Getting Around Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv offers multiple ways to navigate the city, from public transit to cycling and walking. The most practical options for visitors are buses, trains within the metropolitan area, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Walking is also viable in many central neighborhoods.
Buses
Buses form the backbone of Tel Aviv's public transport system. The main operator is Dan Bus Company, which serves most local routes, though Egged, Kavim, Metropoline, and Afikim also operate services in the city. Most buses require a Rav-Kav smart card, which you should obtain when you arrive.
Key bus terminals within the city include the Carmelit Terminal near Carmel Market, the Reading Terminal near the power station, and the Atidim Terminal on the northeastern outskirts. These connect to various neighborhoods and surrounding cities. Several bus lines serve the tourist areas directly from major train stations.
A free bus service called "Na'im Busofash" operates during Shabbat (when regular service does not run) on seven lines, providing transport within the city and to nearby municipalities including Givatayim, Kiryat Ono, Ramat HaSharon, Shoham, and Yehud-Monosson. Service runs Friday evenings and Saturday daytime hours.
Rail and Light Rail
Tel Aviv has four train stations serving the Israel Railways network, positioned along the Ayalon Highway from north to south: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Savidor Central (also called Merkaz), Tel Aviv HaShalom, and Tel Aviv HaHagana. These stations connect to destinations across Israel including Jerusalem, Beersheba, Haifa, Ashkelon, Modi'in, Rishon LeZion, Kfar Saba, and Nahariya. All stations are directly reachable from each other within the city. Regular daytime trains stop at all four stations, though late-night trains stop only at Savidor Central.
A light rail system is currently under construction. The Red Line opened in August 2023 and connects Petah Tikva's Central Bus Station to Bat Yam, passing through Tel Aviv underground. The Green Line and Purple Line are set to open in 2027 or 2028, extending connections to Holon, Rishon LeZion, Herzelia, and other surrounding areas. A metro system with three lines is planned to begin construction in 2025, with first sections due to operate in 2032.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate 24 hours a day and are widely available throughout the city. By law, drivers must use the taxi meter unless you agree otherwise in advance. It is acceptable to sit in the front seat in Israeli taxis. Ride-hailing services are also available as an alternative.
Bicycles and Scooters
Tel Aviv has an expanding cycling network. Tel-O-Fun is a bicycle sharing system with over 170 active stations throughout the city, offering standard bicycles and electric bicycles for short-term rental. A larger regional cycle network called Ofnidan is under construction, linking Tel Aviv to surrounding cities in Gush Dan with multiple routes.
Electric scooters are available for rent across the city, though they are regulated. They are banned from pedestrian-only areas and are limited to 15 km/h in areas with high foot traffic. Rental companies must provide helmets with each scooter.
Walkability
Many central neighborhoods of Tel Aviv are walkable, though the tourist attractions and most accommodation are positioned 1 to 3 kilometers from the main train stations, so reaching them typically requires a bus ride or taxi.
Getting from Ben Gurion Airport to the City
Ben Gurion International Airport, located near the city of Lod, is Israel's main entry point for international arrivals. Three practical options exist for reaching central Tel Aviv:
- Train: The airport train station is located below Arrivals in Terminal 3. Direct trains to Tel Aviv take 15 to 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from a cashier or automatic machine. Trains operate Sunday to Thursday every 15 minutes from early morning to midnight, Friday mornings every 30 minutes, and select trains on Saturday night. All daytime trains stop at all four Tel Aviv stations. Consider purchasing a Rav-Kav smart card at the airport's Kavim service center, as you will need one for travel within the city.
- Taxi: Taxis operate around the clock and are the most comfortable option, though also the most expensive, with typical fares to the city center around $40. A taxi ride to central Tel Aviv takes 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Insist that the driver use the meter. Sharing a taxi with other passengers can reduce costs.
- Bus: Line 445 departs every hour, 24 hours a day, six days a week, running directly to the Tel Aviv hotels area. Journey time ranges from 30 minutes during quiet periods to 50 minutes during busy afternoon hours.
Note that Shabbat travel to or from the airport is challenging. No buses or trains operate, and taxis are busy and charge extra. If using public transport, avoid booking flights landing after 14:00 on Friday or departing before 20:00 on Saturday.
Tickets and Travel Cards
The Rav-Kav is a reloadable smart card that works across all public transport in Tel Aviv, including buses, trains, and the light rail. You can purchase or issue one at the Kavim service center in Ben Gurion Airport or at various locations around the city. Using a Rav-Kav is more convenient than purchasing individual tickets for each journey.