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Jerusalem Light Rail

Jerusalem Light Rail

The Jerusalem light rail is a real experience and a convenient way to get around... and we compiled a guide with all the tips!
autor iconBy Loren Minsky , February 4, 2023

Light Rail - Important Tips

  • Ticket machines are in English, Hebrew and Arabic only.
  • Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine before getting on the train (make sure the time is printed on it), validate it when you board the train by swiping it and then keep it for possible (and regular) ticket inspection by police officers. Those without proof of valid tickets are fined 180 ILS on the spot.
  • It is possible to pay by credit card at the ticket machines, even for single trips.
  • Payment by cash: maximum of 15 coins. Permissible notes are listed at the bottom of the screen depending on the sum of the transaction.
  • One child up to 5 years old gets to ride for free if accompanied by a paying passenger. Tickets need to be purchased for additional children.

General information about riding the light rail and the new reform >>

Light rail safety information >>

Ticket inspection information >>

Map

Click here

Rav Kav

The Rav- Kav (multi-line) card is an electronic magnetic reloadable smart card that can be purchased at the Central Bus Station. Though you can still buy single tickets printed on a piece of paper, the Rav Kav card is intended to replace all public transportation tickets and cards. Discount packages, such as the monthly pass ‘hofshi hodshi’ or multiple ticket “cartisiya’ are only valid when loaded onto the card. The card can be charged with up to eight different payment packages that you can use within Jerusalem and around Israel.

There are two types of Rav Kav cards: personal, which includes all passenger personal information, and anonymous. An anonymous card can be purchased from an Egged bus driver and charged with single fare tickets or regular multi-ride tickets but it will not be insured and will not allow for discounts. Passengers who apply for the personal card need to produce the application form along with a picture or ID card and in the case of students and senior citizens, need to present appropriate documents. Student Rav Kav cards with 33% or 50% discount are valid on all bus routes.

Upon issue, the Rav Kav can be recharged on board from a bus driver quickly and easily. You can also recharge at ticket booths at light rail stops. Light rail passengers need to make sure that they have credit on their Rav Kav cards before embarking as they are unable to do so on the train.

Parking

For drivers who wish to use the light rail, there are park and ride facilities near Mount Herzl, with a multi-storey car park and a first line terminal on its roof at the street level of Herzl Boulevard, and a parking lot next to the Ammunition Hill stop.

History and Plans

The Light Rail began operating at the end of 2011, after ten years in the making and a great deal of disruption to business and life in the city center. The Jerusalem Chords Bridge near the Central Bus Station was built especially for the light rail, and is now a major landmark. There are plans to extend the line to Neve Yaacov in the North and to Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in the West.

Contact Details

Kav Hotline - national hotline for public transportation (7:00AM - 11:00PM)
Phone: * 8787
SMS: 8787
Website: www.jet.org.il

Light Rail
Phone: *2779
Website: https://www.cfir.co.il/en/