How to Get to Jerusalem

How to Get to Jerusalem by Air

Europe, Australia, Canada, USA and Asia are well connected to Israel. The Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is where you will disembark from an international flight. Jerusalem is 50km away from the airport and the best way to commute is by a shared taxi, also called 'sherut'. Egged also operate shuttle buses to Jerusalem from Ben Gurion Airport every 30 minutes. You can also a cab from the airport to get to Jerusalem.

How to Get to Jerusalem by Rail

There are currently no trains operating to and from Jerusalem.

How to Get to Jerusalem by Bus

All major cities within Israel are very well connected to Jerusalem by the famous Egged bus service. International road connections are only to Tel Aviv. Taxis are more expensive than buses but the cost can come down if you opt for the 'sherut' or the shared taxi service. Taxis and sheruts also operate on Saturdays when Egged buses stay off the roads. The roads in Israel are a pleasure to drive on but may be congested in Jerusalem. To be able to drive a rented car, you need to be above 18 years of age. An International Driver's Permit is recommended though it is not mandatory.

By Water

Italy, Greece and Cyprus have several ships docking at Haifa and Ashdod, the two ports of Israel used for passenger traffic. Regular Egged buses connect these port cities to Jerusalem. Haifa is 160 km and Ashdod 70 km from Jerusalem, and both ports have excellent passenger terminals.

Getting Around Jerusalem

Most of Jerusalem is walkable for the able, energetic traveler who is not averse to the heat and hills. For those who are not, there is a network of buses that connects all sections of Jerusalem from the central bus station. A city bus map can be obtained from the information desk. The Arab buses run every day while Egged service buses stop plying at about 4.30 pm on Fridays to resume on Saturday evenings. Bus #99, the Jerusalem Circular Line, passing 34 major tourist sites on a two-hour loop, is very popular in summer.