Public Transport Cards & Apps in Israel
Public Transport Cards & Apps in Israel -
Complete Guide
The Rav Kav Card - Your Essential Transport Tool
What Is Rav Kav? (קו-רב)
Israel's universal public transportation card:
ï Smart card for buses, trains, and light rail
ï Works nationwide on almost all public transport
ï Rechargeable and reusable
ï Stores money and passes
ï Essential for anyone using public transport regularly
ï Replaced paper tickets in most places
Think of it as:
ï Israel's version of Oyster (London), Clipper (SF), or MetroCard (NYC)
ï One card for entire country
ï Multiple transport operators accept it
Types of Rav Kav Cards
1. Anonymous Rav Kav (אנונימי קו-רב)
ï No personal information registered
ï Anyone can use it
ï Can be shared (but not recommended)
ï Cannot be replaced if lost
ï Cannot load monthly passes
ï Good for: Tourists, occasional riders
**Cost: **₪5 one-time fee
2. Personalized Rav Kav (אישי קו-רב)
ï Registered to your name and ID number
ï Only you can use it
ï Can be replaced if lost (balance transferred)
ï Required for monthly passes
ï Can load discounted tickets
ï Necessary for: Regular commuters, students, seniors, IDF
**Cost: **₪5 one-time fee + registration
3. Student Rav Kav (תלמיד קו-רב)
ï For students in recognized institutions
ï Discounted fares (about 30% off)
ï Must show student ID when requested
ï Annual renewal required
ï Personalized only
**Cost: **₪5 one-time + discounted fares
4. Senior Rav Kav (ותיק אזרח קו-רב)
ï For ages 65+ (men), 60+ (women)
ï 50% discount on most routes
ï Free travel on some city buses
ï Personalized only
**Cost: **₪5 one-time + discounted fares
5. IDF/National Service Card (לאומי שרות/חייל קו-רב)
ï For active soldiers and national service volunteers
ï Free travel on most routes
ï Special validation process
ï Must wear uniform or carry military ID
**Cost: **Free travel
Getting Your Rav Kav Card
Where to Get It
Option 1: Central Bus Stations
ï Customer service centers
ï Available at most major stations
ï Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, etc.
ï Can get both anonymous and personalized
Option 2: Train Stations
ï Israel Railways service counters
ï Major stations have Rav Kav service
ï Can get and reload cards
Option 3: Post Offices
ï Many post offices sell Rav Kav
ï Convenient location in every neighborhood
ï Can handle personalization
Option 4: Some Bus Drivers
ï Can sometimes buy anonymous cards from driver
ï Not all drivers carry them
ï Not reliable, but possible
Option 5: Automated Kiosks
ï At major stations and some stops
ï Can purchase anonymous cards
ï Can reload existing cards
ï Touch screen interface (Hebrew/English)
Getting a Personalized Card
What you need:
ï Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) or passport + visa
ï Recent photo (passport-style)
ï Proof of student status (if student card)
ï Senior ID or birth certificate (if senior card)
Application process:
- Go to Rav Kav service center (station, train station, some post offices)
- Fill out application form
- Provide ID and photo
- Pay ₪5 fee
- Card issued immediately OR
- Sometimes mailed within 2 weeks (get temporary card meanwhile)
For students:
ï Bring student ID and acceptance letter
ï Must be from recognized institution
ï Ulpan students usually NOT eligible
ï University/college students ARE eligible
For seniors:
ï Bring ID showing age
ï Automatic eligibility at 60 (women) or 65 (men)
For IDF/National Service:
ï Bring military ID or service certificate
ï Different process through military system
ï Often issued through base
Activating Your Card
New card activation:
ï Usually activated when purchased
ï First-time use may require validation at machine
ï Load money or pass before using
ï Some cards need 24-hour activation period
Loading Money & Passes
Stored Value (Calcala - ָלהכְּלָכַּ)
What it is:
ï Money loaded onto card
ï Automatically deducted per ride
ï Called "Calcala" or "stored value"
ï No expiration (balance stays on card)
How much to load:
ï Minimum: ₪10 usually
ï Maximum: ₪1,000
