Traversing the Holy Land is a journey through time, and the region’s transportation network is designed to connect the sacred sites with modern efficiency. Navigating the winding streets of Jerusalem or traveling between holy cities like Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jericho is made simple through a variety of reliable options. From the iconic Light Rail that glides through Jerusalem’s center to an extensive network of public buses and private licensed guides, moving between shrines is both accessible and safe. We provide the latest schedules and route information to ensure your focus remains on the spiritual significance of your destination, not the complexity of the map.
What is a Rav-Kav card?
The Rav-Kav card is a rechargeable, reusable smart card that can be used for public transportation in Israel. The card can be purchased and loaded in the airport at the Public Transportation Information Center in the arrival hall, next to the exit, at any train station or at the Christian Information Center. To download the App click here.
Jerusalem Light Rail (HaRakevet HaKala)
The Jerusalem Light Rail is a convenient and easy way for visitors to travel around Jerusalem, connecting key areas of the city and making it simple to reach many popular sites, neighborhoods, and places of interest. For tourists and pilgrims, the Light Rail can be especially useful for getting around without navigating Jerusalem’s busy streets or finding parking. Trains run regularly and provide a practical way to experience the city as you travel between different parts of Jerusalem. For routes, stations, schedules, fares, and other practical information, please visit the official Jerusalem Light Rail website using the link below.
Timetable: (*The last train on Fridays & holiday eves is according to sundown)
From Sunday to Thursday, the trains pass approximately every 6-7 minutes starting from 5:00 to midnight (00:00).
On Friday, the last train departs at approximately 14:15.
On Saturday, the first train departs at approximately 18:00, with the last train at midnight (00:00).
For more information, click here.
Please note that there is also the Tel Aviv Light Rail – known as Dankal, which runs 24 km across 34 stations from Bat Yam to Petah Tikva. It is part of a larger Gush Dan transit network that will expand to include other lines and future metro lines. For more information, click here.
Buses in Jerusalem
A single ticket costs 8.00 NIS. The Rav Kav card or App allows for unlimited transfers (buses and Light Rail) within 90 minutes from the time of the first validation.
Egged Website: www.egged.co.il Tel: 02 530 4704 or 03 694 8888
Israel Superbus Website: Superbus
Isreal Train : www.rail.co.il
Bus from Jerusalem to:
| Destination | Bus Number | Departure Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Ashdot | 438, 448 | |
| Ashkelon | 436, 437 | |
| Bat Yam | 404, 406 | |
| Beer Sheva | 446, 470 | |
Beit Shean Allenby Brigde (Border crossing) | 961,948, 966 | |
| Eliat | 444 | 7.00 – 10.00 – 14.00 – 17.00 (book ahead!) |
| Haifa direct | 940 | |
| Latrun-Ramleh | 403,404,433 | |
Ma’aleh Adumim Monastery of St. Martyrius | 122, 124 (from Jaffa Gate) 127, 129, 174, 175 (from the Convention Center) 176, 177 | |
| Massada-Zohar | 486, 421 | |
Netanya – Haifa via (Termainal 1) | 947 | |
| Qumran-Ein Gedi | 487, 486 | |
| Tel Aviv (direct) | 405 | |
| Tiberias | 962, 959 (via Highway 6) 961 (via the Jordan Valley) | |
| Nazareth | 955 | |
Mount of Beatitudes Cafarnaum | 953 (to Afula) from Afila 541 (Cafarnaum Junction) |
Arab Bus
Tel. 02-6274334
www.mountofolivesbus.com
www.south-buses.com
Arab Bus Station
(coming out from Damascus Gate to the left)
| To | Bus no. |
|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 231 (Beit Jala); 234 (to the check point at Rachel’s Tomb) |
| Beit Jala | 231 |
| Silwan-Abu Tor | 276 |
| Hebron | 231* ( * Bus 231 stops at Bab Al Zqaq where people can take a bus to Hebron (7 NIS) or at Al Khader where passengers can take a shared taxi to Hebron (8 NIS).) |
Arab Bus Station off Nablus Road
(coming out from Damascus Gate go straight)
| To | Bus No. |
|---|---|
| Emmaus-Kubeibeh | 218 or 219 to Ramallah + Taxi Service |
| Sheikh Jarrah/ Beit Hanina / Kalandia Checkpoint | 274 |
| Qalandia Checkpoint to Atarot Industrial Area | 246 |
| Isawiyya – Mt. Scopus Hospital | 201 |
| Taybeh | 218 or 219 to Ramallah + Taxi Service |
| Ramallah | 218 or 219 (Express) |
| Qalandia Checkpoint to Er-Ram | 281 |
| Nablus | 218 or 219 to Ramallah + Taxi Service or + Bus to Nablus |
Arab bus stop
(coming out from Damascus Gate to the right)
| To: | Bus number |
|---|---|
| Bethany | 263 |
| Mount of Olives | 255 (Ascension, Pater Noster) 275 (Augusta Victoria, Ascension, Pater Noster) |
| Jericho | 263 to Bethany than take a shared taxi |
| Abu Dis | 263 |
Christian Information Center
Jaffa Gate,
Omar Ibn el Qattab Sq.
P.O.B. 14308
9114201 Jerusalem