Getting Around Beersheba
Beersheba is a major city in southern Israel with a population of around 195,000, making it one of the country's largest cities. As a visitor, you'll find several options for moving around the city and reaching it from elsewhere in Israel.
Buses Within the City
Buses are the principal form of public transport within Beersheba. The main operator is Dan Be'er Sheva, which runs local services throughout the city, with most routes departing from behind the Central Bus Station. If you're arriving by train, local bus stops are located to the left when exiting the station.
An important note: you cannot pay the bus driver with cash. You'll need to arrange payment through another method before boarding.
Rail Network
Beersheba is served by two railway stations operated by Israel Railways. The Be'er Sheva Center Railway Station is located just south of the city center and is most convenient for visitors. The Be'er Sheva North station serves the university area and is the terminus for trains to Dimona.
Most trains stop at both stations, though trains to and from Dimona only stop at the north station. Rail connections link Beersheba northward to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, and Nahariyya, with hourly departures available. The railway also extends south to Dimona. Travel time from Tel Aviv is approximately one hour.
Intercity Buses
Beersheba is a hub for intercity bus services connecting to other parts of Israel. All intercity buses begin and end their routes at the Beersheba Central Bus Station, located next to the central train station near the city center. Services operate in multiple directions:
- Northward to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
- Westward to Sderot and Ashkelon
- Eastward to Arad and Dimona
- Southward to Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat
Most intercity services are operated by Metropoline, with additional services by Dan BaDarom and Egged.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Most taxi journeys within Beersheba cost around 20 Israeli shekels. Ride-hailing services such as Gett and Yango also operate in the city, offering an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walkability
The source material does not provide specific information about pedestrian infrastructure or walkability within Beersheba's neighborhoods. It's advisable to inquire locally about walking safety and accessibility in different areas of the city.
Arriving from the Airport
The closest airport to Beersheba is Ben Gurion International Airport, located outside Tel Aviv near Lod. From Ben Gurion, you can reach Beersheba by train or bus. Israel Railways operates train services from the airport northward to Tel Aviv and onward to Beersheba, with approximately one hour of travel time from Tel Aviv to Beersheba. Intercity buses also connect Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Beersheba via the Central Bus Station.
For those traveling to southern destinations like Eilat, Ramon Airport offers an alternative entry point, though it is located further south.
Light Rail Plans
A light rail system for Beersheba and outlying towns is in the planning stages, though it is not yet operational.