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Jerusalem Institute of Justice Travel resources Last Updated: January 2019 1 of 10 TRANSPORTATION Air Travel The least expensive airfares to Israel are often priced for round-trip travel and must be purchased well in advance. Airlines generally allow you to change your return date for a fee; most low-fare tickets, however, are nonrefundable. Flights to Israel tend to be least expensive from November through March, except for the holiday season at the end of December. Prices are higher during the Jewish High Holiday period (usually in September or October) and Passover (usually in April). Flying time from New York to Israel is approximately 11 hours; from Los Angeles or San Francisco, it's about 14 hours nonstop, or 18 to 19 hours with the usual stopover in Europe or New York. International passengers are asked to arrive at the airport three hours prior to their flight time in order to allow for security checks. From North America, the New York City area international airports have the highest number of nonstop flights, with El Al Airlines, United, and Delta providing nonstop service. Direct flights are also available on El Al from Los Angeles, Boston, and Toronto, and on United from San Francisco. Major European carriersincluding Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Iberia, KLM, Lot, Lufthansa, Swissair, Turkish Airways, and Virgin Atlantichave daily flights from the United States and on to Israel with stopovers in their domestic hub airports. Because Israel is only slightly larger than New Jersey, it's more efficient to drive within the country than fly. The exception is the resort city of Eilat, which is about 360 km (224 miles) south of Tel Aviv on the Gulf of Aqaba. There are flights several times a day from Tel Aviv and Haifa. Reconfirmation obligations differ from airline to airline (and change from time to time); be certain to check with your carrier for all legs of your journey. AIRLINE SECURITY ISSUES Transportation Security Administration. www.tsa.gov. AIRPORTS Israel's main airport, Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), is a few miles southeast of Tel Aviv. The airport has towering interior walls of Jerusalem stone adorned with 5th- and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics discovered throughout Israel. A soothing fountain is in the center of the departure hall, which has plenty of comfortable seating and cafés. Free Wi-Fi means you can stay connected while waiting for your flight. The spacious food court serves Middle Eastern cuisine and fast-food favorites. From Sde Dov Airport (SDV), about 4 km (2½ miles) north of Tel Aviv's center, domestic airlines fly to Eilat in the south and Haifa or Rosh Pina in the north. From October to April, there are charter flights to the Red Sea resort town of Eilat from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Tallinn. There are also charter flights to Eilat from Paris and London during the Jewish holiday months of September and October. Eilat will close its current airport and open a new international airport in 2017; Ramon Airport (www.iaa.gov.il) will be 19 km (12 miles) north

Transcript of Jerusalem Institute of Justice – Travel resources - Liberty ...

Jerusalem Institute of Justice – Travel resources

Last Updated: January 2019 1 of 10

TRANSPORTATION

Air Travel

The least expensive airfares to Israel are often priced for round-trip travel and must be purchased well in

advance. Airlines generally allow you to change your return date for a fee; most low-fare tickets, however, are

nonrefundable.

Flights to Israel tend to be least expensive from November through March, except for the holiday season at the

end of December. Prices are higher during the Jewish High Holiday period (usually in September or October)

and Passover (usually in April).

Flying time from New York to Israel is approximately 11 hours; from Los Angeles or San Francisco, it's about

14 hours nonstop, or 18 to 19 hours with the usual stopover in Europe or New York. International passengers

are asked to arrive at the airport three hours prior to their flight time in order to allow for security checks.

From North America, the New York City area international airports have the highest number of nonstop

flights, with El Al Airlines, United, and Delta providing nonstop service. Direct flights are also available on El

Al from Los Angeles, Boston, and Toronto, and on United from San Francisco. Major European carriers—

including Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines,

Iberia, KLM, Lot, Lufthansa, Swissair, Turkish Airways, and Virgin Atlantic—have daily flights from the

United States and on to Israel with stopovers in their domestic hub airports.

Because Israel is only slightly larger than New Jersey, it's more efficient to drive within the country than fly.

The exception is the resort city of Eilat, which is about 360 km (224 miles) south of Tel Aviv on the Gulf of

Aqaba. There are flights several times a day from Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Reconfirmation obligations differ from airline to airline (and change from time to time); be certain to check

with your carrier for all legs of your journey.

AIRLINE SECURITY ISSUES

Transportation Security Administration. www.tsa.gov.

