Knowledge Base

🚌Public Transportation in Israel – Getting Around

10/20/2025

Navigating Israel’s public transportation is simple once you understand the system. Whether you’re heading to a job interview, visiting friends, or exploring your new city, this guide will help you travel confidently on buses, trains, and more.

🚌 Public Transport 101: The Basics

Israel’s public transportation network includes:

  • Intercity buses: Operated by companies like Egged, Metropoline, Afikim, and Kavim.

  • Intracity buses and light rail: Run by operators like Dan, Superbus, and Cfir (e.g., Jerusalem Light Rail).

  • National railways: Managed by Israel Railways.

🚨 Important: Cash is not accepted on most buses or trains. You must use a Rav-Kav smart card or a digital payment app to pay fares.

πŸ’³ Rav-Kav Smart Card

What is it?
A rechargeable card used to pay for buses, trains, and light rail across Israel.

Where to get it?

  • Online at ravkavonline.co.il

  • Rav-Kav service centers at bus or train stations

  • Select convenience stores or kiosks (ask for "Rav-Kav")

Why it’s important for Olim?
There is no specific discount exclusively for new immigrants (Olim). However, you may qualify for fare reductions based on:

  • Age: 33% off monthly passes for ages 18–26; free travel for those over 67 (via "Zahav-Kav").

  • Residency: 50% off monthly passes for residents of peripheral areas (socioeconomic clusters 1–5, per Central Bureau of Statistics classification).

  • Other statuses: 50% off for those with disabilities or certain National Insurance benefits (e.g., disability or survivor pensions).
    Bring your Teudat Oleh and ID to a Rav-Kav service center to verify your identity, address, or eligibility for these discounts when applying for or updating your Rav-Kav card.

πŸ›οΈ How to Recharge Your Rav-Kav

Top up your card in these ways:

  • At ticket machines in train or light rail stations

  • At designated shops, kiosks, or malls

  • Via smartphone (if NFC-enabled) by tapping your Rav-Kav card to your phone using the Rav-Kav Online app

πŸ“² Want to Skip the Card? Use Your Phone!

Travel Apps You Need

  1. Moovit
    Plan trips with real-time arrivals, station maps, route suggestions, and fare payments.
    Download Moovit

  2. HopOn
    Scan a QR code when boarding a bus for automatic fare payment. User-friendly and available in multiple languages.
    Download HopOn

  3. Rav-Kav Online
    Recharge your Rav-Kav, check balances, and manage discounts in one place.
    Visit Rav-Kav Online

βœ… Most apps support English, French, Spanish, and Russian.
βœ… All apps are free to download but may include ads.

NFC Payments
If your phone supports NFC (Near Field Communication), pay directly via Moovit or HopOnβ€”no Rav-Kav card needed. Check for the NFC icon on your device and enable it in your settings.

🎯 Pro Tips for New Olim

  • Apply for Discounts Early: Discounts for age, residency, or other statuses require a profile update at a Rav-Kav service center. Bring your Teudat Oleh and ID to confirm eligibility.

  • Keep Your Card Loaded: Most drivers don’t sell tickets, so ensure your Rav-Kav has funds.

  • Travel Smart: Use off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

  • Save Money: Choose daily, weekly, or monthly passes via Rav-Kav or apps for cost-effective travel.

πŸ• Shabbat Travel (Friday–Saturday)

Public transportation typically stops from Friday sunset to Saturday night during Shabbat.

πŸš– Alternative: Moniyot sherut (shared taxis) may operate in areas like Tel Aviv and Haifa during Shabbat.
πŸ—“οΈ Tip: Plan weekend and holiday trips in advance, as schedules vary.

πŸ“ˆ April 2025 Update – β€œTransport Justice Reform”

On April 25, 2025, Israel’s Ministry of Transport introduced a reform updating fares and benefits:

Discounts & Benefits:

  • 50% off monthly passes: For residents of socioeconomic clusters 1–5 (CBS classification).

  • 33% off monthly passes: For young adults aged 18–26.

  • Free travel for 12 months: For discharged IDF soldiers.

  • Free travel for seniors: Aged 67+ (previously 75+).

🏷️ Discounts & Benefits:

  • 50% off for residents of socioeconomic clusters 1–5 (CBS classification)

  • 33% off for young adults aged 18–26

  • Free travel for 12 months for discharged IDF soldiers

  • Free travel for seniors aged 67+ (was 75+ before)

πŸ“„ Read the official announcement

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This info reflects current guidelines and reforms as of April 2025. Policies and fares may change. Always check the latest details on the Ministry of Transport’s website.

🀝 Need help navigating transportation or asking about your Rav Kav?
Join the group – a space for quick answers, tips, and support from fellow Olim.

⏳ Loading...