ï Most people load: ₪100-300 at a time
ï Depends on usage
Where to load:
ï Service centers (stations, post offices)
ï Automated kiosks
ï Online at www.rav-kav.co.il
ï Rav Kav app
ï Some grocery/convenience stores
Fare deduction:
ï Bus: Fixed rate per trip (₪5.90-6.90 typically)
ï Train: Distance-based (₪5.50-50+)
ï Light rail: Flat rate (₪5.90)
ï Transfers: Free within 90 minutes
Monthly Passes (Chofshi Chodshi - חודשי חופשי)
The best value for regular commuters:
What it is:
ï Unlimited rides for a calendar month
ï Valid 1st-last day of month only
ï Available for specific routes or zones
ï Personalized card required
Types of monthly passes:
1. Chofshi Chodshi - Specific Route
ï One bus route only
ï Unlimited rides on that route
ï Cheapest option if using one route
ï Cost: ₪180-220 typically
2. Chofshi Chodshi - Company/Region
ï All routes in specific area by one company
ï Example: All Egged buses in Jerusalem
ï More flexibility than single route
ï Cost: ₪230-270 typically
3. Chofshi Chodshi Artzi (National)
ï All buses nationwide
ï Most expensive but maximum flexibility
ï Good for frequent inter-city travel
ï Cost: ₪750-900
4. Chofshi Chodshi Cartis (Multi-Company)
ï Multiple companies in one area
ï Example: All buses in Tel Aviv (Dan, Kavim, Egged)
ï Very popular in major cities
ï Cost: ₪250-300 typically
5. Train Monthly Pass
ï Unlimited train travel
ï Specific route or nationwide
ï Can combine with bus pass
ï Cost: ₪200-800 depending on route
Where to buy monthly passes:
ï Must purchase from service center or online
ï Cannot buy from bus driver
ï Must have personalized Rav Kav
ï Available starting mid-month for next month
Important notes:
ï Valid for calendar month ONLY (not 30 days from purchase)
ï Buying on May 15? Only valid for June 1-30
ï No refunds or extensions
ï Cannot share with others (personalized)
ï Shows your photo when scanned
Break-even calculation:
ï Single ride: ~₪6
ï Monthly pass: ~₪250
ï Break-even: ~42 rides per month
ï Or: 21 round-trips per month
ï If commuting daily: HUGE savings
Discount Tickets (Cartisiya Mehuzemet - ֶזֶמתוְּמח היְּרִטיִסָכַּ)
Bulk-purchase discounted rides:
ï Buy package of tickets at discount
ï Stored on card like monthly pass
ï Cheaper than paying per ride
ï More flexible than monthly pass
Common packages:
ï 10 rides: ~5% discount
ï 20 rides: ~10% discount
ï 40 rides: ~15% discount
ï Valid for several months
Good for:
ï Irregular commuters
ï Use transit 2-3 days per week
ï Want savings without monthly commitment
Using Your Rav Kav Card
On Buses
Boarding process:
- Enter through front door
- Hold Rav Kav near card reader
- Wait for beep and green light
- Check display shows fare deducted
- Take your card
- Find a seat
Card reader location:
ï Next to driver
ï Yellow/blue electronic reader
ï Has screen showing balance/status
Important:
ï Must tap when boarding
ï No need to tap when exiting (most buses)
ï Keep card on reader for 1-2 seconds
ï Screen shows remaining balance
If insufficient balance:
ï Reader beeps red
ï Shows "מספיקה לא יתרה" (insufficient balance)
ï Driver may let you board once
ï Reload ASAP
Transfers within 90 minutes:
ï First ride: Full fare charged
ï Second ride within 90 min: Free
ï Third ride within 90 min: Free
ï Valid on same or different bus lines
ï Automatic - just tap card
Night buses:
ï Premium fare (50% more, usually ~₪9-10)
ï Still deducted from Rav Kav
ï Monthly passes usually valid
On Trains
Station entry:
- Tap Rav Kav at entrance gate
- Gate opens
- Board train
- Travel to destination
Station exit:
- Tap Rav Kav at exit gate
- System calculates fare based on distance
- Amount deducted
- Gate opens
Important differences from buses:
ï MUST tap entering AND exiting
ï Forget to tap out? Charged maximum fare
ï Can't exit without tapping
ï Distance-based pricing
Fare zones:
ï More zones = higher fare
ï Jerusalem-Tel Aviv: ~₪23-25
ï Tel Aviv-Haifa: ~₪32-37
ï Short trips: ~₪5.50-13.50
Monthly pass:
ï Tap at gates but not charged
ï System recognizes pass
ï Still must tap for gate to open
