A great transport network which makes getting around in Israel easy – whether you are using public transport or travelling on your own and renting a car. The country has a modern road network, with a great train and bus service between major cities. Taxis and Sheruts in Israel are inexpensive compared to in many Western Countries. All in all getting around in Israel is pretty simple. To plan a trip in Israel using public transport, try using this Israel transport trip planner.

Buses in Israel

Buses in Israel are provided throughout the country by Egged, the world’s second largest bus company. They run over 1,0oo routes across the country connecting not only cities but also rural settlements. Inter-city services in the north are also run by Nazareth Transport & Tourism including the cities of Haifa, Nazareth and Karmiel. Services between Safed and Nahariya, Hadera and Netanya, and Tel Aviv and Netanya are operated by Nateev Express. Please note that most bus services do not operate on the Sabbath.

For more information see our dedicated page about buses in Israel.

Trains in Israel

Tel Aviv Arlozorov Station by Flickr user n0nick

Trains in Israel are very useful and reasonably priced service which is comfortable especially for connecting to the airport, to Haifa, Tel Aviv, and intermediate cities. Some trains run 24 hours although stations arent always in city centers, so do be aware of this.

For more information, see our dedicated article about trains in Israel.

Taxis in Israel

Cheap by European standards, taxis in Israel are widely available and generally modern safe cars, with helpful drivers. Sometimes, when there are a few passengers for example, they might work out cheaper, and for getting around cities, they are possibly the easiest way – you dont waste time working out buses and get to your destination fairly fast.

For more information, see the page about taxis in Israel.

Shared taxis in Israel (Sherut)

Sheruts are Israel’s shared taxis and operate across the country both on local and inter-city routes. Generally these are the same price as, or slightly cheaper than buses, and stop anywhere along their routes. Inter-city routes operate on Sabbath, which make them a great way of getting around. They are especially useful for inter-city travel, as they are not only quicker than buses, but also drop you at your destination, very useful if you are going from the airport to Jerusalem of Haifa.

We have put together a specific guide to sheruts.

Internal flights

Internal flights operate from Eilat to Tel Aviv and Haifa, and are operated by two airlines, Arkia and Israir, although El Al will soon also fly on the Tel Aviv to Eilat route.

For more, see the article on flying to from Tel Aviv to Eilat.

Car rental in Israel

Car rental in Israel is an easy way of getting around the country if you are touring – you go where you want, when you want, for a fixed fee – simple as that. The roads in Israel are pretty good and driving in Israel is generally not a bad option.

More information: car rental in Israel.

How to get around in Israel on Saturday?

Saturday, Shabbat, or the Sabbath is the one day of the week when travel in Israel is harder. Public transport is very limited and with exceptions, impossible. This reduces your options to taxi, sherut or car hire (which should be collected on Friday and returned on Sunday). Some buses run, for example within the city of Haifa, whilst private tours may operate. Trains dont operate at all, however, between sun-down on Friday and sun-down on Saturday.