Wondering about the best ways to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? We’ve got you covered. Although transportation in Israel might be more complicated than in other developed countries, the way between those two major cities is as easy as it gets. Here are all of the different ways to make the journey between the two busiest and most popular cities of Israel.
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by train
Israel’s railway system is widely considered to be the most convenient public transportation option here. Although in the past, the train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem used to be very slow, it has seen major upgrades in the past few years and is now the fastest way to go between the cities.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem train stations
Tel Aviv has four different train stations, making it easy to get to a train station from every part of the city. The two most convenient and central of them are Tel Aviv Savidor Center station, also known as Arlozorov, and Tel Aviv Hashalom station.
On the other hand, Jerusalem only has one train station: Yitzhak Navon Jerusalem Train Station, which is located right next to the Jerusalem main Bus Station. From here, you can take the Jerusalem Light Rail, or take a walk to the city center, as the main station is within walking distance from sites like Machane Yehuda Market.
Price: 24 ILS
Time: 37-52 mins, depending on the station of origin in Tel Aviv.
Operating hours:
weekdays: 5:30-11:10
Friday: early morning-afternoon. Since there’s no public transportation in Israel on weekends, it’s important to check the exact train schedule before you make your journey.
Saturday: trains start in the evening time, usually one hour after sunset. It is highly recommended to check the schedule in advance if you plan to take the train on Saturday evening.
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by bus
Although Israel’s bus system is not as developed as other countries, the buses between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are relatively convenient and fast. Road number 1, which goes between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, has a separate fast lane, which enables the buses to avoid most of the traffic and make the journey in a short time, making it almost equal to the train time. Just like with the train, when taking the bus, it’s important to be aware of the bus schedule on weekends.
Bus number 480
The most common and recommended bus line to take from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Bus number 480 leaves from Tel Aviv Savidor Center Bus Terminal, also known as Terminal 2000. This bus is pretty fast and convenient, as it only makes 1-2 stops on the way, and leaves every 10-20 minutes.
Time and fees:
50 mins- 1 hour; 16 ILS
Bus number 405
An alternative option for those who are staying in southern Tel Aviv is bus number 405, which leaves from the 7th floor of Tel Aviv Main station and also makes a stop at LaGuardia Interchange. Bus 405 also makes minimal stops on the way, and gets to Jerusalem within 1 hour. However, it is important to know that the Tel Aviv Main station is not in very good condition, and is considered to be one of the least safe areas of the city. For those reasons, we would only recommend bus 405 for those who are already staying nearby the Main Station.
Time and fees:
55-65 minutes ; 16 ILS
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by car
Of course, if you take a rental car from Tel Aviv, it is also very possible to make the journey by car, through road number 1. The transition between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by car usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your specific point of origin and destination within the cities, and traffic. In this regard, keep in mind that road number 1 from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem gets extremely busy during the afternoon on weekdays, so it is better to take the road at other times of the day.
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: Things to Keep in Mind
Although they are only one hour away from each other, it’s hard to find two cities with as many differences as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you make the transition between the cities.
Weather
While Tel Aviv is one of the hottest and most humid places in Israel, the weather in Jerusalem is completely different. Located in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem has a much cooler climate, which comes with chilly summer evenings, strong winds, and occasional snow in winter. So make sure you are properly dressed for both cities, with warm clothes for Jerusalem, and summer and beach wear for Tel Aviv.
Weekends
As Tel Aviv is the most liberal city in Israel (and in the entire Middle East), it is operating in a different way than most cities in Israel, especially when it comes to weekends. While during the Jewish weekends, most restaurants, supermarkets, and stores are open, and some public transportation is running within the city, it is definitely not the case in Jerusalem. During weekends and holidays, almost everything is shut down completely in Jerusalem, including supermarkets and pharmacies. For that reason, if you intend to spend the weekend in Jerusalem, it’s important to plan ahead, stock up on food, and keep the transportation limitations in mind.
