Israel (IL)

Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.

Capital: Jerusalem

Region: Middle East

Language: Hebrew

Currency: ILS (₪)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)

Emergency: 100

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Israel.

Public Transport Overview

Israel has a comprehensive public transport network. The Rav-Kav (רב-קו) smart card is used for all buses, trains, and light rail across the country. The Tel Aviv metropolitan area has expanding light rail (Red Line operational since August 2023; Green Line and Purple Line under construction). Jerusalem has a light rail system with Red Line operational and Green Line expanding. Public transport does NOT operate on Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall) — plan accordingly. Note: Ben Gurion Airport closed Feb 28–Apr 9, 2026 due to Iran conflict; since reopened.

Main operators:

Israel Railways (Rakevet Yisrael — רכבת ישראל) — intercity and suburban railEgged (ארגד) — national bus operatorDan (דן) — Greater Tel Aviv metropolitan busesMetropoline, Kavim, Connex — regional bus operatorsTel Aviv Light Rail (NTA) — Red Line operational (34 stations); Green Line and Purple Line under constructionJerusalem Light Rail (Citypass) — Red Line operational, Green Line expanding

🎫 Transit Passes

Rav-Kav Card (רב-קו) NIS 5 for the card; load with credit (pay-per-trip) or monthly passes

All public transport nationwide: buses, trains, light rail, and inter-city coaches

💡 Essential for all residents. Available at train stations, post offices, and authorized points of sale. Load online, at machines, or at counters. Monthly pass for Tel Aviv metro area ~NIS 250–350/month.

Monthly Bus/Train Pass NIS 250–350/month (metropolitan); NIS 180–220 (single city)

Unlimited travel on designated routes within the pass zone

💡 Best value for daily commuters. Students and seniors get discounts. Olim may be eligible for reduced rates through the absorption ministry.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis (Monit — מונית) are metered by law. Always ensure the meter (moneh) is running or agree on price before travel. Taxi apps: Gett (גט) is the primary app — like Uber but for licensed taxis. Yango also operates. Airport taxis from TLV to Tel Aviv are fixed-rate ~NIS 80–120. Taxis operate 24/7 including Shabbat.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber does NOT operate in Israel. Gett (גט) is the dominant ride-hailing platform — integrates licensed taxis and is available 24/7 including Shabbat. Yango operates in some cities. Moovit provides real-time transit routing and integrates with some ride services.

Cycling

Tel-O-Fun (תל-אופן) bike-sharing in Tel Aviv: NIS 5/30 minutes (first 30 min free for members); annual membership NIS 350. Growing network of dedicated cycle lanes in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba. Bike helmets are not legally required for adults but strongly recommended. Road surfaces can be challenging — mountain bike tyres recommended outside city centres.

Intercity Trains

Israel Railways connects major cities: Tel Aviv–Jerusalem (direct line, 32 minutes); Tel Aviv–Haifa (45 minutes); Tel Aviv–Beer Sheva (65 minutes); Tel Aviv–Nahariya (90 minutes, via Haifa). Trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours. Comfortable, air-conditioned, and punctual by regional standards. Book via RailWay Israel app or website.

Driving

Drives on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h on highways. Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours in Tel Aviv (7–9am and 4–7pm). Mandatory insurance (Bituah Chova) required. Waze (invented in Israel) is the dominant navigation app. Parking paid via Pango app in most cities. Vehicle inspection (Tofet) mandatory annually for vehicles over 3 years old.

Airports

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is Israel's main international hub, located near Lod, ~20 km from Tel Aviv. Train: ~25 minutes from Tel Aviv HaShalom station (every 30 minutes during the week, costs NIS 20–30). Taxi: NIS 80–120 to central Tel Aviv (fixed rate applies). The airport does NOT operate flights during Yom Kippur (24 hours) and has reduced services on Shabbat. Note: Following the Apr 9, 2026 reopening after the Iran conflict closure, some Western carriers (including British Airways) remained suspended as of mid-June 2026 — check your airline before booking.