On Light Rail (Jerusalem)
How to use:
- Tap card at platform validator BEFORE boarding
- Yellow validation machines on platform
- Wait for beep/green light
- Board any door
- No need to tap when exiting
Important:
ï Validate BEFORE boarding
ï Inspectors check on train
ï Fine for not validating: ₪180
ï No excuses accepted
Flat fare:
ï All rides: ₪5.90
ï Regardless of distance
ï Transfers to buses: Free within 90 min
On Cable Cars (Haifa)
Carmelit (Haifa Underground):
ï Tap Rav Kav at station entrance
ï Flat fare: ₪6.60
ï Works like mini-metro
ï 6 stations total
Haifa Cable Car:
ï Different system (not Rav Kav integrated yet)
ï Check current payment method
Mobile Apps for Public Transport
1. Moovit (ִביטוּמ) - ESSENTIAL APP
Best overall navigation app:
Features:
ï Real-time bus/train arrival times
ï Trip planning door-to-door
ï Step-by-step navigation
ï Works offline (saved routes)
ï Multiple route options
ï Estimated arrival times
ï Alerts for your stop
ï Wheelchair accessibility info
ï Available in English, Hebrew, Arabic
How to use:
- Download: iOS/Android
- Enter destination
- See route options (fastest, least transfers, etc.)
- Choose route
- Get walking directions to stop
- Real-time countdown to bus/train arrival
- Board transport
- Get alert when approaching your stop
- Walking directions to final destination
Why it's essential:
ï Most accurate real-time data in Israel
ï Integrates all transport (buses, trains, light rail)
ï Shows exact bus locations on map
ï Better than Google Maps for Israeli transit
ï Free with ads, or premium subscription
Pro tips:
ï Set frequent destinations as favorites
ï Enable notifications for your regular routes
ï Use "arrive by" feature for appointments
ï Check multiple route options
ï Download offline maps for emergencies
2. Google Maps
Also useful, but second choice: Features:
ï Trip planning with public transit
ï Walking/driving directions
ï Integration with other services
ï Familiar interface
Limitations:
ï Less accurate real-time data than Moovit
ï Sometimes outdated route info
ï Better for overview, not specific timing
When to use:
ï Planning general route
ï Checking overall travel time
ï Combined with other navigation needs
ï International travel (better outside Israel)
3. Rav Kav Online App (ליין-און קו-רב)
Official Rav Kav app:
Features:
ï Check card balance
ï View transaction history
ï Reload money remotely
ï Purchase monthly passes
ï Report lost/stolen card
ï Find service centers
Useful for:
ï Checking balance before travel
ï Reloading from anywhere
ï Managing your card
Limitations:
ï Only for personalized cards
ï Registration required
ï Hebrew interface (some English)
ï Not for trip planning
Setup:
- Download app
- Register with ID number and card number
- Link credit card for reloads
- Access your card info anytime
4. HopOn (הופאון)
Alternative payment method:
Features:
ï Pay with phone (NFC)
ï No Rav Kav needed
ï Scan QR code on bus/train
ï Credit card linked to account
ï Automatic transfers
How it works:
- Download app
- Register and link credit card
- At transport: Open app, scan QR code or tap phone
- Fare charged to credit card
- Transfers tracked automatically
Pros:
ï Don't need to carry Rav Kav
ï Don't need to reload
ï Automatic payment
ï Good for occasional users
Cons:
ï Can't use monthly passes
ï Slightly higher fees
ï Not all buses have QR codes
ï Requires smartphone with NFC/camera
ï Sometimes slower than Rav Kav tap
Best for:
ï Tourists
ï Occasional riders
ï Tech-savvy users
ï Backup if Rav Kav forgotten
5. Pango (פנגו) - Parking, NOT Transit
Important clarification:
ï Pango is for PARKING payment
ï NOT for public transportation
ï Extremely useful for street parking
ï But different system
What Pango does:
ï Pay for street parking via app
ï No need for meters
ï Stop payment when leaving
ï Get reminders when time running out
Mention here because:
ï New Olim often confuse it with transit app
ï Essential app, but different purpose
ï Download both Moovit AND Pango
