FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Middle East > Israel > Tel Aviv

Local time Tel Aviv

Currency

Getting around Tel Aviv

Public transport

The city's fast, punctual and economical bus network is operated by Dan (tel: +972 3 639 4444; www.dan.co.il). Most routes run daily 0530-2400 (except Shabbat), starting and finishing at the Central Bus Station, 108 Levinski Street.

To use them, it is best to purchase a reloadable Rav-Kav smartcard as buying a single-trip bus ticket can be tricky. This is because some buses allow you to purchase a ticket directly from the driver by using notes or coins, but others buses only allow you to purchase a ticket on board from an automated machine which only accepts coins or credit cards.

Taxis

Taxis, whether hailed on the street or pre-booked, have meters charging either Tariff 1 (Sun-Fri 0530-2100) or Tariff 2 (every day 2101-0529 as well as weekends, holidays, and Shabbat). Tariff 2 rates are 25% higher than Tariff 1. The driver is legally obliged to activate the meter, although some drivers who pick up foreign visitors from major train and bus stations may be reluctant to do so.

There are scores of small taxi firms and one-man cab operators in the city. There is no Uber but you can order a taxi with a Gett app (gett.com/il) which contacts the nearest free cab and directs it to the customer.

A sherut is a shared taxi. The name literally means 'service', ie service taxi (but visitors should be aware that the plural, sherutim, also means 'toilets'). These stretched Mercedes or minibuses, seating up to 10, generally follow bus routes and can be hailed anywhere on the route. Some sheruts run on Shabbat. They are cheaper than taxis.

Driving

Tel Aviv suffers from serious traffic problems, and parking is heavily controlled. The EasyPark smartcard system (www.easypark.co.il) will automatically deduct parking fees from the driver's credit or debit card. You can also buy traditional parking cards from street kiosks, post offices and gas stations.

Many streets have 'residents only' parking. Colour coded kerbs indicate the parking restrictions. Blue and white means you need a pre-paid parking card. Visitors should not park where there is any other kerbside colour. There are also unregulated pay-to-enter parking lots scattered about the city.

Car hire

To hire a car you need a passport and a valid driving licence - drivers must be over 21, although those between the ages of 21 and 23 may be charged more for insurance. Car hire agencies also sell the mandatory insurance required in Tel Aviv.

Major firms include Eldan (tel: +972 3 527 1166; www.eldan.co.il/en), Avis (tel: +972 3 527 1752; www.avis.co.il) and Hertz (tel: +972 3 527 9821; www.hertz.co.il).

Bicycle hire

The city has 70km (43 miles) of marked bike lanes and cycle routes, as well as its own bikeshare scheme called Tel-O-Fun (www.tel-o-fun.co.il/en). You can pick up the distinctive green bikes at numerous rental points in streets all over the city. There's a basic subscription charge plus a timed usage rate, which is free for the first 30 minutes of any rental.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Related Articles

City Highlight: Tel Aviv

Easy-going Tel Aviv is a hypnotic blend of beachside adventure, gleaming Bauhaus architecture, thriving café culture and thrumming nightlife

48 hours in Israel – an itinerary fit for a Prince

Roll out the red carpet; Prince William heads to Israel for an eventful 48 hours, you can recreate the itinerary with more free time and less pomp

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

David InterContinental

A gargantuan 5-star hotel, much of the David InterContinental’s clientele are here for business, but don’t let that put you off – a night spent here feels surprisingly intimate. Just across the road from Charles Clore Park and the beach, it’s a few minutes’ walk from Carmel Market and the Yemenite Quarter. Good value, apart from expensive Wi-Fi.

The Rothschild

Housed within a gorgeous, buttercup yellow building that’s almost as old as Israel itself, The Rothschild is a real sanctuary thanks to its tranquil courtyard and sympathetic décor. Service is top quality, as is the food served in the restaurant. Elsewhere, the emphasis is on natural – including the toiletries.

Dan

The longest standing of Tel Aviv’s upmarket beachfront hotels, the Dan's unusual low-rise building and colourful exterior (on the beach side) makes an interesting change to the identikit high-rises that surrounds it. However, because of its age, some rooms seem to be at a lower standard than the price and reputation suggest.

The Diaghilev

This is a hotel where art takes centre stage. The décor combines white walls with bright furniture and even brighter artworks, all of which are for sale. Rooms are pleasant and comfortable and there's a restaurant serving excellent local fare on site. All the city centre attractions are close by.

Cinema Hotel

Formerly a Bauhaus cinema, this stylish little hotel is right in the city centre, just off Dizengoff Square. The comfortable, attractively furnished rooms have plenty of amenities, among them a fridge, beach towels and free Wi-Fi, and there’s a free sauna, rooftop terrace and business lounge too.

The Beachfront Hostel

A basic combination of hostel and hotel, The Beachfront is a little shabby and has amenities that some may find inadequate, particularly the dormitory-style rooms. But there’s hardly anywhere cheaper to stay in Tel Aviv, and it’s right on the beach. Breakfast is not included, but is offered at a restaurant next door.