available via Rav-Kav card.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday approximately 05:30–00:00. Friday: until ~2–3 hours before Shabbat. Saturday night: resumes ~1 hour after Shabbat ends.
Light Rail Resources
Light Rail Construction & Road Closures
Jerusalem has been undergoing massive light rail expansion since 2020, with construction of the Blue Line causing significant road closures and traffic disruptions across the city. Key affected areas include:
- Emek Refaim Street — Major construction zone; partial road closures and detours
- Keren HaYesod / King George — Ongoing work near the city center
- Hebron Road (Derech Hevron) — Lane reductions and detours in Talpiot
- Bar-Ilan Street / Golda Meir — Northern section construction toward Ramot
- Pat Junction / Beit Safafa — Southern route construction
For real-time updates on road closures and construction:
City & Intercity Buses
Jerusalem's bus network is extensive and affordable. Most city routes are operated by Egged.
Egged
אגד
Israel's largest bus company and the primary operator of Jerusalem's city and intercity bus routes. Egged runs most urban bus lines connecting neighborhoods across the city, as well as intercity express routes to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, and the Dead Sea.
Key Routes: Urban: dozens of city routes. Intercity: Bus 405/480 to Tel Aviv (1 hr), routes to Ben Gurion Airport, Dead Sea, and nationwide.
Payment: Rav-Kav card, contactless credit card tap, Moovit app, HopOn app
Superbus
סופרבוס
Operates select routes in the greater Jerusalem area and central Israel. Superbus runs suburban and commuter routes connecting Jerusalem to Modi'in, Beit Shemesh, and surrounding communities.
Key Routes: Suburban and intercity routes to Modi'in, Beit Shemesh, Mevaseret Zion, and surrounding areas.
Payment: Rav-Kav card, contactless credit card
Kavim
קווים
Operates some Jerusalem-area routes and serves as a complementary bus operator alongside Egged.
Key Routes: Select Jerusalem-area routes.
Payment: Rav-Kav card
Bus Fares (2026)
Single City Ride
₪8.00
Free transfer within 90 min
Daily Pass (Yomi)
₪13.50
Unlimited city rides for 1 day
Monthly Pass (Hofshi Hodshi)
₪219
Unlimited rides within Jerusalem zone
Jerusalem ↔ Tel Aviv (Express)
₪16
Bus 405/480 (~1 hour)
Student Discount
~33% off
With valid student Rav-Kav
Senior/Disabled
50% off
With personal Rav-Kav
Rav-Kav Card (רב-קו)
The Rav-Kav is Israel's contactless smart card for all public transportation — buses, light rail, and intercity trains. It works everywhere in the country.
Types of Rav-Kav Cards
- Personal Rav-Kav (רב-קו אישי) — Linked to your ID. Required for monthly passes, student/senior discounts, and multiride packages. Available at post offices and bus stations with your Teudat Zehut.
- Anonymous Rav-Kav (רב-קו אנונימי) — No ID required. Perfect for tourists. Can be loaded with single rides and daily passes. Available at light rail stations, bus terminals, and convenience stores.
Where to Buy & Reload
- Light rail station machines (cash & credit card)
- Post offices (Israel Post)
- Central Bus Station (Egged counter)
- Online via the Rav-Kav Online website or HopOn app
- Convenience stores and kiosks
Israel Railways — Jerusalem Navon Station
The Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Station (located at Binyanei HaUma, near the Central Bus Station and light rail) connects Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, and the national rail network via a high-speed express train.
- Jerusalem → Ben Gurion Airport: ~20 minutes, ₪16
- Jerusalem → Tel Aviv (HaHagana): ~34 minutes, ₪22
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
- Does not run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon–Saturday night)
The station is underground, accessible by light rail (stop: Binyanei HaUma) and bus. Free parking is available at nearby lots during off-peak hours.
Ben Gurion International Airport (נמל התעופה בן גוריון)
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV / LLBG) is Israel's main international gateway, located near Lod, approximately 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Jerusalem. Operated by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), it serves over 25 million passengers annually and is the hub for El Al Israel Airlines, Israir, and Arkia.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 3 (main international terminal — departures, arrivals, duty-free, lounges) and Terminal 1 (select domestic and low-cost carriers). Terminal 3 is a modern, spacious facility with extensive shopping, dining, VIP lounges, currency exchange, and car rental desks.
Getting from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport
- Express Train: From Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Station → Ben Gurion Airport Station — ~20 minutes, ₪16. Fastest option. Trains run every 30 min (does not run on Shabbat).
- Nesher Shared Shuttle: Door-to-door shared minivan service — ~60–90 min, ~₪64 per person. Operates 24/7. Book 24 hours in advance for departures.
- Private Taxi / Gett: ~45–60 min, ₪250–350. Available 24/7 including Shabbat.
- Egged Bus 485: Direct bus from Jerusalem Central Bus Station — ~1 hour, ₪16. Limited schedule.
Airport Information
- IATA Code: TLV
- Address: Ben Gurion Airport, 7015001, Israel
- Phone: *6663 / +972-3-975-5555
- Airport Authority: Israel Airports Authority (רשות שדות התעופה)
- Hours: 24/7 (flights may be limited overnight)
- Google Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (30,000+ reviews)
Services & Facilities
- Duty-Free Shopping: Extensive duty-free shops in Terminal 3 (departures & arrivals)
- Currency Exchange: Multiple exchange counters and ATMs throughout terminals
- Car Rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Eldan, Shlomo Sixt, and more — counters in arrivals hall
- Lounges: Dan Lounge, Fattal Lounge, El Al King David Lounge
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Parking: Short-term and long-term parking available (paid)
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with dedicated assistance services
- Synagogue: Prayer rooms available in both terminals
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive 3 hours before international flights — security screening is thorough
- Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible at all times
- Download the Ben Gurion Airport app for real-time flight status
- SIM cards and tourist Rav-Kav cards are available at the arrivals hall
- Kosher dining options are available throughout Terminal 3
Taxis, Ride-Hailing & Airport Shuttles
Taxis operate 24/7 including Shabbat and holidays — unlike buses and trains.
