Israel Transport

Air
The national airline is El Al Israel Airlines (LY), known for being one of the safest airlines in the world, due to its strict security policies.

Tel Aviv (TLV), also known as Ben Gurion International, is 20km southeast of the city. There is a bus service from the airport to Shohom, Midi'in and Be'er Sheva. The El Al Airline Bus goes to/from the airport terminal in Tel Aviv city; departures connect with El Al flights. The airport has a train station located on level five. Private and shared taxi services are also available taking about 20 minutes in travel time.

The most economical way to get to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv airport is by Sherut; mini-vans that can accommodate seven to 10 passengers. The journey is about 42km. There is also a train from Tel Aviv that follows a scenic route to Jerusalem.

Tel Aviv airport has the following facilities: Banks, restaurants, duty-free shops, boutiques, tourist information and VIP lounge.

Eilat Central Airport (ETH) is 20 minutes from the city of Eilat, the destination for those wanting to visit the Red Sea. Buses, taxis and limousines are available to the city taking about 15 minutes in travel time. Airport facilities: Duty free shop, light refreshments, a souvenir shop and car hire.

Sea
Main ports are at Ashdod and Haifa. There are car/passenger ferries from Greece (Piraeus Port in Athens) and Cyprus to Haifa. Foreign yachts sailing to Israel may use the ports of entry at Ashdod, Haifa, and Eilat (Red Sea) and the marinas of Ashkelon, Herzliya and Tel-Aviv.

Road
On the whole, road access to Israel is somewhat limited and generally not very safe. There are two crossing points from Egypt into Israel, and two entry points into Jordan via the Allenby Bridge near Jericho, and the Jordan River via the Sheikh Hussein Bridge. Travellers should check whether visas are required for the various border crossings with their local embassy. There is no road access to Syria and Lebanon.

Four bus companies maintain services between Cairo and Tel Aviv and Jerusalem via Rafiah. Mobile telephones are not allowed on buses crossing the border.

Air
Arkia/Israel Inland Airways (IZ) and by Israir (6H) operate an extensive service linking Tel Aviv with Eilat and all major Israeli cities. Flights operate daily except on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings and afternoons.

Sea & Lake
Ferries travel across Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) from Tiberias to Ein Gev kibbutz on the eastern shore. Coastal ferries serve all ports. For details, contact local port authorities or a travel agent in Israel.

Rail
Israel Railways (www.israrail.org.il) operates four train lines, including a service between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which follows an especially scenic route. Other regular services run between Akko (Acre), Ashdod, Binyamina, Hadera, Haifa, Herzliya, Netanya, Nahariya, Krayat, Petah, Rehovot, Rosh Ha'ayin, Tel Aviv and Tikva. Reserved seats may be ordered in advance. There is no railway service on Saturdays and major holidays.

Road
Traffic drives on the right. An excellent system of roads connects all towns. However, driving is erratic and there are frequent accidents. Radar speed traps operate and fees for speeding are high. The distance between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is 62km.

Bus
There are two national bus systems, run by the DAN and EGGED cooperatives, cover wide-spread routes. The service is fast and efficient as well as cheap. With a few exceptions, services are suspended on religious holidays, and between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday (Shabbat).

Car Hire
Car rentals are available in major cities. Hire fees are not cheap. A full driving license and insurance are required. An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Sherut
These seven to 10 passenger mini-vans fall between private transport and conventional bus transport, usually with a fixed route, and stopping anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers. Prices are cheaper than a private taxi, yet higher than the bus.

Taxi
Services are either run by companies or by individuals. There are both shared taxis and ordinary private taxis. Ordinary taxi drivers are required by law to operate a meter and are best used for short journeys only.