Israel Railways (tel: (03) 577 4000; website: www.israrail.org.il) is the national rail transport provider. Railways in Israel, previously an unused legacy of British Palestine, have undergone a rapid revival and expansion, with new, modern air-conditioned trains brought into service and new railway tracks laid.

Tel Aviv Central Station (tel: (03) 693 7456) is located to the north of the city centre, at the junction of Haifa Road, Arlosoroff Street and Peta Tikva Road. It is the city’s main station serving national destinations as well as suburban routes. Facilities include tourist information, ATM, public telephones, restaurant, cafeteria, shops and secure parking. There are three other stations in Tel Aviv.

Rail services: Currently there are six routes in operation, with regular services down the coast from Nahariya to Ben Gurion Airport, stopping at Akko (Acre), three stations in Haifa, Binyamina, four stations in Tel Aviv, and five other smaller locations en route. A second line runs from Binyamina and Caesarea to Ashkelon, via Netanya, Herzliya, Tel Aviv and Ashdod. The other lines run from Tel Aviv to Kfar Saba; to Beersheva; to Rishon le Zion; and between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which follows a particularly scenic route. Reserved seats may be ordered in advance. There is no railway service on Shabbat and public holidays.

Trains from Tel Aviv to Haifa take about one hour 15 minutes. Tel Aviv to Beersheva takes 70 minutes. There is also a service several times daily to Jerusalem, which is scenic but much slower than road travel. Tickets can be bought at the train station upon departure.