Gett (formerly GetTaxi)
גט
Israel's leading ride-hailing app. Order taxis with transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and cashless payment. Available 24/7 including Shabbat. Widely used by tourists and residents.
App: Gett (iOS & Android)
💡 Always confirm the driver will use the meter (moneh) or agree on the Gett app price before riding.
Visit WebsiteYango (by Yandex)
יאנגו
International ride-hailing service operating in Jerusalem. Often competitive pricing. Available 24/7.
App: Yango (iOS & Android)
💡 Compare prices between Gett and Yango — fares can differ by 20–30%.
Visit WebsiteJerusalem Taxis (Street Hail)
מונית ירושלים
Traditional metered taxis available at taxi stands or by street hail. All Jerusalem taxis are required to use a meter (moneh). Sherut (shared) taxis operate on fixed routes — notably Route 1 from the city center to various neighborhoods.
💡 Insist on the meter. Night tariff (Tariff 2) applies 21:00–05:30 and on Shabbat/holidays — approximately 25% higher.
Nesher Airport Shuttle
נשר שירות
Shared minivan shuttle service between Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport. Operates 24/7 with door-to-door pickup. Must be booked in advance for airport departures; arrivals are on-demand from the airport.
💡 Book at least 24 hours in advance for airport departures. Cost is approximately ₪64 per person (2024). Pickup can take 1–2 hours before flight — plan accordingly.
Visit WebsiteTypical Taxi Fares (2024)
Flag Drop (Tariff 1)
₪12.10
+ ₪3.56 per km (day rate)
Night/Shabbat (Tariff 2)
₪14.30
+25% surcharge (21:00–05:30)
Nesher to Airport
~₪64
Per person, shared shuttle
Essential Transportation Apps
Moovit
Real-time transit navigation — bus arrival times, route planning, service alerts. The #1 app for public transport in Israel.
VisitHopOn
Buy and load Rav-Kav passes, view bus schedules, and pay for rides directly from your phone.
VisitWaze
Community-driven GPS navigation. Essential for driving in Jerusalem — real-time traffic, construction alerts, and road closures.
VisitIsrael Railways App
Train schedules, ticket purchase, platform info. Essential for Jerusalem Navon station travel.
VisitTips for Getting Around Jerusalem
- Shabbat planning: No buses or trains from Friday afternoon to Saturday night. Stock up on Rav-Kav rides before Shabbat. Taxis (Gett/Yango) operate but at the higher Tariff 2 rate.
- Download Moovit: It's the best way to navigate Jerusalem's bus system. Real-time arrival info is far more reliable than posted schedules.
- Walking the Old City: Cars cannot enter the Old City. Walk, or take the light rail to City Hall/Damascus Gate. Comfortable shoes are essential — Old City streets are uneven stone.
- Central Bus Station: Located at the western entrance to the city (near Binyanei HaUma and the light rail). This is the hub for intercity Egged buses.
- Construction patience: Light rail construction has transformed Jerusalem's roads — expect detours, especially on Emek Refaim, Derech Hevron, and the city center. Check Waze before driving.
- Airport route: The fastest way to Ben Gurion Airport is the express train from Navon Station (~20 min, ₪16). Nesher shuttles are convenient but slower (60–90 min). Private taxis cost ₪250–350.
- Accessibility: All light rail trains and most newer Egged buses are wheelchair accessible. Older bus routes may have limited accessibility.
- Payment: Most buses now accept contactless credit card taps in addition to Rav-Kav. Some drivers still accept cash but it's discouraged.
Driving in Jerusalem
Driving in Jerusalem can be challenging — narrow streets, aggressive drivers, limited parking, and ongoing construction. Here's what to know:
- Parking: Blue-and-white curb markings = paid parking (use Pango app). Red-and-white = no parking. Free parking is available in some residential areas.
- Pango App: Essential for paid parking — pay by phone, extend remotely. Also available: CellOPark.
- Route 1 (Highway): The main highway connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (~60 min). Can be congested during rush hours.
- Route 443: Alternative highway to Tel Aviv via Modi'in (~50 min, less congested).
- Car Rental: Available from agencies throughout the city. See our Car Rental directory.
- Gas Stations: See our Gas Stations directory.
- Mechanics: See our Car Mechanics directory.
Official Resources & Links
Jerusalem Municipality
Official city information, road closures, municipal services
Ben Gurion Airport (IAA)
Flight board, terminal info, parking, and ground transportation
Ministry of Transport
National transportation policy and updates
Israel Railways
Train schedules, tickets, and service alerts
Egged Bus Company
Bus routes, schedules, and fare information
CityPass (Light Rail)
Light rail operator — routes, schedule, and real-time info
JET Project
Jerusalem Transportation Master Plan — construction updates and future lines
Rav-Kav Online
Load and manage your Rav-Kav smart card online
Moovit
Real-time transit app — bus arrivals, route planning
Waze
Live traffic navigation and road closure alerts
Related Directories
Car Rental Agencies
Rent a car in Jerusalem
Gas Stations
Fuel up across the city
Car Mechanics & Garages
Auto repair services
Auto Dealers
Buy or lease a vehicle
Tour Guides
Guided tours of Jerusalem
Tourist Attractions
Must-see sights and landmarks
Hotels
Where to stay in Jerusalem
Travel Agencies
Book flights, tours & packages
Jerusalem & Israel Resources
Helpful resources for residents
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