Transportation in Jerusalem

Getting Around Jerusalem Jerusalem's city center is built for walking first and wheels second, the Old City's labyrinthine alleys inside the ancient walls are entirely car-free, so your feet are non-negotiable once you pass through Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate. For the broader city, the Jerusalem Light Rail is the backbone of modern transit, running a north-south corridor along Jaffa Road through the city center and connecting major neighborhoods. Load a Rav-Kav card (Israel's rechargeable transit card, available at light rail stations and post offices) and it works across light rail and Egged bus services throughout the city, far more efficient than buying individual tickets. Egged buses extend coverage into neighborhoods the light rail doesn't reach, running throughout the day with frequent service on most lines. One non-negotiable for first-time visitors: Jerusalem largely shuts down on Shabbat, from Friday at sundown through Saturday night. Public transit stops entirely. If you're arriving or departing on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, plan around this, taxis remain available. But demand spikes and so do waits. The Gett app is the dominant ride-hailing platform in Israel and far more reliable than hailing cabs on the street. Use it to avoid fare disputes. From Ben Gurion Airport (located near Tel Aviv, roughly 50km away), budget travelers typically take the Egged 485 express bus to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station, an economy option with roughly one hour of travel time. A sherut (shared minivan taxi) has a middle ground: slightly more expensive than the bus but door-to-door service without a transfer. Private taxis and transfers are the comfort option, check current rates via Gett or your hotel's concierge rather than accepting unmetered quotes from drivers who approach you at arrivals.