Taxis in Israel

Revised and Updated – April 2025

Welcome to the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to taxis in Israel! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide provides all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth and hassle-free use of taxi services across the country.

My goal is to answer common questions and concerns about taxi services in Israel, covering everything from fare structures and the use of taxi apps to safety tips and practical advice for traveling from Ben Gurion Airport.

If you have any further questions after reading this guide, or would like to request a quote for a private taxi service tailored to your needs, please feel free to contact me through the form at the bottom of this page.

• Taxis in Israel are a highly popular and convenient way to travel, offering quick and easy door-to-door transportation within cities and between them. They are widely accessible and provide a hassle-free means of getting around.
• Most Israeli taxis are equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning as a standard feature. Driven by friendly knowledgeable local drivers, they are generally considered a safe and cost-effective option for visitors.  
• You can easily spot an Israeli taxi by its distinctive white color and the prominent yellow “Taxi” sign on the roof. In contrast, Palestinian taxis, often seen in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, are typically yellow with green license plates.  

• Many travelers wonder, “Is there Uber in Israel?” As of 2025, the answer is no. Neither Uber nor Lyft operate in Israel.  
• However, you can easily book taxis in Israel using popular local ride-hailing apps, which function as excellent Uber alternatives in Israel. The two main apps are Gett and Yango.
• In most major Israeli cities, these apps can help you find a taxi quickly and efficiently. A key advantage of using these apps is that they often display the estimated fare upfront, which helps prevent misunderstandings or potential overcharging.

• Hailing a taxi on the street is a common practice in all major Israeli cities. Drivers are required by law to activate the meter (called Moneh in Hebrew) unless you’ve agreed on a fixed fare in advance.
• The meter starts at 12.82 ILS (~$3.50 USD), 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 the evening before.
• Additional charges include 5.92 ILS (~$1.60 USD) for ordering a taxi by phone or app, 5 ILS (~1.40 USD) for airport pickups, and fees for toll roads or fast lanes. Older surcharges that were previously applied for extra luggage and multiple passengers are no longer valid (as of 2025).
• Payment Options: Israeli Shekels (ILS) are always accepted. Most taxi companies and drivers, especially those using apps, accept credit cards. However, it is always best to confirm with the driver before starting your ride if you intend to pay by card. At the end of your journey, the driver should provide you with a printed receipt.

• When it comes to tipping, the practice in Israel is different from many other countries. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Israel and is generally not expected.
• However, if you feel your driver provided exceptionally courteous or helpful service, leaving some extra change as a token of appreciation is certainly welcomed and appreciated.

Getting a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport is straightforward, but it’s important to know how to avoid common mistakes or unnecessary overcharges.

• Official Taxi Stand: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. As of 2025, Gett is the official operator of the taxi stand at Ben Gurion Airport for arriving passengers. You can order a taxi through the Gett app on your smartphone or use one of the kiosks located throughout the terminal. You will receive a code to present to the usher outside, who will guide you to your assigned taxi.
• Avoid Solicitors: Taxi drivers are not permitted to solicit passengers inside the terminal. While this sometimes occurs, it is strongly recommended to avoid offers from anyone soliciting rides, as they are most likely unauthorized drivers.
• Fixed Price Option: You can ask the driver to suggest a fixed price for your journey before starting your trip. Estimated Fixed Fares (as of April 2025):
  • From Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem: Up to 350 ILS (~$95 USD).
  • From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv: Up to 200 ILS (~$55 USD).
  • Keep in mind that prices may vary based on your exact destination and are generally higher during nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Insisting on the Meter: While drivers often prefer to negotiate a fixed fare, you have the right to request that the meter be used.
• Additional Charges: There is a surcharge of 5 ILS (~$1.40) for exiting the airport. Fees for using toll roads or fast lanes will be added if applicable. As mentioned earlier, the old surcharges for extra luggage and multiple passengers are no longer valid (as of 2025).
• Weekend/Holiday Travel: Public transportation in Israel (buses, trains, light rail) does not operate during Jewish holidays and weekends (from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning). If your flight arrives during these times, taxis will probably be your only available option for leaving the airport.

⚠️ UPDATE: Passengers have been reporting significantly long wait times at Ben Gurion Airport due to an ongoing shortage of drivers. To avoid potential delays and ensure a seamless arrival experience, it is highly recommended to pre-book your taxi in advance with a private taxi operator. This guarantees your vehicle is waiting for you, eliminating uncertainty about on-the-spot availability, especially during peak travel times, weekends, or holidays.

For a more budget-friendly option on specific routes, consider a Sherut (which means ‘service’ in Hebrew). These are shared taxi services typically operated by 10-seater minivans that run both within and between major cities in Israel.