AIRPORTS

Israel's main airport, Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), is a few miles southeast of Tel Aviv. The airport

has towering interior walls of Jerusalem stone adorned with 5th- and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics

discovered throughout Israel. A soothing fountain is in the center of the departure hall, which has plenty of

comfortable seating and cafés. Free Wi-Fi means you can stay connected while waiting for your flight. The

spacious food court serves Middle Eastern cuisine and fast-food favorites. From Sde Dov Airport (SDV),

about 4 km (2½ miles) north of Tel Aviv's center, domestic airlines fly to Eilat in the south and Haifa or Rosh

Pina in the north.

From October to April, there are charter flights to the Red Sea resort town of Eilat from Moscow, St.

Petersburg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Tallinn. There are also charter flights to Eilat from Paris

and London during the Jewish holiday months of September and October. Eilat will close its current airport

and open a new international airport in 2017; Ramon Airport (www.iaa.gov.il) will be 19 km (12 miles) north

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of the current one in the city center. All international charters to Eilat land at Ovda Airport (VDA), about 60

km (37 miles) north of Eilat; Ovda may close for civilian flights when the new Ramon Airport opens.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Ben Gurion International Airport. Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, 7015001. 03/975–5555; www.iaa.gov.il/rashat/en-

US/airports/bengurion.

Eilat Airport. 42 Eilat St., Eilat, Southern District. 700/705–022; www.iaa.gov.il.

Ovda Airport. Eilat, Southern District. 700/705–022; www.iaa.gov.il.

Sde Dov Airport. Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv. 03/698–4500; www.iaa.gov.il/rashat/en-US/airports/sdedov.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

The quickest and most convenient way to get to and from Ben Gurion International Airport is by taxi. Taxis

are always available outside the arrivals hall and charge fixed prices. Fares are NIS 155 to Tel Aviv and NIS

288 to Jerusalem, plus NIS 4.50 per piece of luggage. Between 9 pm and 5:30 am, prices are NIS 175 to Tel

Aviv and NIS 345 to Jerusalem.

From the airport, trains depart for Tel Aviv every half hour. They take you to the city in 15 minutes for NIS

13.50. Trains continue on to Herzliya, Netanya, Haifa, Akko, and Nahariya. For Jerusalem, change at Haganah

Station in Tel Aviv, and expect a two-hour commute.

The Nesher shuttle service takes you to Jerusalem for NIS 64. The 10-passenger sherut taxis (minibuses)

depart whenever they fill up. The main disadvantage is that there’s no telling if you'll be the last passenger to

be dropped off, so it can take an hour while the driver lets off the other passengers. To get to Ben Gurion

International Airport from Jerusalem the same way, call Nesher a day in advance. Otherwise order a private

cab from any taxi company, called a "special" taxi, for the fixed price of NIS 290, or NIS 340 after 9 pm

nightly and on Saturday and holidays.

If you depart for the airport from central Tel Aviv by car or taxi at rush hour (7 to 9 am, 5 to 7 pm), note that

the roads can get clogged. Allow 45 minutes for a trip that would otherwise take only about 20 minutes.

Taking the bus from Ben Gurion International Airport to Jerusalem is tedious. Board the Egged local shuttle

(line 5, NIS 5.80) for the 10-minute ride to the El Al Junction, and wait there for a Jerusalem-bound bus (line

425 or 947, NIS 25). It runs to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station about every 30 minutes during the day, less

frequently in the evening.

CONTACTS

Egged. 03/694–8888; www.egged.co.il.

Nesher. 02/625–7227; www.neshertours.co.il.

FLIGHTS

The national carrier, El Al Israel Airlines, is known for maintaining some of the world's strictest security

standards. It’s not necessarily the cheapest carrier, especially from the United States. United, Delta, and US

Airways often have cheaper nonstop fares, and some European airlines have better prices if you don't mind a

stopover in their hub cities. Within Israel, Arkia Israeli Airlines and Israir Airlines have flights from Tel Aviv

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to Eilat and Haifa. If you plan to travel in Jordan, Royal Jordanian is an option; it has flights from Ben Gurion

International Airport.

TO ISRAEL

Delta Airlines. 800/221–1212; 800/241–4141; www.delta.com.

El Al Israel Airlines. 800/223–6700; 03/977–1111; www.elal.co.il.

Royal Jordanian Airlines. 212/949–0050; www.rj.com.

United Airlines. 800/241–6522; www.united.com.

WITHIN ISRAEL

Arkia Israeli Airlines. 03/690–2210; www.arkia.com.

