Public Transport in Israel: How to Use Buses and Trains
Reading time: 7 minutes
- Main public transport operators: Egged, Dan, and Israel Railways.
- Fare payment using the “Rav-Kav” card.
- Traveling on bus routes and using the train for intercity travel.
- Useful tips for comfortable travel on public transport.
- Automatic translation of announcements into four languages for wide coverage.
Article Contents
- Main Operators and Ticket Types
- Navigating Bus Routes
- Trains: High-Speed Intercity Service
- Useful Tips for Comfortable Travel
- Summary
Main Operators and Ticket Types
The main bus transport operators in Israel are the companies “Egged” and “Dan”, while railway service is provided by “Israel Railways”. For fare payment, a unified electronic card “Rav-Kav” is used. It can be purchased and topped up at ticket offices at central bus stations, railway stations, or at special kiosks. There are various ticket types: single rides, daily, weekly, or monthly passes, which can significantly save money on regular trips. After topping up the card, you simply tap it on the validator when boarding the bus or at the station.
Navigating Bus Routes
The bus network covers almost all cities and towns in Israel. For trip planning, it’s convenient to use mobile apps like “Moovit” or “Google Maps”, which show current routes, schedules, and arrival times. Stops usually have signs with route numbers and schedules. Important to know: to make the bus stop, you need to raise your hand. Payment is made upon boarding with the driver using the “Rav-Kav” card. During peak hours, buses can be crowded, so it’s advisable to plan with extra time.
Trains: High-Speed Intercity Service
Trains are the ideal option for fast travel between major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. The railway network is constantly expanding. Schedules and ticket availability can be easily checked on the official “Israel Railways” website or in the app. Stations also have machines for purchasing and topping up the “Rav-Kav” card. Trains are known for comfort, punctuality, and allow avoiding traffic jams, which is especially relevant if your new job is in another city.
Useful Tips for Comfortable Travel
Remember a few simple rules. Smoking and eating are prohibited on public transport. In buses, the front seats are usually reserved for elderly people and people with disabilities. On Saturdays and major Jewish holidays, most bus routes and trains do not operate, so travel is only possible by taxi or private car. If you are looking for a car for personal use, our site with automatic ad translation will help you find the best option.
Summary
Mastering the public transport system is a key step to successful integration into Israeli society. It not only saves time and money but also provides a sense of independence and freedom of movement. Using the knowledge gained, you can easily get to job interviews, browse apartment rental options in different neighborhoods, or simply explore the country. And remember, when placing any ad on our site—whether it’s a service offer or looking for a roommate—you get a unique advantage. Your text instantly becomes available in the four most common languages in Israel: Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This maximizes your audience reach and increases the chances of a quick and successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to buy a “Rav-Kav” card?
You can purchase the card at ticket offices at bus stations, railway stations, or at special kiosks.
2. Does transport operate on Saturdays?
On Saturdays and major Jewish holidays, most bus routes and trains do not operate.
3. How to pay for bus fare?
Payment is made using the “Rav-Kav” card when boarding with the driver.
4. Where to find train schedules?
Train schedules can be checked on the official “Israel Railways” website or in the mobile app.
5. Which sites help find jobs or apartments?
On our site, you can place ads for jobs and apartment rentals.