Jerusalem Transport

Bus is the primary means of public transport in Jerusalem. The services are cheap and efficient, and special passes are available that allow unlimited travel for one month. Shared taxis, or sherutim, are also a popular means of commuting around the city, and often follow the same routes as the public buses. However, these have the advantage of being able to stop at any point along the route.

By train

Israel Railways offers a train service to Southern Jerusalem with two stops: Jerusalem Malha and the Biblical Zoo, though few trains stop at the latter station. Jerusalem Malha is a new station that has replaced the historical Khan Station at Remez Square near the Old City.

By bus

The Egged Bus service is inexpensive, comfortable and efficient. All routes are available from the Central Bus Station on Jaffa Road, and services run daily with the exception of on the Sabbath and Jewish religious holidays. One-way tickets can be purchased onboard from the driver, though visitors who intend to travel frequently by bus should consider buying a multi-fare card called a kartissiyah. This card offers 11 journeys for the price of 10. Another option is the hofshi-hodshi card, which allows unlimited travel for one month on all urban buses.

Arab bus companies that serve East Jerusalem, Arab towns within the country and the West Bank depart from the East Jerusalem Bus Station at Sultan Suleiman Street. These buses are often crowded, but run daily and are an economical way of getting around. Tickets may be purchased from the driver after boarding.

Taxis

Taxis in Jerusalem look like ordinary cars but have a coloured light on display. They are legally obliged to use a meter, though visitors will occasionally have to insist on this. If the driver claims that the meter isn’t working, you should either use another taxi, or agree on a mutually satisfactory fare prior to departure. It’s possible to hail taxis in the street, and many companies also offer a phone booking service. Fares are 25 per cent higher at night-time and on the Sabbath, and tipping is generally not expected.

Sherutim, or shared taxis, are a popular alternative to taking a bus or regular taxi. These taxis follow a fixed route and can hold from eight to 12 passengers. They are advantageous as they can stop anywhere en route, and the fare is similar to a bus fare.

Tourist services

The Jerusalem Circular Line Egged bus number 99 stops at over 30 of the most popular tourist sites across the city including the Mount of Olives and the Yad VaShem. The bus departs from the Jaffa Gate terminus at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 from Sunday to Thursday, though there is no 16:00 bus on Fridays. The tour bus is a good way to get an overview of the sights and a feel for the layout of the city. Full-day tickets are also available, as are two-day bus passes, which allow visitors to get on and off the bus an unlimited number of times.

From the airport

Buses run by the Egged National bus service connect the airport to Jerusalem every 25 to 45 minutes. Buses leave from outside the airport Arrivals building, just opposite car park number one. The bus numbers for Jerusalem are 405, 423, 945 and 947, and tickets can be bought onboard. Buses arrive at Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station on Jaffa Road in west Jerusalem.

A taxi service is also available from outside the Arrivals Hall, while the Nesher Company runs a sherut, or shared taxi service, between the airport and Jerusalem. A fixed rate is charged per passenger, which is often considerably cheaper than a conventional taxi. Passengers who have arranged a hire car in advance, can travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv by following Highway 1: travel time to Jerusalem is approximately 30 minutes.