Public transport in Israel reaches almost every destination, and the fare is the same no matter which company runs the line. Here is how the system works and how to pay.

Modes of transport

  • Buses are the backbone of the network across the country. City and intercity routes are run by Egged, Dan, Metropoline, Kavim and other operators.
  • Light rail operates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
  • Israel Railways trains connect major cities from Nahariya to Be'er Sheva and Jerusalem.
  • Metronit bus rapid transit serves Haifa and the surrounding area.
  • Sherut shared taxis follow fixed routes and are paid in cash to the driver. Many run on Shabbat, when most buses do not.

The Rav-Kav card

The Rav-Kav is a smart travel card that works the same way with every operator. There are two types:

  • Anonymous — issued at a machine or service point with no documents, fine for occasional trips.
  • Personal — carries your photo and is issued at a station or service centre. Only a personal card receives discounts (student, new immigrant, senior).

You can top up online at Rav-Kav Online, in the app, at station machines and at kiosks.

Ways to pay in 2026

  1. Rav-Kav — load stored value or a pass and tap the card on the validator.
  2. Apps — Moovit, HopOn, Pango and Rav-Kav Online let you pay from your phone.
  3. Bank card and phone — a contactless payment pilot launched in January 2026, letting you pay on board with a credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. It started on Egged lines in Eilat, Jerusalem and Haifa.

One fare: the Derekh Shava reform

Under the Derekh Shava ("Equal Way") reform, the price of a ride depends on distance — not on the number of transfers or the operator. Fare bands are set by distance: up to 15, 40, 75, 120, 225 kilometres, and a nationwide pass. A single city ride in 2026 costs around ₪9, and transfers within the paid time window are free.

Discounts

  • Children under 5 ride free.
  • Pupils, students and youth receive a 50% discount on a personal card.
  • Seniors aged 75 and over ride free nationwide.
  • Reduced monthly and annual passes apply to several eligible groups.

For current fares and the exact monthly pass price, check the Ministry of Transport public transport portal.