A new rail line connecting Tel Aviv with Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Jerusalem makes traveling from the airport to Jerusalem easier than ever.
I had originally reserved a rental car for the entire week in Israel, but decided that Jerusalem was better explored by foot. While plenty of busses and taxis run between the airport and Jerusalem, we took the relatively-new “high speed” train.
From baggage claim in Terminal 3, we proceed outside (past the statue of David Ben-Gurion) and left to the rail station.
The one-way fare to Jerusalem is 23.50NIS from Tel Aviv and 17NIS from Ben Gurion Airport. Children five and under are free, brining that fare to just 34NIS (~$10) for my family of three. You can pay for your ticket with cash or a credit card. If using the self-service machine, choose Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon as your destination.
Scan your ticket and a turnstile will open, then proceed downstairs to the boarding platform. Be careful not to board the wrong train. Signs and announcements alternate between Hebrew and English. I almost got on the slow train! You’ll board from Platform 1 if you are heading to Jerusalem.
The high-speed train looks just like a European train, red in color with two levels of seating and restrooms in the front and back of each car. Power plugs are available at each seat.
The 20-minute journey through the Judean Hills is quite picturesque.
From Jerusalem Yitzhak Navo you can board a bus or tram to your final destination within Jerusalem (do note that you’ll need to buy a separate ticket for your connection). You’ll need to walk a bit and take an elevator up in order to exit.
CONCLUSION
My first rail journey in Israel was pleasant and smooth. While the drive isn’t bad, the train is easier and more comfortable.
And one more thing. As we left the station in Jerusalem, a soldier sat down and started playing the piano. The sound of of piano music gently filling the otherwise sterile station was a great reminder that music unites us all.
Interesting choice of German S-Bahn locomotives.
Excellent!!!
You write that you almost boarded the slow train… The only problem is that there is no slow train. There is only one train to Jerusalem. If you get on any other train going east you will end up in Modiin!
Glad I didn’t board!
I thought they were French Alstoms.
Actually Canadian Bombardier double deck (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Double-deck_Coach), also used by Deutsche Bahn.
Nice review. From the Jerusalem Central Station, you can walk to several hotels and car rental locations. The Crowne Plaza is only a couple blocks West. The Central Station shopping mall is a good place to get something to eat as well.
@ Andy K
LMAO…i was thinking the same exact thing. When I clicked on the article, i was expecting an ICE-type train….NOPE! lol
Would they need it for such a short trip?
Do note this train station in Jerusalem is right next to a major light rail station and across the street from the Central Bus Station.
Hi Matthew, I think the soldier at the piano in your picture is Shlomo Gelber. Instagram username: s.gelber.photography You should check out his work.
Thanks for the train review. I might just try it on my next visit to TLV.
It was really quite pleasant!
My suggestion is to get a plastic Rav Kav and put 50 Nis or so. it is the same card that can take you on all of Israel transport system. and you can charge it as you go. travel inside a city and on the light train. So no need to buy separate transport tickets. also you can travel 90 minutes going on and off the buses and light train for one fee of NIS 5.99
Hi Matthew – how long was the journey?
From his text above:
“The 20-minute journey through the Judean Hills is quite picturesque.”
1. You can pay the fare with your Rav-Kav which you need for traveling in Israel anyway.
2. There are no trains from Friday afternoon till Saturday night
Love from India ❤❤❤. I love Israel.
By Sumith.
Ezra farm tech
The line to Jerusalem has been open for several months now. The railways and authorities in Jerusalem now need to work together to provide tickets for tourists covering the rail journey combined with buses/trams in Jerusalem.
Free WI FI on the train!
Excellent point about the location.
The train now goes farther into Tel Aviv till the Salvidor ststion.
The train now goes farther into Tel Aviv till the Salvidor station.
Looks very appealing and only about 20 minutes ?
I know this is an old post butif you see this, where did you put your family’s luggage? Is there a luggage car? (Doesn’t seem to be much room in the passenger seating area other than for small carey-ons)
We were traveling with hand baggage only and kept it next to us in cabin.
Is still the same for August 2022?
Yes, to my knoweldge.
We are travelling to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on April 1st 2023. Any suggestions given recent developments? Tatiana.
Hopefully things will calm down over the judicial reforms.