Transportation in Israel

Israel's transport backbone is the train network that links Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Be'er Sheva with fast, air-conditioned service; it's the cheap option and runs throughout the day. Inside cities, shared taxis (sherut) behave like micro-buses, flag them anywhere on their fixed route for a fraction of a taxi fare. For door-to-door comfort, regular taxis and ride-hailing apps are available but count them as a splurge. First-timers should grab a Rav-Kav transit card at any train station. One card works on trains, buses and the Jerusalem light rail, sparing you the queue each time. Don't bother with single paper tickets on city buses, they cost more and slow boarding. If you're staying in Tel Aviv, the city bike-share is useful for short hops along the coast. But skip it in midday summer heat. From Ben-Gurion Airport the train is the smart move: direct lines to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem run frequently, and the ride is cheap. If you land after the last train, the official taxi rank outside Terminal 3 is the only safe bet, ignore the freelance drivers inside the hall and insist on the meter.