Israel

Brief History

The history of Israel's railroads dates back to the 19th century. The first railroads appeared during the Ottoman Empire, when the creation of infrastructure was an important factor in the development of the region. In 1892, the first narrow railroad line was opened, connecting Yaffa (now part of Tel Aviv) with Jerusalem, which helped improve communication between these cities.

In the 20th century, following World War I, the British Mandate continued to develop the railroad infrastructure in the region. In the 1920s and 1930s, new lines were built connecting various cities and settlements in Mandate Palestine.

However, the process of developing the railroad system was interrupted due to World War II and post-war conflicts. During Israel's War of Independence in 1948, the railroads were the target of destruction and sabotage.

After independence, Israel focused on rebuilding and developing the railroad system. In the 1950s, new routes were introduced and existing routes were modernized. Rail transportation became a key element of the country's infrastructure, ensuring the efficient movement of passengers and freight.

With economic and population development, Israel continues to improve and expand its railroad infrastructure. Today, railroads play an important role in Israel's transportation system, providing convenient and environmentally friendly travel options for many residents and tourists throughout the country.

General Information and Statistics

Israel Railways (Hebrew: רכבת ישראל, Rakevet Israel) is a state-owned and sole operator of passenger and freight railroads. In 2018, Israel Railways carried 68 million passengers.

The railroad network is about 1384 km long, with 69 passenger stations operating on it.

250 kilometers of railroads are electrified (18%).

What connections to other countries there are.

Currently, the country does not have railway links to adjacent countries, but one such link is planned with Jordan. Further links existed with Egypt, Lebanon and Syria in earlier years.

Are trains fast in Israel in general? How much time to cross the country?

Israel has a high-speed train, a rail line connecting the city of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Despite its name "high-speed railway to Jerusalem", it does not meet the international definition of high-speed railroads set by the International Union of Railways (UIC). Its design speed is 200 km/h and its current operating speed is 160 km/h, below the established threshold of 250 km/h. 
The journey from Be'er Sheva to Nagariya takes 3:11 hours and from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem 0:37 hours.

What railway companies are available?

Israel Railways is the main and national railroad company operating in Israel.

What train types are available in Israel

Israel has several types of trains, which include:

    • Intercity trains: Standard trains connecting major cities and towns in Israel. They are designed for long journeys between different urbanized centres.

    • Suburban trains: Also known as Sderot trains, they connect suburbs and towns around major cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa. Suburban trains make more frequent stops, providing a convenient transportation link for daily travelers and short commuters.

    • Regional trains: Regional trains connect smaller cities and towns to major rail lines, providing better accessibility to the rail network for those living in more remote areas.

    • Airport Trains: Services that connect Ben-Gurion Airport to various destinations including Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Netanya and Haifa. Airport trains provide a convenient and fast transportation link for travelers.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

The design speed of trains on the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem line is 200 km/h and the operating speed is 160 km/h, which is below the 250 km/h threshold used by UIC to define high-speed railroads. In addition, the trains on this line are ordinary rolling stock, not specially designed high-speed trains.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Israel are Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva.

Websites to buy train tickets for Israel?

https://www.rail.co.il/?page=routePlan&step=origin

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Israel?

Israel Railways has its own nice app.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Israel?

Tickets can be purchased in the station, loaded onto your Rav-Kav card, or even purchased via payment apps, allowing you to pay, scan and travel.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

It is not possible to buy tickets by calling the call centre.

Return the ticket.

Any cancellation prior to 48 hours of travel date will incur a fee of $10 USD for the refund procedure.
Upon notice 48 hours advance of departure – the trip is non-refundable!

Train ticket prices

Ticket prices are fixed and depend only on distance. When selecting a ticket, the traveler has a choice of 3 categories: One Trip, Day Pass and Month Pass.
You can buy tickets from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv for only €5.84.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

Currently, Israel has no railroad connection with neighboring countries.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://www.rail.co.il/?page=routePlan&step=origin

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

It doesn't matter when you buy the tickets or when you travel – ticket prices are fixed according to journey length.

Types of tickets.

Rav-Kav is a reusable electronic card for paying for train fares in Israel. You can buy a single-use ticket, season tickets or recharge the card at the station, online or at ATMs. Simply bring the card to the turnstile to pay for your trip.
You can also buy single train tickets, day passes or monthly passes on the website

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Israel

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Israel are not available

Saver price.

There are no special, cheap and non-refundable tickets on Israel's railroads.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

There are no special flexible tickets. When you buy a daily or monthly pass, you are buying travel on a specific line between selected stations.

Rules of boarding.

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country.

Discounts for group travel.

If you would like to rent an entire train and enjoy a private train ride, the departure and destination stations, intermediate stops and travel times will be determined at your request (according to operational capacity and by prior agreement), giving you the opportunity to enjoy an impressive, pleasant, relaxing and safe trip.

For more information, please send an e-mail to trainrent@rail.co.il.

Age groups and discounts.

Children under the age of 5 are entitled to free transportation.
Pensioners receive a 50% discount.
Pensioners 75+ years old receive a 100% discount.
Blind people receive a 100% discount.

Age limitations for minors.

No information was found on the child's ability to travel unaccompanied.

Handicapped passengers.

"Rakevet Israel is committed to equipping train stations to make them accessible to passengers with disabilities, and endeavors to improve the quality of service for such passengers.

