Taxis in Israel

Revised and Updated – April 2025

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on taxis in Israel! This guide answers common questions and concerns from travelers seeking reliable and up-to-date information about taxi services in Israel. It addresses fare structures, the pros and cons of using taxis in Israel, safety tips, and practical advice for smooth travel.

I hope this guide provides answers to all your questions. If you have any further inquiries or would like to request a quote for my taxi service in Israel, feel free to contact me through the form at the bottom of this page.

• Taxis in Israel are a popular and convenient mode of transportation, offering quick and easy travel both within cities and between them. Widely accessible, they provide a hassle-free way to get around.
• Most taxis in Israel come equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning as a standard feature. Driven primarily by friendly and knowledgeable locals, they are generally considered a safe and cost-effective option for travelers.
• Israeli taxis are easily recognizable by their white color and the yellow “Taxi” sign on top. In contrast, Palestinian taxis, commonly seen in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, are typically yellow and feature green license plates.

• Like many other travelers you may be wondering: ‘Is there Uber in Israel?‘ As of 2025, Uber does not operate in Israel and the same is true for Lyft. However, taxis in Israel can be easily booked through local ride-hailing apps such as Gett or Yango, that function as Uber alternatives in Israel. In most major cities, these apps can help you find a taxi quickly. One key advantage is that they display the fare upfront, preventing misunderstandings or overcharging.

• Hailing a taxi on the street is common in all major Israeli cities. Drivers must use the meter (Moneh in Hebrew) unless a fixed fare is agreed upon beforehand.
• The meter starts at 12.82 ILS, and fares fall into three categories based on the time and day. Israel’s workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with weekends on Friday and Saturday. Night and weekend fares apply from Thursday at 21:01 until Sunday at 6:00, as well as on Jewish holidays from 16:00 on the eve until 6:00 the following day.
• Additional charges include 5.92 ILS for ordering a taxi via phone or app, 5 ILS for airport pickups, and fees for toll roads or fast lanes. Older surcharges for extra luggage and multiple passengers are no longer valid (as of 2025).
• Payment can be made in cash, and most taxi companies accept credit cards, but it’s always best to confirm with the driver beforehand. At the end of the ride, the driver should print a receipt and provide it to you.

• Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Israel and is not expected. However, if your driver is exceptionally courteous or helpful, leaving some extra change as a token of appreciation will surely be welcomed.

• At Ben Gurion Airport, taxis are available at the designated taxi stand outside the arrivals hall. Taxi drivers are not permitted to solicit passengers inside the terminal, but this does occasionally happen. It’s best to avoid such offers, as they are likely from unauthorized drivers.
• You may ask the driver to suggest a fixed price before setting off. As of April 2025, a taxi ride from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem should cost up to 350 ILS, while a ride to Tel Aviv should cost up to 200 ILS. Prices may vary based on the exact destination and are typically higher during nights, holidays, and weekends.
• In case of a dispute, you may insist on using the meter, although most drivers will likely try to avoid it. Keep in mind that there is a surcharge for exiting the airport (5 ILS) and for using toll roads or fast lanes if needed. As mentioned above, older surcharges for extra luggage and multiple passengers are no longer valid (as of 2025).
• Public transportation in Israel does not operate during Jewish holidays and weekends (from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning). This includes buses, trains, light rails, etc., both within cities and between cities. For example, if your flight is expected to land on a Friday night or a Saturday afternoon, taxis will be your only available means of transportation for leaving the airport.
• Update: As of 2025, Gett is the designated operator of the taxi stand at Ben Gurion Airport for arriving passengers seeking taxi services. You can order a taxi via the Gett app on your smartphone or at kiosks located throughout the terminal, where you’ll get a code to show to an usher outside for your ride.
• Pay attention: Passengers have reported significantly long wait times outside the arrivals terminal due to an ongoing shortage of drivers. To sidestep these delays and ensure a seamless arrival, it is highly recommended to pre-book your taxi in advance to secure your ride ahead of time with a private taxi operator. This way, you can avoid the uncertainty of on-the-spot availability and enjoy a smoother travel experience, especially during peak hours, weekends, or holidays.

• Sherut (Hebrew for ‘service’) is a shared taxi service operated by 10-seater minivans that run within and between major cities in Israel. The fare is comparable to a bus ride, but unlike buses, sheruts operate on weekends. There are no designated stops – simply raise your hand, and the driver will pull over to pick you up. Once aboard, take a seat and pass your fare forward through the passengers sitting in front of you until it reaches the driver. Any change will be passed back the same way. When you’re ready to get off, simply inform the driver, and they’ll stop for you.
• In Tel Aviv, sheruts follow the routes of buses #4 and #5, traveling along the city’s main streets. For intercity travel, popular routes from Tel Aviv include Jerusalem, Netanya, Haifa, Rishon Le Zion, Ashdod, and Rehovot. Other major cities like Haifa and Beer-Sheva also have sheruts that connect to nearby towns.
• Sheruts are a more affordable option compared to regular taxis in Israel and are typically faster than buses. However, they may not be the best choice if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, as they tend to be cramped.
• Update: As of April 2025, the shared taxi services (sherut) that used to run from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and to Haifa are no longer operating.