6. Israel Railways App (ישראל רכבת)
Official train app:
Features:
ï Train schedules
ï Real-time updates
ï Platform information
ï Purchase tickets (can load to Rav Kav remotely)
ï Delay notifications
ï Station info
Useful for:
ï Planning train trips specifically
ï Checking delays
ï Finding platforms
ï Buying tickets in advance
Also available:
ï Website: www.rail.co.il
ï English version available
ï More detailed than Moovit for trains only
7. Dan Bus App (באוטובוס - דן)
For Dan buses (Tel Aviv area):
Features:
ï Route information
ï Schedules
ï Trip planner (Dan buses only)
ï Service updates
Limitations:
ï Only Dan company buses
ï Less useful than Moovit (which includes all companies)
ï Redundant if you have Moovit
When useful:
ï Want Dan-specific info
ï Complementary to Moovit
8. Egged App
For Egged buses (largest bus company): Features:
ï Route finder
ï Schedules
ï Service updates
ï Trip planner (Egged only)
Similar to Dan app:
ï Company-specific
ï Less comprehensive than Moovit
ï Useful as supplement
City-Specific Transport Information
Jerusalem
Transport options:
ï **Light Rail: **1 line (more coming)
ï **Buses: **Primarily Egged
ï **Rav Kav: **Essential
Popular routes:
ï Line 1 Light Rail: Pisgat Ze'ev - Herzl
ï Bus routes: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 38, 40,
74, 75 (many more)
Monthly pass:
ï Chofshi Chodshi Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)
ï ~₪270
ï Unlimited Egged buses + light rail
ï Best value for residents
Tips:
ï Light rail runs through center
ï Buses to neighborhoods
ï No service Friday evening - Saturday evening (Shabbat)
ï Limited night service
ï Very hilly - use bus even for "short" distances
Tel Aviv & Metropolitan Area
Transport options:
ï **Buses: **Dan, Egged, Kavim, Metropoline
ï **Trains: **Through city to suburbs
ï **Future: **Metro under construction (2029+)
ï **Rav Kav: **Essential
Main companies:
ï **Dan: **Tel Aviv city buses (red buses)
ï **Egged: **Inter-city and some city routes
ï **Kavim: **Eastern suburbs
ï **Metropoline: **Some routes
Monthly pass:
ï Chofshi Chodshi Gush Dan (Greater Tel Aviv)
ï ~₪270-300
ï All companies in region
ï Unlimited travel
ï Essential for commuters
Popular routes:
ï Route 4, 5: Along coast
ï Route 39: North-South through center
ï Route 61, 271: To Ramat Aviv
ï Route 1, 189: Central and beyond
Tips:
ï Very good bus coverage
ï Buses run frequently
ï Train connects to suburbs (Herzliya, Netanya, etc.)
ï Some 24-hour routes
ï Better weekend service than Jerusalem
ï Can walk many places in city center
Haifa
Transport options:
ï **Buses: **Egged, Metronit BRT
ï **Carmelit: **Underground funicular (6 stations)
ï **Train: **Coastal line
ï **Cable cars: **Various systems
ï **Rav Kav: **Essential
Unique features:
ï **Metronit: **Bus Rapid Transit system
ï Dedicated lanes
ï High frequency
ï Connects top and bottom of city
ï Station-based boarding (validate before boarding)
Monthly pass:
ï Chofshi Chodshi Haifa
ï ~₪230-250
ï Unlimited buses + Carmelit
ï Good value for residents
Tips:
ï Very hilly city - transport essential
ï Carmelit for quick up/down mountain
ï Metronit most efficient
ï Good Shabbat bus service (unlike Jerusalem/Tel Aviv)
ï Many routes connect top/bottom of city
Be'er Sheva
Transport options:
ï **Buses: **Egged, Metropoline
ï **Train: **North to Tel Aviv/Haifa
ï **Rav Kav: **Essential
Monthly pass:
ï Chofshi Chodshi Be'er Sheva
ï ~₪230
ï Unlimited city buses
Tips:
ï Smaller city, fewer routes
ï Less frequent service than center
ï Train essential for leaving city
ï Hot climate - use buses
Other Cities
Netanya, Ashdod, Rehovot, Petach Tikva, etc.:
ï Primarily Egged buses
ï Regional monthly passes available
ï Often included in Greater Tel Aviv pass
ï Check specific city's transport website
Payment Methods Compared
Rav Kav vs. HopOn vs. Cash
Rav Kav: Cheapest per ride Fastest boarding (tap and go) Automatic transfers Can
load monthly passes Works everywhere One-time ₪5 cost Must reload in advance Need to carry physical card
