3000 years of constant rebuilding has left its unique mark on Jerusalem's
infrastructure. Despite remarkable advances in car accessibility,
Jerusalem is still considered by many to be the hardest Israeli city
for drivers.
3000 years of constant rebuilding has left its unique mark on Jerusalem's infrastructure. Despite remarkable advances in car accessibility, Jerusalem is still considered by many to be the hardest Israeli city for drivers.
Is it advised to park your car in a parking area and use the vast public transport system of Jerusalem (mainly buses and taxis).
In this article you will find useful info on transportation to Jerusalem... railway... bus... taxi... on weekdays and weekends.
There are major differences in available services between weekdays and weekends/holidays In Jerusalem.
Bus:
1) Bus Line 480 leaves from the bus platform of the Tel Aviv Center – Savidor Train Station.
Time: about 1-1.5 hours. Price: 18.50 ILS
2) Bus Line 405 leaves from Tel Aviv’s CBS.
Time: about 1-1.5 hours. Price: 18.50 ILS
Service Taxi: There is a taxi service from within the Ben-Gurion terminal to your destination in Jerusalem. The line is operated by a private company called Nesher Tours.
Location: outside the arrival hall. Price: 50ILS.
Although a bit more expensive then the rest, this service is highly recommended.
Bus: Take the No. 5 line from the arrival hall of Ben-Gurion Airport and buy a Continuing Ticket to Jerusalem. The number 5 Line will take you outside the Ben Gurion airport to EL-AL junction.
At El-Al junction switch to line number 947.
Time: 1:40 hours price: 21 ILS.
Bus:
Bus Line 470 leaves from the bus platform of the Beersheba CBS.
Time: about 1.45-2.15 hours. Price: 28 ILS.
Train:
Buy a ticket to Jerusalem and switch trains at Tel Aviv's Ha-Hagana train station.
Time: 3 hours. Price: 42 ILS.
Transportation on Weekends
Most public transportation lines does not operate from mid Friday to Saturday night . There are service lines (Hebrew: “Monit Sherut”) leaving from the center of Jerusalem (Harav Cook St.) to Tel Aviv's CBS.
The price for such a service line is about 200% the normal rate for a public bus ride.
The Central Station of Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s Central Station is a 4 story building at the entrance of the city. At the central station you will find facilities, cafes (and internet café as well) and a shopping center.
Entrance to the CBS involves a detailed security check and running your bag through an X-ray machine. The queue at the entrance seems endless but the checkup is done swiftly and idle time is sort .
Municipal Transportation in Jerusalem - Midweek
Road construction in the center of Jerusalem:
Due to construction of a new Light Rail, bus traffic has shifted as following:
Jaffa Road is now a one way street heading west only towards Jerusalem’s CBS
Bus line is leading east from Jerusalem's CBS to The old city and the eastern Jerusalem are now driving in Hanevim St instead of Jaffa Road]
It is advised to check the work status at Egged bus company helpline (*2800) prior to arrival in Jerusalem.
If you are planning on staying for a week or taking more then 10 rides by bus, then buying a multi-ride ticket is the best way to save some cash (tickets can be used for two or more passengers at a time).
If you need to switch lines or you plan on taking two lines in less then an hour, buy a transit ticket which costs a bit more then the normal rate and can be used for two bus rides.
Taxi: Numerous taxi companies operate in the center of Jerusalem. Normally there is no problem picking taxis up in the street. It is advised to ask the driver to turn on the taxi meter (Hebrew “Mone”) for pricing the taxi ride.
Weekends
No public bus: The public bus service ends on mid Friday and recommences Saturday night. Taxi service is available throughout the weekend. The rate is 150% higher then midweek.