Getting Around Tel Aviv. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation in Tel Aviv

Buses are the main mode of public transport within Tel Aviv, operated by Dan, Egged, and Kavim. An extensive network covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Tel Aviv's first light rail line (Dankal - Red Line) opened in August 2023, connecting Bat Yam through Tel Aviv (including Allenby Street and Ibn Gabirol Street) to Petah Tikva and Kiryat Arye. Trains are mainly for intercity travel, with several stations within Tel Aviv (Savidor Central, HaShalom, HaHagana, University) connecting to the rest of the country.

All public transportation (buses, light rail, trains) typically Do not operate from Friday afternoon (around 3-4 PM) until Saturday evening (after sundown) for Shabbat. Some private shuttle services ("sheruts") and taxis operate during Shabbat. Newer buses and the light rail are generally wheelchair accessible.

Ticketing & Fares

Rav-Kav Card: An electronic smart card for all public transport across Israel.
Anonymous Rav-Kav: Purchase at train/bus stations, some convenience stores (e.g., Super-Pharm).
Fares: A single ride typically costs ₪5.50 - ₪6.
Transfers: Rav-Kav allows transfers within 90 minutes across different lines/modes within a zone at no extra cost.

Route Maps & Hubs

Main hubs include Tel Aviv Central Bus Station (Tachana Merkazit) and Arlozorov (Savidor Central) Terminal.

Recommended Apps

The Moovit app is an useful tool for real-time schedules and navigation. Google Maps also provides public transport directions.

Accessibility

Newer public buses and the light rail are generally wheelchair accessible, but some older buses may not be.

Tips for Efficient Public Transport

Smart Planning

Download the Moovit app for real-time updates.
Acquire a Rav-Kav card immediately upon arrival.
Plan routes in advance, especially during Shabbat.

Rav-Kav Loading

Load credit ("Erekh Tzavur") at train stations.
Available at Rav-Kav service points and post offices.
Use the Rav-Kav Online app (requires NFC-enabled phone or external reader).

Hours of Operation & Shabbat

Buses & Light Rail

Generally early morning (around 5:30 AM) until late evening/midnight.

Trains

Run from early morning until late evening.

Shabbat Public Transport

Typically does not operate from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.

Shabbat Alternatives

Private shuttle services ("sheruts") and taxis operate.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient ways to travel, especially during Shabbat or for direct routes. Licensed taxis are white with a yellow sign on top. They use meters (moniot). Hail them on the street, find them at designated taxi stands, or order via apps. Always ensure the driver activates the meter at the start of the ride. Agreeing on a fixed fare beforehand is possible for longer journeys, but the meter is usually cheaper for standard city rides. Base fare is around ₪12-15. A typical short ride within Tel Aviv might cost ₪30-60. An airport surcharge applies to airport pickups or drop-offs.

Payment & Safety

Cash (Shekels) is always accepted.
Many taxis accept credit cards; confirm before ride.
Always confirm the driver and vehicle match app details.
Avoid unlicensed taxis for safety.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Gett (formerly Gett Taxi) is very popular and widely used.
Uber operates in Tel Aviv, mainly connecting with licensed taxis.
E-hail is a newer local app for taxi services.
Official taxi stands are available directly outside Ben Gurion Airport terminals.

Tipping Taxis & Guides

Tipping is not customary for taxis, but rounding up the fare is common.
Always confirm meter use to avoid overcharging.
For longer journeys, fixed fares are possible, but the meter is usually cheaper.

For tour guides, ₪50-100 per person per day is a reasonable tip for a full-day tour.
Hotel staff tips (₪10-20) for bellhops and housekeepers are appreciated.
In restaurants, 10-15% is standard for good service.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires a valid driver's license and IDP. Major international companies operate.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Available, but less common for tourists due to traffic.

Bicycle Rentals

Tel-O-Fun bike share at stations, or private rentals along the beach promenade.

Walking & Cycling

Tel Aviv is a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city, especially in its central areas. The Promenade (Tayelet) stretches along the coastline, ideal for walks, jogs, and bike rides. Rothschild Boulevard is a wide, tree-lined avenue with pedestrian and bike paths, Bauhaus architecture, and cafes. Old Jaffa features pedestrianized alleys and historical sites. Neve Tzedek offers charming, quiet streets for leisurely strolls.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Promenade (Tayelet) for coastal walks.
Rothschild Boulevard with its tree-lined paths.
Old Jaffa's pedestrianized alleys.
Neve Tzedek's charming, quiet streets.

Cycling & Safety

Extensive network of designated bike lanes.
Always wear a Helmet for safety.
Be aware of pedestrians on shared paths and traffic on roads.
Generally, no "no-go" areas exist; exercise caution in heavy traffic or less-trafficked industrial zones at night.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours

Numerous guided walking tours focus on Bauhaus architecture, Old Jaffa, street art, and food.

Explore with experts.

Self-Guided

Self-guided tours are easy with a good map or navigation app.

Flexible and personal.

Specialty Tours

Look for food tours in Carmel Market or historical tours in Jaffa.

Unique experiences.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Companies like City Sightseeing offer hop-on-hop-off bus tours covering major attractions.
Limited water taxi services exist, mainly for short recreational trips.
River transportation options are not applicable in Tel Aviv.

Accessibility Services

Tel Aviv has made efforts to improve accessibility.
Newer public buses and the light rail are accessible.
Many newer buildings and public spaces have ramps and accessible restrooms.

Accessibility Challenges

Old Jaffa, with its cobblestone streets, can present a challenge for accessibility.
Some older public buses may not be wheelchair accessible.
Researching specific attractions for accessibility is advisable.
Contact venues directly for updated accessibility information.

Be aware of uneven sidewalks in some older neighborhoods.
Traffic can impact ease of crossing streets.
Consider private accessible transport for greater convenience.
Plan routes that avoid challenging terrains if mobility is a concern.

Final Transit Note

Navigating Tel Aviv is straightforward with its varied transport options. Plan around Shabbat for public transport shutdowns.

Embrace walking and cycling to experience the city's unique charm at street level.

Getting Around Tel Aviv