HopOn: No card needed Pay only when riding Automatic transfers Easy for tourists
Slightly more expensive Can't use monthly passes Needs smartphone Sometimes slower
Cash (where still accepted): No setup needed Most expensive Exact change often
required No transfers Slower boarding Not accepted on all buses Not accepted on trains/light rail
Recommendation:
ï **Regular riders: **Personalized Rav Kav + monthly pass
ï **Occasional riders: **Rav Kav with stored value
ï **Tourists (short visit): **HopOn or anonymous Rav Kav
ï **Never use cash **unless absolute emergency
Discounts & Special Rates
Student Discounts
Eligibility:
ï Full-time students at recognized institutions
ï Universities, colleges
ï Some trade schools
ï Usually NOT Ulpan students
Discount:
ï ~30% off regular fares
ï Applies to single rides and monthly passes
ï Student Chofshi Chodshi: ~₪189-210 (vs. ~₪270 regular)
How to get:
ï Apply at Rav Kav service center
ï Bring student ID and acceptance letter
ï Sometimes need school's authorization letter
ï Valid for academic year, must renew
Senior Discounts
Eligibility:
ï Men 65+
ï Women 60+
ï Israeli residents
Discount:
ï 50% off most bus routes
ï Free on some municipal routes
ï Reduced train fares
ï Senior Chofshi Chodshi: ~₪135-150
How to get:
ï Bring ID to Rav Kav service center
ï Show proof of age
ï Automatic eligibility
IDF & National Service
Eligibility:
ï Active duty IDF soldiers
ï National service volunteers (Sherut Leumi)
ï Must be in uniform or have military ID
Benefit:
ï FREE travel on most public transport
ï Buses, trains, light rail
ï Nationwide
How to get:
ï Special military Rav Kav
ï Issued through military system
ï Or show military ID to driver
Important:
ï Must wear uniform or show military ID when requested
ï Inspectors check frequently
ï Don't abuse - it's a privilege
Disabled & Accessibility
Benefits:
ï Discounted fares
ï Free companion ticket
ï Priority seating
ï Accessible vehicles
How to qualify:
ï Disability certificate from Bituach Leumi
ï Special Rav Kav designation
ï Apply through social services
Large Family Discounts
Eligibility:
ï Families with 4+ children
ï Israeli residents
Discount:
ï Reduced monthly passes for family members
ï Apply through local authority
Tips for New Immigrants (Olim)
First Month: Getting Started
Week 1:
- Download Moovit app
- Get anonymous Rav Kav (₪5)
- Load ₪100 to start
- Learn your essential routes (home-ulpan, home-grocery, etc.)
Week 2-4:
- Figure out your regular routes
- Calculate monthly costs
- If using daily: Get personalized card
- Apply for student discount (if eligible)
Month 2+:
- Purchase monthly pass if makes sense
- Set up Rav Kav app for easy reloading
- Learn alternative routes
- Get comfortable with system
Money-Saving Strategies
For daily commuters:
ï Monthly pass pays for itself in ~20-22 round trips
ï If commuting to work/school 5 days/week, it's a no-brainer
ï Calculate: Current monthly spending vs. pass cost
For occasional users:
ï Stored value on Rav Kav
ï Transfer system saves money (90-min free transfers)
ï Plan trips to maximize transfers
For students:
ï GET STUDENT DISCOUNT (30% savings)
ï Student monthly pass: ~₪190 vs. ₪270 regular
ï Over 9 months: Save ~₪720
For families:
ï One personalized card per family member
ï Share anonymous card for occasional teen use (technically not allowed but common)
ï Monthly passes for regular commuters only
ï Calculate per-person costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying daily tickets from driver (if still possible)
ï Most expensive option
ï No transfers
ï Wastes time
Not using transfer system
ï Change buses within 90 minutes = free
ï Many people don't realize this
ï Can save ₪100s monthly
Buying monthly pass mid-month
ï Only valid until end of that month
ï Wait and buy for following month
ï Or buy "half month" if available
Not getting student discount
ï Leaving ₪80/month on table
ï Simple application process
ï Huge savings over year
Forgetting to tap card
ï Fine on light rail: ₪180
ï Maximum fare charged on train
ï Just tap every time!