Israir Airlines. 03/510–9589; www.israirairlines.com.

Bike Travel

Biking has taken off in Israel, with tens of thousands of avid cyclists hitting the trails every year. With

mountains, deserts, and wooded hills, this small country is ideal for two-wheel adventures. Off-road tours take

you to remote archaeological sites and other places not reachable by car. The Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (Jewish

National Fund) has information about trails through some beautiful areas. Keep in mind that the going can get

rough due to the summer's extreme heat, and there are winding and hilly roads with aggressive drivers. The

weather is best from September to June.

Urban biking is also becoming popular. Tel Aviv has 120 km (75 miles) of designated bike lanes and a bike

rental system. Look for the green Tel-O-Fun pay stations throughout the city. Use a credit card to pay the daily

fee of NIS 17 (NIS 23 on Saturday and holidays) or weekly fee of NIS 70. If you need help, dial *6070 to talk

to the call center.

In Jerusalem, there are a number of bicycle paths to ride, including the landscaped 5-km (3-mile) pedestrian

and bike path that goes along the old train tracks, starting at the First Station, where you can rent bicycles. A

new circular bike trail opened in Jerusalem's Metropolitan Park, and there are plans to expand it in coming

years.

Bikes are welcome on intercity buses with luggage holds. Trains accept bikes Sunday through Thursday during

nonpeak hours (between 9 and 3 and after 7) and anytime on Friday. Folding bicycles stored in carrying bags

are always allowed.

Bike maps in English can be hard to find, but Israel Bike Trails has comprehensive trail information listing

elevations and level of difficulty on its website.

BIKE CONTACTS

Israel Bike Trails. www.israelbiketrails.com.

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Israel Cycling. 054/333–9543; www.israelcycling.com.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. www.kkl-jnf.org.il.

Sovoo Jerusalem Bike Rental. First Station, 4 David Remez St., Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9354102. 02/648–0334;

smart-tour.co.il/eng/sovoo-bike-rentals/.

Tel-O-Fun. Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv. www.tel-o-fun.co.il/en.

Bus Travel

Buses can take you almost anywhere in Israel. Most in Jerusalem are run by Egged and most buses in Tel Aviv

are serviced by Dan, though other city bus companies also operate. Buses in Israel are clean, comfortable, air-

conditioned, and some have Wi-Fi. Intercity bus fares vary according to distance traveled. During weekday

rush hours, allow time for long lines at the obligatory security checks to enter most bus stations. Buses are

often overcrowded on Saturday night as people return home after Shabbat and always packed on Sunday

morning when it looks like the entire Israeli army is returning to base after a weekend at home.

The Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv resembles an M.C. Escher drawing: a jumble of staircases and escalators

appearing to lead nowhere. The stark concrete building has multiple entrances and exits on several levels,

endless corridors, and a dizzying array of platforms. It's all topped off by dozens of kiosks selling fast food and

cheap merchandise, plus Asian minimarkets serving the local community of foreign workers. By contrast,

Jerusalem's Central Bus Station is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. There's a pleasant enough food

court, ATMs, information desk, and branches of some of the country's best-known stores.

Although buses resemble those in most other countries, there are a few quirks. When you're in Jerusalem, lines

1 and 3 primarily service ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods and end at the Western Wall area. On bus lines

like these, it's generally accepted that women sit separately, in the back of the bus, and men in the front half.

Although gender segregation is not compulsory by law, in ultra-Orthodox society it is the norm. If you’re a

woman and sit in an empty seat next to an ultra-Orthodox man, you shouldn't be surprised if he would rather

stand than sit beside you. (In case you're wondering, ultra-Orthodox women generally accept this

arrangement.)

Frequent bus service is available between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Egged Bus 405 runs from the Tel Aviv

Central Bus Station every 15–20 minutes, and Bus 480 from the Arlozorov Street terminal (near the Savidor

train station in Tel Aviv) leaves a bit more frequently, depending on the time of day (NIS 16 for each). There’s

a similar service to Jerusalem from most major cities, terminating at the Central Bus Station. The three small

bus stations in East Jerusalem are for Palestinian-operated bus lines, with daily service to West Bank towns

such as Bethlehem and Ramallah. The main bus depot is next to Damascus Gate light-rail stop.

FARES

For both local and long-distance travel, drivers accept payment in shekels. Drivers on long-distance buses

grumble when they have to make change for a bill over NIS 100, so make sure to have smaller denominations.