• Most taxis in Israel are standard-sized sedans with regular trunks and no roof racks. These vehicles typically accommodate 3 passengers with large suitcases or 4 passengers with carry-ons. While larger taxis are available, they are less common and may be harder to find, especially at the airport or on the street. To avoid delays, it’s recommended to reserve a larger taxi in advance if you’re traveling with more luggage or a larger group.
• If you’re traveling with a group or carrying an excessive amount of luggage, it’s highly recommended to book a larger taxi in advance for the ride from the airport to your place of accommodation. This ensures you’ll have the appropriate vehicle waiting for you. To help the taxi operator provide the best option, be sure to specify both the number of passengers and the total luggage size (including the number of bags and their dimensions). This proactive step can save valuable time upon arrival and avoid the hassle of searching for a suitable taxi.

• Although rare, there have been incidents where taxi drivers attempt to overcharge unsuspecting visitors by manipulating the meter or taking unnecessarily longer routes.
• If you suspect dishonest behavior, it’s important to note the taxi number and the driver’s ID number, along with keeping the receipt. These details will be necessary when addressing the issue with the taxi company or if you choose to file a police report.

• In urban centers throughout Israel, taxis are easily accessible, offering convenient transportation options. However, in less frequented and more remote areas, the availability of taxis can be limited or even nonexistent. To avoid potential challenges, particularly when visiting destinations like The Dead Sea, it is highly recommended to pre-book a taxi with a driver for the entire day. This ensures a stress-free experience, eliminating worries about finding transportation back, especially in regions where local taxis are scarce. This advice is also applicable for exploring other remote locations, such as the Golan Heights and Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev Desert, where prearranging transportation can make your journey through these unique and less-traveled regions much easier.

• If you plan to visit Jordan first and then cross into Israel, it’s important to prepare in advance. Jordanian taxis are not permitted to operate in Israel, and likewise, Israeli taxis cannot operate in Jordan. If you’re arriving from Amman, you’ll need to take a local taxi to one of the three border crossings and arrange for another taxi on the Israeli side to reach your next destination. Be sure to check the operating hours of each border crossing in advance, and be prepared for potential delays, as they can be busy with long lines.
• Although taxis are quite common in major cities and urban districts in Israel, they can be scarce or even nonexistent around less toured areas and remote regions. If you wish to go on a day tour to The Dead Sea for example, it is highly recommended to book a taxi with a driver for the whole day. This way you will not need to worry about finding a taxi for the way back, as this is nearly impossible around The Dead Sea area.

• Those wishing to visit Bethlehem should note that Israeli taxis are not permitted to enter the territories of the Palestinian Authority. As a result, you’ll need to take a taxi (or a bus) from Jerusalem to the crossing point, also known as Checkpoint 300. After crossing to the Palestinian side on foot (no passport required), you can find a local Palestinian taxi to take you to the Church of the Nativity, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
• Alternatively, you can find a Palestinian taxi (yellow vehicles with green license plates) in eastern Jerusalem, where the driver is authorized to cross the checkpoint with his vehicle and hire him for the round trip to Bethlehem.

• Israel is a relatively small country, which can make points of interest seem close together on the map, with short driving distances between them. However, when planning your day trip itinerary, it’s important to consider other time-consuming factors such as traffic, parking, and unplanned stops along the way.
• To put things into perspective, just because the map makes it look feasible to travel from Haifa port to The Dead Sea with a stop in Jerusalem, doesn’t mean it’s practical. As the saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. From Haifa port, a more realistic day trip would be to nearby sites like Haifa, Nazareth, Akko, and The Sea of Galilee, while Ashdod port is a better starting point for a day trip to Jerusalem and The Dead Sea.

Traveling across Israel by taxi is an excellent choice. Taxis offer a convenient way to navigate urban areas and explore Israel’s diverse landscapes. They provide the most flexibility, allowing you to plan journeys that are tailored to your preferences, interests, and schedule.

I hope the information in this guide proves helpful. If you’d like to request a quote or have any inquiries regarding my services, please feel free to contact me through the form below. For more useful information and valuable tips on using public transportation in Israel please read my guide Getting Around Israel. Safe travels!

About The Author

Moshe Barak is a highly knowledgeable and reputable private taxi service operator in Israel, renowned for his professional approach, friendly attitude, and attention to details.
With over 20 years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers he is the trusted choice by many international travelers seeking reliable transportation with a personal touch during their trip to Israel.

Feel free to contact me with inquiries about taxi in Israel and requests for quotes. I usually reply within 24 hours.

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