Using anonymous instead of personalized
ï Lose card = lose money
ï Can't get monthly pass
ï Miss out on discounts
Not reloading before balance runs out
ï Awkward situation with driver
ï Delays boarding
ï Check balance regularly
Paying cash (if accepted)
ï Most expensive
ï No transfers
ï Just don't
Cultural Tips
Israeli bus culture:
ï Boarding can be chaotic (not orderly queues)
ï Driver may leave while you're walking to seat
ï People may not move for you to pass
ï Say "slicha" (excuse me) to get through
ï Back door opens automatically for exits
ï Ring bell before your stop
ï Thank driver when exiting (common courtesy)
Rush hour realities:
ï 7:00-9:00 AM: Very crowded
ï 4:00-7:00 PM: Very crowded
ï Buses may pass by if too full
ï Plan extra time
ï Consider earlier/later travel
Shabbat (Friday evening - Saturday evening):
ï NO public transport in most cities
ï Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, most of country: Completely shut down
ï Haifa: Limited service
ï Plan ahead!
ï Last buses: ~2 hours before sunset Friday
ï Resume: ~1 hour after sunset Saturday
Holidays:
ï Similar to Shabbat
ï No service on major holidays
ï Limited or no service on holiday eves
ï Check in advance
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Card Not Working
**Problem: **Card reader beeps red/doesn't read
Solutions:
- Hold card flat on reader for 2 seconds
- Remove from wallet (metal/other cards interfere)
- Check if card damaged (bent, cracked)
- Check balance (may be insufficient)
- Try different reader on same bus
- Visit service center to check card status
Charged Wrong Amount Problem: **Deducted more than expected **Solutions:
- Check if night bus (higher fare)
- Check if transferred outside 90-min window
- Check transaction history (app or service center)
- Dispute at service center with receipt/details
- Usually can be resolved if legitimate error
Lost or Stolen Card
Anonymous card:
ï Balance is GONE
ï No recovery possible
ï Buy new card
Personalized card:
- Report immediately via app or hotline
- Card blocked to prevent misuse
- Balance transferred to new card
- Pay ₪5 for replacement card
- Pick up at service center or wait for mail
Hotline: *8787
Forgot to Tap Out (Train) Problem: **Charged maximum fare **Solutions:
- Keep receipt from entry
- Visit train station service desk
- Explain route traveled
- May credit difference (sometimes, not always)
- For future: Set phone alarm/reminder to tap out
Monthly Pass Not Working Problem: **Pass doesn't register **Solutions:
- Verify it's active (check dates)
- Check if on correct route/company
- May not be loaded to card yet (24-hour delay sometimes)
- Visit service center to verify pass is loaded
- Check if pass expired
App Issues
**Problem: **Can't reload via app
Solutions:
- Check internet connection
- Verify card is registered
- Update app
- Try website instead: www.rav-kav.co.il
- Contact support: [email protected]
- Use service center as backup
Alternative & Future Transport Options
Bike Sharing
Tel Aviv - Tel-O-Fun:
ï Bike-sharing system
ï ₪17-70/month subscriptions
ï Good for short trips
ï 200+ stations
ï Alternative to buses for city travel
Other cities:
ï Various bike-share programs
ï Growing infrastructure
ï Check local municipal websites
Scooter Sharing
E-scooter companies:
ï Lime, Wind, Bird (availability varies)
ï App-based rental
ï Pay per minute
ï Good for first/last mile
ï Complement to public transport
Shared Taxis (Sherut - שירות)
What they are:
ï Minivans on fixed routes
ï Depart when full
ï Slightly more than bus
ï Faster than bus (fewer stops)
ï Run on Shabbat in some cities!
Payment:
ï Cash to driver
ï Rav Kav not accepted typically
ï ~₪8-12 per ride
Popular routes:
ï Tel Aviv - Jerusalem
ï Tel Aviv - Netanya
ï Various inter-city routes
Advantages:
ï Run on Shabbat (huge benefit!)