Unless you are running to catch a bus, it's almost always faster to buy your ticket at the office in the bus

station. On city buses you don't need exact change. Children under age five ride free whether or not they

occupy their own seat.

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If you need a round-trip bus ticket, you have to buy an electronic Rav Kav card from the bus driver. It costs

NIS 5 but you can load money on the card and use it for all tickets on all Israeli buses, trains, and Jerusalem’s

city tram.

The fare on most central city routes is NIS 5.90. If taking another bus within 90 minutes, ask for a free

ma'avar, or transfer ticket.

Intercity fares are based on distance traveled. The one-hour trip between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem cost NIS 16,

while the 2½-hour journey between Tel Aviv and Tiberias runs NIS 37.50. There are no advance reservations

except to Eilat or the Dead Sea area.

SCHEDULES

Most major bus lines are available Sunday to Thursday from about 6 am to midnight. Keep in mind that public

transportation in all cities except Haifa ceases to run on Jewish holidays and Shabbat, which lasts from

sundown Friday afternoon to an hour after sundown Saturday evening. Be sure to give yourself extra time if

traveling just before Shabbat.

Every large bus station has an information booth with schedule and platform information in English. The

Egged website has an easy-to-use trip planner that includes timetables, routes, and fares.

BUS INFORMATION

Dan. 03/639–4444; www.dan.co.il/Eng/.

East Jerusalem Bus Station. Sultan Suleiman St., opposite Damascus Gate, East Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

Jerusalem. 02/627–2881.

Egged. 03/694–8888; www.egged.co.il/eng.

Jerusalem Central Bus Station. 224 Jaffa Rd., Romema, Jerusalem, Jerusalem. 03/914–2237; egged.co.il/eng.

National Bus Hotline. *8787; www.bus.co.il.

Car Travel

The Hebrew word for a native-born Israeli is sabra, which is the name of a prickly cactus that’s sweet inside.

You meet sweet Israelis if you get lost or have automotive difficulties—helping hands are quick to arrive—but

behind the wheel, Israelis are aggressive and honk their horns far more than their Western counterparts.

Some travelers feel more comfortable hiring a driver, and there are plenty of ways to find someone reliable.

Ask for recommendations at your hotel. Every hotel has taxi drivers who serve their guests, and most are

familiar with all parts of the country and happy to quote you a daily rate.

Israel's highways are numbered, but most people still know them simply by the towns they connect: the

Tiberias–Nazareth Road, for example. Intersections and turnoffs are similarly indicated, as in "the Tiberias

Junction." Brown signs indicate tourist sites.

ADDRESSES

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In Israel, streets are generally named after famous people or events, meaning that almost every community has

a Herzl Street and a Ben Gurion Street. Don't worry about the "boulevard" or "alley" attached to many street

names—Israelis just use the proper name. You don’t find a Jabotinsky Street and a Jabotinsky Alley in the

same city. What you likely encounter is a street that changes names after a couple of blocks. Street numbers

follow the standard format, with odd numbers on one side and even numbers on the other.

If you know history, you'll have an easier time finding your way around Jerusalem's neighborhoods. In Baka a

block of streets are named after biblical tribes, in Rehavia they're medieval Jewish scholars, and in Old

Katamon, the brigades who fought in Israel's War of Independence.

Towns in Israel that have functioning Old Cities, some dating back to biblical times, include Jerusalem, Jaffa,

Akko, and Tzfat. Streets and alleys in these areas have names, but sometimes it’s hard to find numbers.

GASOLINE

Gas stations are found at regular intervals along the country's major highways, except in the Negev. On

highways they're generally always open, while those in the city tend to close at midnight. Prices are

standardized, so it doesn't matter which station you choose (though gas tends to be cheaper in Eilat). Most

offer both full- and self-service pumps. If you go the full-service route, ask for a kabbalah (receipt). Attendants

don’t expect to be tipped. Most rental cars take unleaded gas, which at the time of this writing costs NIS 6.15

per liter. Most stations accept international credit cards.

PARKING

In Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, parking laws are stringently enforced. Expect a ticket of NIS 100 on your

windshield if you've overstayed your welcome at a paid parking spot. Cars are towed if parked in a no-parking

zone. Pay attention to the curb, as parking is forbidden where it’s painted red. In downtown areas, parking is

permitted only where there are blue and white stripes on the curb, meters, or pay stations.

