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Israel’s bus network is the country’s most extensive and popular transport infrastructure system. There are two main bus operators, Egged, the largest, which runs an incredible range of routes across the country (intercity) and is the main bus provider in Jerusalem and Haifa. Dan operates most buses in the Tel Aviv area as well as some intercity routes. Other cities and routes are operated by smaller operators.
City Buses
The three largest cities below have extensive bus networks. Other cities have networks operated by smaller, often local operators.
- Buses in Jerusalem – operated by Egged
- Buses in Tel Aviv – operated by Dan
- Buses in Haifa – operated by Egged
The ticketing system for all bus and train transportation is known as the Rav Kav card. Its major focus is on the safety of the passengers, as well as on efficiency. Previously, passengers could pay cash directly to the driver to purchase tickets, which is no longer the case with the Rav Kav card.
Buses Between Cities
Intercity bus lines in Israel are mostly operated by Egged, with over 1,000 routes that run between the largest cities, and smallest villages and stop at most major junctions on the road network. There is no nationwide fare system, so you can find significant differences between journeys of similar length, however, fares are generally relatively cheap, with the most expensive journey, between Haifa and Eilat.
Intercity bus lines are classified into 3 categories: ‘Regular’ (me’asef), ‘Express’ (express), and ‘Direct’ (yashir).
- Me’asef (meaning collect) buses collect passengers at many stops along its route, which makes it a slow journey. If you travel between major cities it’s best to avoid these buses.
- Express buses usually travel on long-distance routes and might travel at certain sections (or even the entire route) along the same stretch as me’asef bus, but stop at fewer stations. Express buses normally don’t pick up passengers for short journeys on which a me’asef bus line is available.
- Direct lines are either pure non-stop routes or might have few stops in the cities of departure and arrival.
General Information About Traveling by Bus in Israel
In general, journeys with connections require separate tickets for each segment. Transfer tickets are available only in a few places (usually when a journey that used to be direct changes and requires connection). Reservation is available only for buses to/from Eilat at a ticket booth, by phone or internet, or by text message.
In many central stations, you can find electronic information boards, which provide information on destinations, platforms, and times of departures within the next hour. These boards are arranged by Hebrew alphabet, and in big terminals, it might take a few minutes until you get the info you need.
Bus stops in cities and on the roads are marked by a yellow metal “flag”. The list of route numbers and destinations is marked on the flag. If you see it in Hebrew only, check the other side and you might find the English version there. Sometimes, though, the English version is incomplete. You may also find route maps posted on the wall of the bus stop. If you need help reading this info or are just clueless, don’t be shy to ask other passengers.
Most companies provide information by phone and Internet. Both Egged and Dan have very comprehensive English language websites:
- Egged: Dial *2800 from any phone, or send an SMS message to *2800. Call center hours: Weekdays 6.30-21.00, Friday 7.30-15.00, Saturday from the end of Shabbat to 23.00. There is service in English, Hebrew, and Russian.
- Dan: Dial 03-6394444 (Bezek), *3456 (Cellcom/Orange) or *4444 (Pelephone). Call center hours: Weekdays 7.00-21.00, Friday 7.00-13.00, Saturday 18.00-22.00. Computer service is available 24/7. Languages: Hebrew, English, Russian, and Spanish.
Bus routes are designated by a number, that consists of 1 to 3 digits. Urban and suburban lines usually have 1 or 2 digits, while intercity lines normally have 3 digits. The last digit of intercity lines often suggests its category. The fastest routes usually have digits 0 or 5, while the digits 1 and 3 are associated with slow lines. Digits 2, 4, 6, and 9 are usually express lines.
Traveling Throughout Israel
If you are planning to visit Israel, navigating public transportation can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with Hebrew. We recommend opting for our Israel Package Tours, where you’ll seamlessly discover all of Israel’s fascinating sites, from the serene Negev Desert to the historic old city of Jerusalem, and more. This eliminates not only the stress of planning your route on your own, but with the help of our team of professionals, we’ll organize all your inclusive transfers, beautiful hotels, exciting activities, and expert tour guides.