ï Faster than buses
ï Door-to-door in some cases
Future: Tel Aviv Metro
Under construction:
ï 3 metro lines planned
ï Red, Green, Purple lines
ï Opening: 2029-2035 (optimistic)
ï Will revolutionize Tel Aviv transport
What to expect:
ï Underground rapid transit
ï Connect to trains and buses
ï Rav Kav integration
ï Frequent service
ï Game-changer for city
Current status:
ï Major construction underway
ï Expect disruptions
ï Still several years away
ï Follow progress: www.metro.gov.il
Essential Phrases & Hebrew Terms
At the Bus Stop
**English **→ **Hebrew **(Pronunciation)
ï Bus → אוטובוס (Otobus)
ï Bus stop → תחנה (Tachana)
ï Where is the bus to...? → ל האוטובוס איפה...? (Eifo ha'otobus le...?)
ï Which line goes to...? → ל נוסע קו איזה...? (Eize kav nosea le...?)
ï When does it arrive? → מגיע הוא מתי? (Matai hu magia?)
ï Does this bus go to...? → ל נוסע הזה האוטובוס...? (Ha'otobus haze nosea le...?)
On the Bus
ï I want to get off → לרדת רוצה אני (Ani rotze/rotza laredet)
ï Excuse me → סליחה (Slicha)
ï Next stop → הבאה תחנה (Tachana haba'a)
ï Stop! → תעצור! (Ta'atzor!)
ï Thank you → תודה (Toda)
At Service Center
ï Rav Kav card → קו-רב כרטיס (Kartis Rav Kav)
ï Monthly pass → חודשי חופשי (Chofshi Chodshi)
ï Reload → טעינה (Te'ina)
ï Balance → יתרה (Yitra)
ï Student discount → לסטודנט הנחה (Hanacha le'student)
Useful Terms
ï Transfer → העברה (Ha'avara)
ï Fare → תעריף (Ta'arif)
ï Ticket → כרטיס (Kartis)
ï Platform → רציף (Ratzif)
ï Train → רכבת (Rakevet)
ï Station → תחנה (Tachana)
ï Light rail → קלה רכבת (Rakevet kala)
Contact Information & Resources
Rav Kav Customer Service
Hotline: *8787 (from Israel) Hours: **Sunday-Thursday 7:00-22:00, Friday 7:00-14:00 **Website:
www.rav-kav.co.il (Hebrew/English) **Email: **[email protected]
Israel Railways
Hotline: *5770 **Website: www.rail.co.il** (Hebrew/English) **App: **Israel Railways (iOS/Android)
Major Bus Companies
Egged:
ï Hotline: *2800
ï Website: www.egged.co.il
Dan:
ï Hotline: *8787
ï Website: www.dan.co.il
Metropoline:
ï Hotline: *8787
ï Website: www.metropoline.com
Jerusalem Light Rail
Hotline: *3686 **Website: www.citypass.co.il
Useful Websites
Ministry of Transport: www.gov.il/transport Moovit: www.moovit.com Google Maps:
Bottom Line Summary
Your Essential Setup
First priority:
- Download Moovit app
- Get Rav Kav card (personalized if staying long-term)
- Load money or get monthly pass
- Learn your regular routes
- Set up Rav Kav app for easy management
Best value for money:
ï Regular commuter (20+ trips/month): Monthly pass
ï Occasional user: Stored value + transfers
ï Student: Student monthly pass (₪190 vs. ₪270)
ï Senior: Senior discounts (50% off)
Essential apps:
ï **Moovit: **Trip planning and real-time arrivals (MUST HAVE)
ï **Rav Kav Online: **Manage your card
ï **Pango: **Parking (different system but essential too)
Remember:
ï Tap card when boarding
ï Free transfers within 90 minutes
ï No service on Shabbat (most cities)
ï Monthly pass = calendar month only
ï Personalized card can be replaced if lost
ï Check balance before traveling
The Rav Kav card is your lifeline to mobility in Israel. Get it, load it, use it, and save money!
Would you like specific information about:
ï Routes in your specific neighborhood?
ï Detailed cost analysis for your situation?
ï Comparing monthly pass vs. per-ride costs?
ï Navigating specific journey?
Updated on: 02/02/2026
Thank you!