Parking in Jerusalem costs NIS 5.70 per hour, and in central areas, pay stations print out small parking tickets

to wedge at the top of the car window on the curb side. Parking in Tel Aviv costs NIS 6.20 an hour and you

can only pay with a cell phone payment service like Pango. Read the signs carefully: in some areas free

evening parking begins at 6, in others at 7 or 8.

Sound complicated? Stick to parking lots. Covered and open parking lots are plentiful in the major cities and

can cost around NIS 15 per hour or NIS 70 per day.

RENTAL CARS

If you plan on heading north to the Golan or Upper Galilee, a rental car is a significant time-saver. If sticking

to cities, a rental car is often more bother than boon. In Jerusalem, a combination of walking and taking cabs

and the city tram is your best bet.

Familiar American car-rental companies operate in Israel, as do local ones such as Eldan. Rental rates in Israel

start at around US$35 per day and US$200 per week for an economy car. Minivans and four-wheel-drive

vehicles are very popular and should be reserved well in advance, especially during high season. Allow plenty

of time to pick up and drop off your vehicle if renting from a city office.

Drivers must be at least 21. Your driver's license is acceptable in Israel.

RENTAL CARS IN THE WEST BANK

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There are no restrictions on driving Israeli rental cars into West Bank areas under full Israeli control (known as

Area C). However, your rental-car insurance coverage doesn’t extend to West Bank areas under Palestinian

control. If you rent from companies at the airport, in Tel Aviv, or in West Jerusalem, you are unable to drive

the car to Bethlehem, Jericho, and other towns under the Palestinian Authority. If you plan on visiting these

areas by car, use Dallah or one of the other Palestinian-operated car-rental companies in East Jerusalem. Have

your passport with you to show Israeli guards at West Bank checkpoints if asked.

Even if you're using GPS, it's always a good idea to discuss possible routes with your car-rental company if

you plan on passing through the West Bank.

LOCAL RENTAL AGENCIES

Best. *8883; www.best-car.co.il/English.

Dallah Rent A Car. American Colony Hotel, 1 Louis Vincent St. , East Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem.

02/627–9725; www.dallahrentacar.com.

Eldan. 03/977–3400; rent.eldan.co.il/en.

Green Peace Car Rental. Mount of Olives Hotel, 53 Mount of Olives Rd., East Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

Jerusalem. 02/585–9756; www.greenpeace.co.il.

ROAD CONDITIONS

Israel's highway system is very modern and has signs in English as well as Hebrew and Arabic. Route 6, the

main north–south toll road, can save significant time on longer journeys. The highway starts at the Maahaz

Junction, south of Kiryat Gat (south of Tel Aviv), and ends about 138 km (85 miles) north at the Ein Tut

Junction near Yokneam (in the Lower Galilee). Electronic sensors read your license plate number and transmit

the bill to your rental-car company. Car rental companies set their own rates for driving on Route 6, so be sure

to ask what they charge. Expect to pay around NIS 60 to drive the length of the highway.

Route 1 is the chief route to Jerusalem from both the west (Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion International Airport,

Mediterranean coast) and the east (Galilee via Jordan Valley, Dead Sea area, Eilat). The road from Tel Aviv is

a divided highway that presents no problems except at morning rush hour (7 am to 9:30 am), when traffic

backs up at the entrance to the city. For this reason, some drivers prefer Route 443—via Modi'in—which

leaves Route 1 just east of the Ben Gurion Airport, and enters Jerusalem from the north (most convenient for

East Jerusalem locations). Route 1, which enters Jerusalem under the Bridge of Strings, is more convenient for

Givat Ram, West Jerusalem, and downtown.

Jerusalem, Haifa, and Tel Aviv are all clogged with traffic during the workday. In Jerusalem, the Old City and

Jaffa Road are closed to private vehicles, with traffic routed around the periphery. Don't consider driving in

Jerusalem if not comfortable negotiating narrow spaces or parking in tight spots.

If driving through the Negev, watch out for camels that can come loping out of the desert and onto the road. In

the winter rainy season, sudden flash floods sometimes cascade through the desert wadis (streambeds that are

usually dry) with little warning, washing out roads and posing danger to motorists. It's best to postpone your

desert trip if there's heavy rain in the forecast.

The desert can be unbelievably hot, sometimes even in the winter. It's a good idea to carry extra water—both

for yourself and your car—while driving at any time of year.

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ROADSIDE EMERGENCIES

In case of an accident or roadside emergency, call the police. Should anything happen to your rental car, call

your rental company for roadside repair or replacement of the vehicle.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police. 100; www.police.gov.il.

