The easiest and most convenient way to travel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is the new rapid train, which has been operating since 2019. It starts from Herzliya and enables a very fast ride to Jerusalem from all the main train stations in Tel Aviv and vice versa: HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor Center und Tel Aviv University! Especially between these important Israelian cities, taking the train will save you quite some time since you’d likely get stuck in traffic jams on the roads.
When can I take the train?
The first trains between Sunday and Thursday depart from Herzliya around 6am. The last train in the same direction departs approximately 11pm and the times in the other direction departing from Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon are pretty similar.
Between those times, trains depart roughly every 30 minutes in each direction. The exact times are subject to change, which is why it’s best to check the times prior with Israel Railways. Additionally, we recommend the app “Moovit” to get around.
The prices for train tickets in Israel are quite low. One-way tickets as well as day passes (for the entire region of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem) are offered and there are discounts for students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and minors.
Do you want to travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv by train? Are you still looking for the best tour? Have a look at these tours by IsraelRail:
Jerusalem Cultural and Culinary – 2 Days // JerusalemRail Digital Experience // Jerusalem Premium Private Daytrip // Tel Aviv Premium Private Tour
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FREQUENTLY ASKED: How can I travel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Schabbat and weekends?
Sabbat/Schabbat is the day of rest in the Jewish religion and it starts with the sunset each Friday evening. Afterwards, religious jewish people are not supposed to work anymore. Therefore, most of the shops close and trains stop running too. Here’s an overview on other travel options:
| Weekday (SU-TH) | Weekend (FR/SA) | |
| Train | Runs every 30 Minutes via
To: Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Approximately between 6am and 11pm | Friday (Schabbat) Last trains to Tel Aviv/Jerusalem depart around 2pm Saturday First trains to Tel Aviv/Jerusalem run after 9pm Between the last train on Friday and the first one on Saturday, no trains depart! |
| Bus | Bus Nr. 480
Bus Nr. 405
Both busses take approx. 1h to Jerusalem Central Bus Station | Neither of those bus lines runs on Schabbat, however, there’s a free bus service in the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv |
| Taxi |
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| Shared taxi (Sherut) |
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By bus
Two bus lines – Nr. 405 and Nr. 480 – connect Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. One ride takes almost an hour and is slightly cheaper than a train.
Even though there’s a free bus service for the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv on Friday night, which can be tracked live on “Moovit”, the bus lines between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv don’t run on Shabbat and Saturday. However, there’s another alternative…
With a Taxi
Even though a taxi can theoretically be a relatively quick way of travelling, traffic jams can easily get in your way, especially between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during the day. However, taxis run on Schabbat, which is quite an advantage. A regular ride costs approx. 300 NIS (85€), but a ride on Schabbat is likely to be more expensive. Thus, a taxi is a flexible but expensive solution. (To get a regular taxi, we recommand the app “Gett”.)
With a shared taxi (Sherut)
So why not try travelling with a shared taxi? The Sheruts, as they are called in Israel, run during the week as well as on weekends. Usually, they cost a little more than busses and raise their prices during Schabbat. Alongside 10-12 other passengers, the yellow and white vans take you to your preferred destination, but without certain stops or routes. Thus, better don’t miss out on a chance once you see a Sherut. Yalla: Wave, get in and off you go!
