Transport in Israel is broad ranging and in a process of development, with work underway to construct a new light rail that connects up the Tel Aviv Metropolitan area (similar to the existing Jerusalem light rail). Generally, the main modes of transport are private motor vehicles, buses, trains, private and public taxis, bicycles and ‘korkinets’ (electric scooters).

Bus:

Buses are the country's main form of public transport, and are operated by many different companies (usually depending on area), the biggest of which include Egged, Dan Bus Company, and Kavim. Bus stations in Israel, other than standalone bus stops, come in two types: terminals (masof, pl. mesofim) and central stations (tahana merkazit). Each terminal serves a number of routes, usually over a dozen, while a central station may serve over a hundred bus routes. Many of the main bus stops have live departure boards, so you know when to expect the bus to arrive, but if not, the highly recommended Moovit app (in English) provides you with the same information whilst functioning as a local Google Maps, plotting out the most convenient route for where you need to go to, be that by bus, train, car or foot.

Please be aware, public transport in Israel no longer accepts cash, therefore one must first purchase a Rav Kav travelcard, from all major bus and railway stations, Ben Gurion airport as well as many convenience stores. This can easily be loaded with funds via the Rav Kav Online app, developed for NFC-enabled Android and iPhone devices, Rav Kav Online website (card-reader necessary), or via your nearest Casponet ATM, locatable on this map. Transport is relatively cheap, with a monthly travel pass in the Tel Aviv Metropolitan area costing 213 NIS. For more information on ticket pricing, check out the Rav Kav website.

Train:

Unlike the buses, the railway system in Israel is state owned and responsible for all inter-city, commuter, and freight rail transport in the country. Trains are generally very easy to use, and comfortable with most trains accommodating double-deck, roomy carriages with tables and plug sockets. It is also permitted to bring a bike onto the train in designated coaches, and every train station accommodates efficient bicycle parking. The Israel Railways website is highly informative and offers all the need to know information in English, including journey planning, timetable updates, fair calculation and how to purchase a ticket. Once you have a Rav Kav travelcard, you can easily upload train tickets either through the app, or at the train station ticket machines. The main train stations in central Tel Aviv are HaHagana, HaShalmo and Savidor Center, all a few minutes away from each other.

Taxi:

Private taxis are an easy and convenient way to get around the country, if you want a more comfortable journey. The easiest way to order a taxi is through an app, the most popular being Gett Taxi, which works in English and offers a quick and efficient service. Ben Gurion Airport has a set-up a taxi rank with fixed fares and a dispatcher who organizes the process, to ensure tourists are not exploited on price.

The public taxi known as ‘monit sherut’ is another common form of transport in Israel, that can be very useful, though a little daunting if you are not a local. The idea is rather simple, you wait at a bus stop along the route of the sherut and hail it as it arrives, hop on, sit down, shuffle your money to the driver and announce when you want to get off so that the driver knows to stop. Unlike some forms of transport, they continue to operate on Shabbat (Friday sundown through to Saturday sundown).

Another great service is Bubble Dan, which operates in Tel-Aviv Yafo, Givatayim and Ramat Gan. To get started, you just need to download the app, set your pickup and drop off to request a ride, and then you will be paired with a bubble driver headed your way. Riders are pooled into the same van efficiently and without delays, and the pick-up / drop off points are always located at a bus stop. Prices are slightly more than you would pay for a standard bus, but quicker, more comfortable and convenient.

Bicycle and Scooter:

Cycling and scooting in Israel can be a very pleasant way to get around, and with efforts to build more cycle lanes, it is becoming a safer and greener option to travel. In Tel Aviv, many of the locals have adopted the electric bike and scooter (korkinet) as their main mode of transport within the city. As a tourist, you can similarly rent the electric options from local companies for a set amount of time, or there are other more one-off options. Tel-O-Fun is run by the city’s municipality, and allows for local bike rental, that can be collected and returned from the many station points dotted around the city. Similarly, the electric scooter wave has swept through Tel Aviv, with three main companies offering on-street rental services – Bird, Lime and Wind. You simply need to download the app, locate a scooter, activate it and you’re ready to scoot (just don’t forget a helmet)!

Renting a car:

Thought renting a car in Israel may not be the most appropriate method of travel for everyone, it can certainly offer some nice benefits if you are staying for a longer period of time, and need to cover some distance. Nevertheless, remember this is the Middle East, and driving etiquette can sometimes be a little chaotic compared to what you may be used to. It is important to check if you need an International Driver’s Permit in Israel before you leave your home country, as well as doing your research into rental car insurance, which can be a minefield! As far as navigating your journey, a very useful app to know about is Waze, which like most journey planners helps you get from A to B with minimal hassle.