RULES OF THE ROAD

By law, drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Police crack down on drunk driving; the

legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%. It's against the law to use a cell phone while driving.

Speed limits vary little across Israel: motorways (represented with blue signs) have speed limits of 110 kph (68

mph). Highways with green signs have speed limits of 80 or 90 kph (50 or 56 mph). Urban roads are 50 kph

(31 mph).

Headlights must be turned on in daylight when driving on intercity roads from November 1 through March 31.

A flashing green traffic light indicates that the red stoplight is about three seconds away and you should come

to a halt.

Children under eight must be seated in age-appropriate car seats, and children under 13 aren’t allowed in the

front seat.

Taxi Travel

Taxis are the most convenient way to get around cities. They’re not cheap, but if you need to get somewhere

fast or are unfamiliar with the area, a taxi (monit in Hebrew) is your best bet. Hail one on the street or order by

phone. Taxis are white sedans with a yellow sign on the roof. On the whole, drivers are knowledgeable,

talkative, and like to practice their English with tourists. But be warned: some try to take advantage of tourists,

charge hefty prices, or run up the meter.

According to law, taxi drivers must use the meter. Be firm when you request this (moneh is meter in Hebrew)

and make sure the meter is running at the beginning of the ride. The exception is if you hire a driver for the day

or a trip out of town, for which there are set rates. In those cases, agree on the price before you begin the

journey and assume that the driver has built in a tip. In the event of a serious problem with the driver, report

his cab number (on the illuminated plastic sign on the roof) or license plate number to the Ministry of Tourism

or the Ministry of Transport. It is not customary to tip drivers.

Certain shared taxis or minivans have fixed rates and run set routes, such as from Tel Aviv to Haifa or from the

airport to Jerusalem or Haifa; such a taxi is called a sherut (as opposed to a "special," the term used for a

private cab). Some sheruts can be booked in advance.

Sheruts are an option if traveling between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They operate from the (grungy) side street

alongside Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station seven days a week, departing when they fill up (NIS 24 on weekdays;

NIS 35 on Saturday). They end their journey with stops near the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and 31

Haneviim Street, about a block from Zion Square. From Jerusalem, the sherut leaves from 31 Haneviim Street.

A "special" cab on this route costs NIS 320, or about NIS 350 after 9 pm and on Saturday and holidays.

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JERUSALEM TAXI CONTACTS

Hapalmach. 02/679–3333.

Hapisgah. 02/642–1111.

Rehavia. 02/625–4444.

Smadar. 02/566–4444.

EILAT TAXI CONTACTS

Hacohanim. 08/631–6007.

Taba. 08/633–3333.

Train Travel

Train travel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is more a pleasant and scenic excursion than an efficient way to

travel. The journey currently takes nearly an hour and a half, compared to an hour by bus. It's a comfortable

ride, and many just do it for the attractive scenery. The train, which departs every one to two hours, runs

nonstop between Jerusalem's Malcha Station and Tel Aviv's Savidor Station. You can cut the time if you take

the train to Ben-Gurion airport and from there to Tel Aviv.There are connections to Haifa and other

destinations to the north. Service ends midafternoon on Friday and resumes about two hours after dark on

Saturday. The fare to or from Tel Aviv is NIS 20 one way and NIS 32 round-trip.

Other cities—including Ashkelon, Beersheva, Beit Shemesh, Haifa, Herzliya, Akko, and Nahariya—are easily

reachable by train from Tel Aviv. There are no different classes of service. All carriages are clean, spacious,

and comfortable with well-upholstered seats. They’re often crowded, however.

All train stations post up-to-date schedules in English. Complete schedules are also available on the website of

the Israel Railway Authority. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office in the station. Reserved seats are

available Sunday to Thursday and may be bought up to a week in advance at the ticket office. Reserved seating

is not available for the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv line and other short rides in metropolitan areas.

Jerusalem has a light-rail train, the country’s first. It’s a much more comfortable way to traverse the city than

the bumpy roller-coaster rides on the city’s buses. There’s only one tram line, but it hits many points of

interest. For information, see www.citypass.co.il/English.

INFORMATION

Israel Railways. 08/683–1222; www.rail.co.il/EN.

Helpful Links!

Israel Airports Authority

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Israel Meteorological Service

Yellow (Golden) Pages

Israel Ministry of Tourism

Universal Currency Converter

Israel Railways

Israel Museums