It’s simple to get from the vibrant coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv to historic Jerusalem in around an hour! There are incredible tours in Jerusalem, and fascinating tours of Tel Aviv, and everything in between! Ticket prices for buses, trains, and sheruts are competitive. If you wish to drive, it’s a relatively straight line from one city to the other. If you need additional information on how to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, read below and choose the best mode of transport for you!
Getting from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by Train
Getting from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is even easier since the high-speed train network began to operate between the two cities. The railway line opened in 2018 and is much faster than the older line, which is still in service. The fast train from Tel Aviv HaHagana Station to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station takes between 35 and 45 minutes. It stops at Ben Gurion Airport . There are further services tin the future to Savidor Central Station in Tel Aviv. They will add potentially more locations in the city. The cost of a one-way rail ticket is around $5-6 USD. Trains are modern, with air conditioning and USB plugs allowing for a comfortable journey.
Driving A Private Car
It’s easy to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by private car. It also gives you the chance to spend the whole day immersing yourself in the country’s food culture. Start with a Carmel Market tasting tour, head to Jerusalem, and finish with a market tour and cooking class! If you plan to make the trip, you can reserve a rental car to collect near your hotel or from Ben Gurion International Airport.
Several car hire companies have offices in Tel Aviv including, Avis and Hertz, who both have offices along HaYarkon Street by the beach. The fastest driving route to Jerusalem is via Highway 1 with a journey time of around one hour. En route, you can gain amazing views of the Judean Mountains and stop off at local landmarks along the way. Alternatively, take scenic route 431, detour to Modiin and explore nearby Emmaus Nicopolis and picturesque Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve. We offer more tips to our guide on getting around in Israel.
Taking the Bus from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
Buses from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem operate from Tel Aviv-Yafo Arlozorov Bus Terminal and from the new Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. The cost of a one-way ticket is around $5 USD and children under the age of 5 travel free. The number 480 bus leaves Tel Aviv-Yafo Arlozorov Terminal 2000 every 10 minutes from just before 6 am until 12 midnight. Times vary on Friday and Saturday due to Shabbat, with buses on Friday stopping early afternoon and resuming after 6 pm on Saturday evening. Alternatively, the 405 bus leaves every 20 minutes from central bus station from Sunday to Thursday with fewer services on Friday and Saturday. The central station in Jerusalem is a great place to catch buses across the country, and can take you all the way to the south for a Petra day tour from Eilat.
Traveling by Sherut
A sherut is a minibus style, shared vehicle which can transport you from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. They leave from outside central bus station and cost around $5-6 USD one-way. This is a fixed fare to transport you from A to B, and if you want to disembark at another location you will still have to pay the full fare. You may have to wait a short while before the minibus departs, as drivers will only leave when the vehicle is completely full (around 10-12 people). Don’t worry though, this sociable mode of transport is popular with locals and you won’t have to wait very long.
Taxi from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
One of the easiest, but by far the most expensive way to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is by taxi. It’s ideal if there are a few of you travelling together to split the cost. You can hail a taxi from almost anywhere in Tel Aviv. Always remember to agree a price before you depart or ask the driver to turn on the meter. Some taxi drivers charge extra for luggage, more passengers, and transport on Shabbat, so be sure to clarify first. The cost will usually be around $75 USD one way with a journey time of around an hour.
Driving Through Israel
No matter where you decide to visit, whether that’s Tel Aviv’s best restaurants or a pick from our spa and wellness guide to Israel, now you know how to go! You can also see our hotels in Tel Aviv and our hotels in Jerusalem to make planning even more simple.