• Fare: The fare for a Sherut ride is comparable to a bus ticket for the same route.
• Operation: Unlike most buses, sheruts often operate on weekends and holidays when standard public transport is unavailable.
• Getting On or Off: There are generally no designated stops. Simply stand on the route and raise your hand to signal the driver to stop and pick you up. To get off, inform the driver where you’d like to stop.
• Payment: Once inside, take a seat and pass your fare forward through the other passengers until it reaches the driver. If change is needed, it will be passed back to you the same way.
• Popular Routes:
  • In Tel Aviv, sheruts follow the routes of popular bus lines like #4 and #5 along the main streets.
  • Popular intercity routes include Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Netanya, Haifa, Rishon Le Zion, Ashdod, and Rehovot.
  • Other major cities like Haifa and Beer-Sheva also have sherut connections to nearby towns.
• Pros: Sheruts are a more affordable option than regular taxis and are typically faster than buses.
• Cons: They may not be the best choice if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, as they tend to be cramped.

⚠️ UPDATE: Please note that the shared taxi services (sherut) that previously ran from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and to Haifa are currently no longer operating (as of April 2025).

• Most taxis in Israel are standard-sized sedans with regular trunk space. These vehicles typically have space to accommodate 3 passengers with their suitcases or 4 passengers with carry-on bags.
• Larger taxis (minivans or vans) are available but are less common and can be harder to find, particularly if you are trying to hail one on the street or at the airport without pre-booking.
• If you are a big family, a group, or traveling with an excessive amount of luggage, it is highly recommended to reserve a larger taxi in advance. Pre-booking ensures that the appropriate vehicle size is waiting for you, saving valuable time and avoiding the hassle of searching for a suitable taxi upon arrival, especially at the airport.
• When booking in advance, be sure to specify both the number of passengers and the total luggage size (including the number and approximate dimensions of your bags) to help the taxi operator provide the best vehicle option.

While rare, it’s important to be aware that incidents of taxi drivers attempting to overcharge visitors by manipulating the meter or taking longer routes have occurred.

• Note Details: If you suspect an issue, immediately note the taxi number and the driver’s ID number, usually displayed inside the taxi. Always ask for and keep the receipt at the end of your ride. These details will be necessary for addressing the issue with the taxi company or in case you choose to file a police report.
• Use Licensed Taxis: Ensure the vehicle is clearly marked as a licensed taxi.
• Confirm Meter Use: Politely ask the driver to use the meter (Moneh) unless a fixed price was agreed upon for a specific route (like from the airport).
• Track Your Route: If possible, follow your journey on a mapping app on your phone to ensure you are taking a direct route.

• In urban centers throughout Israel, taxis are easily accessible and offer convenient transportation. 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, the Golan Heights, or Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev Desert, 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, which can be nearly impossible in regions where local taxis are scarce or nonexistent.

If your travel plans involve crossing from Jordan into Israel by land, specific taxi regulations apply:

• Border Restrictions: Jordanian taxis are not permitted to operate in Israel, and similarly, Israeli taxis cannot operate in Jordan.
• Crossing Procedure: If you are arriving from Amman, you will need to take a local Jordanian taxi to one of the three border crossings (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River Crossing, or Arava Crossing). After crossing the border on foot, you will need to arrange for another taxi on the Israeli side to reach your next destination.
• Border Crossing Hours: Be sure to check the operating hours of your chosen border crossing in advance, as they can vary. Be prepared for potential delays due to busy periods and long lines.

If you plan to visit Bethlehem, it is important to be aware of the following considerations:

• Israeli taxis are not permitted to enter the territories of the Palestinian Authority, including Bethlehem.
• In order to visit Bethlehem you will need to take a taxi (or bus) from Jerusalem to the crossing point, known as Checkpoint 300. After crossing to the Palestinian side on foot (no passport required), find a local Palestinian taxi to take you to the Church of the Nativity (about a 10-minute drive).
• Alternatively, you can find a Palestinian taxi (yellow vehicles with green license plates) in eastern Jerusalem. Their drivers are authorized to cross Checkpoint 300 with their vehicles and can be hired for a round trip to Bethlehem.

• Israel is a relatively small country, and points of interest may appear close together on a map, suggesting short driving distances. However, when planning day trips, it’s crucial to consider other time-consuming factors beyond just distance, such as traffic, parking, and potential unplanned stops.
• Just because a route looks feasible on a map, doesn’t necessarily mean it is practical or advisable for a single day trip due to travel time and logistics. As the saying goes, ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’.
• For example, planning a day trip from Haifa Port to the Dead Sea with a stop in Jerusalem, is not practical due to distance and travel time. For Haifa shore excursions, it’s best to focus on nearby destinations such as Haifa itself, Nazareth, Akko, and the Sea of Galilee. Ashdod Port, on the other hand, is a better starting point for shore excursions to Jerusalem, Masada, and the Dead Sea.

Traveling across Israel by taxi is an excellent choice for many visitors. Taxis in Israel offer a convenient and flexible way to navigate urban areas and explore the country’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. They provide the most flexibility, allowing you to tailor your journeys to your specific preferences, interests, and schedule.

I sincerely hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with valuable information for using taxis in Israel. For more useful information and valuable tips on using public transportation in Israel see my guide Getting Around Israel.

If you would like to request a quote for a private taxi service or have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact me through the form below. 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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