Israel Public Transport & Rav-Kav Guide
Confused by Rav-Kav, Moovit, and Israel’s cashless public transport? Use our free advisor tool to find the easiest way to pay for buses and trains in Israel.
BUSES
Israel Public Transport and Rav-Kav Guide: How to Pay for Buses & Trains
Navigating Israel’s public transport system is fast, safe, and highly efficient. However, for first-time visitors, the payment system can be incredibly confusing.
Here is the most important rule you need to know before you arrive: Israel is completely cashless on public transport. You cannot pay the driver with cash on buses or trains.
If you try to board a bus in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem with a handful of Shekels, you will be turned away. So, how exactly do you pay? Between physical Rav-Kav cards, transit apps, and contactless credit cards, the choices can be overwhelming.
Use our free Transport Advisor above to find the absolute best payment method for your specific trip.
PAY
📱 The 3 Ways to Pay for Public Transport in Israel
Once you’ve used our calculator, here is a detailed breakdown of how each payment method actually works on the ground.
1. Transit Apps (Moovit or HopOn Rav-Pass) – Highly Recommended
This is by far the easiest and smartest way for tourists to pay. You simply download the Moovit or HopOn app on your smartphone, link your international credit card, and you are ready to go.
How it works: When you board a bus, open the app, tap “Validate”, and scan the QR code sticker located near the doors. On the train, you generate a barcode on your screen and scan it at the turnstiles.
The Biggest Advantage: The apps automatically calculate the “Daily Cap” (Hofshi Yomi). If you take multiple rides in a day, the app will stop charging you once you hit the maximum daily limit for your zone, guaranteeing you pay the absolute minimum. You can also pay for multiple passengers using a single phone.
The Catch: These apps require a continuous, active mobile data connection. They will not work offline, and public bus Wi-Fi is often broken or non-existent, and not secure. You will need an active Israel eSIM with data plan to use this method.
2. The Physical “Rav-Kav” Card
The Rav-Kav is Israel’s traditional smart transit card (similar to London’s Oyster Card). Tourists can purchase an “Anonymous Rav-Kav” for 16 NIS (about $6 USD) at Ben Gurion Airport, central bus stations, or local kiosks (Super-Pharm).
How it works: You must preload the card with money (Stored Value / Erech Tzavur) using automated machines or via an NFC-enabled smartphone. You then tap the physical card on the yellow validators every time you board a bus or train.
Who it is for: This is the only option if your phone is locked, if you do not have an active mobile data plan, or if you are traveling with children aged 5-18 who want to claim the 50% youth discount (which requires issuing a personalized card with a passport).
3. Contactless Credit Cards & Apple/Google Pay
Israel is slowly rolling out direct contactless payments on public transport. You can tap your Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on the validators.
The Catch: As of right now, this feature is widely available on the National Railway (Trains) and on “Dan” buses in the Tel Aviv area, but it is not yet supported on all bus operators nationwide (like in Jerusalem). Relying solely on a credit card tap might leave you stranded if a specific bus doesn’t support it yet.
eSIM
💡 Why an Israel eSIM is Your Best Transport Ticket
Many tourists think they can get by using hotel Wi-Fi and buying a physical Rav-Kav card. However, public transport in Israel is highly dynamic. Traffic in Tel Aviv or road closures in Jerusalem happen daily.
Having an active Israel eSIM with a Local Number completely transforms your travel experience:
Live Schedules: You can use Moovit or Google Maps while standing at the bus stop to see exactly when your bus is arriving in real-time.
QR Code Payments: You can skip the long lines at the ticket machines in train stations and simply scan your phone to walk right through the gates.
Taxi Apps: If you miss the last bus or travel on Shabbat (when public transport stops), you will need the Gett or Yango apps to order a taxi. These apps require an active internet connection and a local Israeli phone number to register and communicate with your driver.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with cash on the bus in Israel?
No. Cash payments to bus drivers were completely phased out. You must use a transit app (Moovit/HopOn), a pre-loaded Rav-Kav card, or (on supported lines) a contactless credit card.
Do public transport apps like Moovit work without the internet?
No. Transit payment apps require an active and stable mobile data connection to generate barcodes, scan QR codes, and validate your ride. We highly recommend getting an eSIM before you arrive so your apps work the moment you leave the airport.
How do children pay for public transport in Israel?
Children under the age of 5 travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 5 to 18 are entitled to a 50% discount. However, to get this discount, you cannot use the transit apps. You must visit a Rav-Kav service center with the child’s passport to issue a “Personalized Rav-Kav” card. If you don’t want the hassle, you can pay the full adult fare for them using your Moovit app.
Can I pay for my whole family with one phone?
Yes! If you are using the Moovit or HopOn app, you can select the number of passengers traveling with you when you scan the QR code on the bus. All fares will be charged to the credit card linked to your app.
Does public transport run on Shabbat?
In most of Israel, public transport (buses and national trains) shuts down completely for Shabbat – from Friday mid-afternoon until Saturday evening after sunset (see Shabbat & Holidays Times). During this time, you must rely on private taxis (via the Gett app), shared taxis (Sherut/Monit Sherut), or walking. Notably, the city of Haifa operates limited bus routes on Shabbat, and Tel Aviv offers a free weekend bus service called “Carmelit”.
How do I get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?
The absolute easiest way is the Israel Railways train, which has a station located right outside Terminal 3. You do not need a ticket in advance – if you have mobile data, you can scan your Moovit app at the gate, or simply tap your contactless credit card/Apple Pay directly on the turnstile to enter.
Does the Rav-Kav card expire?
The physical Rav-Kav card itself is valid for 8 years. Any money (Stored Value) you load onto the card does not expire and can be used on your next trip to Israel.
What happens if my phone dies while I'm on the bus using an app?
Transit inspectors board buses frequently to check tickets. If you paid with an app and your phone dies, you cannot prove you paid, and you may face a significant fine. Always ensure your phone is charged or carry a power bank if you rely on mobile payment!
Israel Transport & Rav-Kav Guide | Pay for Buses & Trains
Confused by Rav-Kav, Moovit, and Israel's cashless public transport? Free advisor tool to find the easiest way to pay for buses and trains in Israel.
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