Getting from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem can be a challenge for travellers who unfamiliar with the public transportation. The most popular way to make the hour long journey is by bus or train, but visitors might also want to take a group tour. Private transfers are also available.
The bus and the train run on direct lines, cutting straight across the land on the highways. For those traveling from the airport, a more private form of transportation (shuttle, sherut or taxi) is a great option as you will be burdened with luggage and may not know exactly where to go upon arrival.
Keep reading to find out about the different travel options between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
High Speed Train
A high-speed train runs between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The train stops at four locations around Tel Aviv and one station in Jerusalem, however you’ll most likely need to take a taxi to your closest train station from your hotel. The travel time between the two cities takes just 32-34 minutes. Two trains an hour will run in each direction from Sunday to Thursday, from 6am – 11pm. On Friday morning and Saturday nights, one train an hour will run in each direction from 9am – 11pm.
Buses
From Tel Aviv:
The Tel Aviv to Jerusalem bus runs from Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov terminal. Located outside the Tel Aviv Savidor Mercaz train station, the Arlozorov terminal is NOT Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station and should not be confused as such. Despite it’s name, the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station is not a reccomended point to travel from. In Arlozorov’s open-air terminal you can purchase direct bus ride to Jerusalem and the bus’s final stop is Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station.
From Jerusalem:
The best way to get a Jerusalem to Tel Aviv bus is from Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station which is known as “Tachana Mercazit” (beside the Bridge of Strings landmark). From there, on the third floor of the mall, direct buses can be taken. The Tel Aviv-headed bus’s final stop is at the Arlozorov terminal (Savidor Mercaz train station) and does not reach Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station.
Price for a bus ticket, either way, is approximately NIS 18. The trip takes about 45 mins to an hour, depending on traffic.
Take a Tour (Ending in the Other City)
Of course, a tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a simple way to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. What many travellers forget is that you can start a tour in Tel Aviv and end it in Jerusalem or vice versa, making it a convenient way to bring your luggage with you while doing some sight-seeing.
Of course, this applies to the Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv, but is applicable with most daily tours in Israel, including those to Masada and the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Northern Israel, and even some tours to Petra and Jordan!
Other Ways to Travel
Private Transfers
Private transfers are by far the most comfortable way to travel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These transfers are in a modern, quality car. You can schedule your transfer in advance. You don’t have to worry about planning or organizing any part of your trip, as the transfers pick you up from exactly where you are and take you to where you need to go.
Public Transportation
Monit sheruts, or shared taxis, travel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Pick-up and drop-off is at the central bus station in both cities. There are no schedule departure times, rather they leave when the van fills up. The vans cost around NIS 50 per trip.
If you do not wish to take your luggage with you while traveling around, there are options to store your luggage in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