It is recommended that travel arrangements be made in advance in order to be able to prepare in advance and provide the best possible service.
Rakevet Israel employees are trained in accessibility issues and are skilled in escorting passengers with disabilities and in the use of assistive equipment for accessibility within stations.

Seat reservations in trains in Israel.

Currently, advance seat reservations are not possible, but Israel Railways hopes to be able to offer this option in the near future.

Comfort classes on the trains.

The class of carriages is only one – corresponding to the German second class, that is quite comfortable.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Israel.

Catering is not provided on Israeli trains. But you can take food and drinks with you, as long as you clean up afterwards and take out the garbage.

Night trains in Israel?

Starting September 17, 2022, night trains will be available between Jerusalem, Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv. The trains will run once an hour in each direction from Saturday through Wednesday. However, on Thursday, which is usually the main day for nightlife in Israel, night train services will not be available due to the need for service to the Jerusalem station.

Important train routes in Israel.

Tel Aviv–Jerusalem / from 0:43 hours / from 5.84 EUR / 3 trains per hour
Nahariya–Tel Aviv /from 3:30 hours / from 11.67 EUR / every 30 minutes
Be'er Sheva - Tel Aviv / from 3:11 hours / from 11.67 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Rishon LeZion-Tel Aviv / 0:31 hours / from 2.19 EUR / every hour
Modi'in–Tel Aviv / 0:28 hours / from 4.38 EUR / every 30 minutes
Haifa–Beit She'an / 0:52 hours / from 5.84 EUR / every 30 minutes

International train routes.

The country has no railway connection with neighboring countries

Tourist / scenic routes in Israel.

    • Jerusalem Gan Hachayot Hatanachi Railway Station (Bible Zoo) - This is the place where you can experience the amazing world of animals. Visit the Tish Family Zoological Garden (Biblical Zoo), where exotic creatures from all over the world await you. And the Israel Aquarium has recently opened with amazing live sea creatures, reefs and coral fish. You'll be amazed by the aquariums with jellyfish and clownfish bred in the Arabian Desert. Go on an adventure and feel like a true aquarium explorer!

    • Moshe Dayan Train Station in Rishon Lezion - What train station can offer so much entertainment? Head to one of Israel's most famous stations and enter a world of fun and diverse entertainment. You have access to modern stores, restaurants, a comedy club with local artists, and of course a modern movie theater with VIP movie screenings. Have fun on the Superland theme park rides or go shopping at IKEA while enjoying Swedish meat balls.

    • Afula Train Station - A day at Afula is an adventure for the whole family! Afula's new station leads to an amazing municipal park with limitless entertainment. There's something for everyone: a skate park, playgrounds, amusement rides, rock climbing and even a zoo with camel, ducks, donkeys and other animals. And after a day in the park, don't forget to stop by Emek Center Shopping for shopping and a delicious meal!

    • Kiryat Motzkin Train Station - Take the challenge and go on an adventure to Kraot, a suburb of Haifa. Here you will find the Hai Park Zoo with exotic animals such as Asian elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers and more. Visit Fromer Or Haim Park and witness the beauty of nature and local fauna. And in the "Gan HaBanim" area you will find an interesting place, the "motz-etz" tree, where children can give up their favorite pacifiers.

    • "Merkaz HaYeridim" (Tel Aviv University) train station - Explore not only the knowledge but also the beauty of Tel Aviv University. Visit the Palmach Museum to learn about the early history of Israel's struggle for independence, or visit the Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot) for fascinating displays about the world's synagogues and Jewish humor. After an informative day, go for a chic lunch at Greco Restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere of this trendy neighborhood.

Luggage information.

The official website says that the passenger is allowed to bring standard sized suitcases and bags. No size and weight limits are written down.

Bicycle on the train.

It is forbidden to enter train stations with bicycles with wide tires (balloon tires) that are 4 inches (10 cm) wide or more.

Depending on the type of bicycle (folding or non-folding) and the diameter of the wheels, there are certain time restrictions on the transportation of bicycles on trains:

    • Folding bicycles with wheel diameters up to 20 inches: Allowed on all train days and hours of operation.
    • Folding bicycles with wheel diameters greater than 20 inches: Permitted Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and permitted during all train operating hours on Friday.
    • Non-folding bicycles (two-wheelers only): Permitted Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and permitted at all train times on Friday.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

There are no skis or snowboards on the list of what is allowed or not allowed on the train.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Israel.

Lockit provides luggage storage lockers in main public locations around Israel for travelers. Tel Aviv: Located in ALL train stations, central bus station, Azrieli shopping center, Dizingoff center. Jerusalem: Located in central bus station and ALL train stations Haifa: Lockers are located in ALL train stations.

Lost and Found Items.

If a passenger loses something while traveling on a train or at a train station, you can contact the customer service center at *5770. If Israel Railways finds what the traveler has lost, it is possible to come to the lost and found office located at the Tel Aviv Savidor Center station to identify and collect the item. The hours of operation of the lost and found warehouse are Sunday through Thursday from 07:00 to 18:00.

Pets on the trains.

There is no charge for traveling with pets, but there are a few rules that are important to observe:
    • Travel with a dog on the train is possible, but the dog must be muzzled and leashed or in a special bag designed for the transportation of animals.
    • Travel with a cat on the train is possible only if the cat is in a special bag designed for transportation of animals.
    • Transportation of animals other than cats or dogs is at the discretion of the railway station manager.