Shabbat & Holidays Times in Israel
Enter your main destination and your travel dates below. Our smart calculator will instantly tell you exactly when Shabbat begins and ends, and alert you to any major holidays that might disrupt your plans.
SHABBAT
The Ultimate Israel Shabbat & Holiday Planner for Tourists
Welcome to Israel! It’s a breathtaking country filled with history, culture, and amazing food. However, the weekend here works a bit differently than in the rest of the world, and it can easily catch first-time visitors off guard.
From Friday at sunset until Saturday at nightfall, Israel observes Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest). During this 25-hour period, most public transportation stops, government offices close, and many shops and restaurants shut their doors. The exact same rules apply to major Jewish holidays throughout the year.
Don’t panic—experiencing the quiet beauty of a Friday evening in Jerusalem or a relaxed Saturday on the beaches of Tel Aviv is a highlight of any trip. You just need to plan ahead!
GUDE
Surviving Shabbat in Israel: A Quick Guide for Tourists
To make the most of your weekend in Israel, here is everything you need to know about what happens when Shabbat starts:
1. Transportation on Shabbat
Trains and Buses: All intercity trains and the vast majority of public buses (Egged, Dan) completely stop operating on Friday afternoon and resume on Saturday night.
Airport Transfers: There are no trains to or from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) during Shabbat. You must rely on private taxis or pre-booked transfers.
What Works: You can use private taxis (via apps like Gett or Yango) and Sheruts (yellow shared minivans) which operate on specific routes in major cities.
2. Food and Dining
Kosher Restaurants: Any restaurant with a Kosher certificate will be closed from Friday afternoon until Saturday night.
Non-Kosher Restaurants: In secular cities like Tel Aviv, many cafes, non-kosher restaurants, and bars remain open and are actually packed with locals enjoying their weekend.
Jerusalem: Most of West Jerusalem shuts down completely. However, restaurants in the Christian and Muslim Quarters of the Old City, as well as East Jerusalem, operate normally.
3. Shopping and Attractions
Supermarkets and malls close early on Friday (usually around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM). Make sure to buy your water, snacks, and essentials before then!
National parks and nature reserves usually remain open, but always check their specific weekend hours online.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Shabbat start in Israel?
Shabbat always begins on Friday evening, precisely at sunset, and ends on Saturday nightfall when three stars are visible in the sky. Because it is tied to the sun, the exact times change every week and vary slightly depending on which city you are in. Use our calculator above to find the exact times for your travel dates.
Does public transport run on Shabbat in Israel?
Generally, no. Regular buses and trains stop running. However, there are exceptions. Haifa has a limited skeleton bus service on Saturdays. In Tel Aviv, the municipality operates a free weekend bus service called “Timi” on specific routes. Otherwise, you must use private taxis or shared Sherut vans.
Are shops and supermarkets open on Saturday in Israel?
Most large supermarkets, shopping malls, and local grocery stores are closed on Saturday. You can find some 24/7 convenience stores (like am:pm in Tel Aviv) that stay open, as well as shops in non-Jewish neighborhoods.
How do Jewish Holidays affect my trip?
Major Jewish holidays (such as Passover/Pesach, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur) have the exact same restrictions as Shabbat, even if they fall on a Tuesday! All public transport stops and businesses close. Yom Kippur is the strictest – even the airport closes, and driving is strictly prohibited.
Can I drive a rental car on Shabbat?
Yes, tourists and locals are allowed to drive private or rental cars on Shabbat. However, you should strictly avoid driving through ultra – Orthodox religious neighborhoods (such as Mea Shearim in Jerusalem), as the streets are often closed off and driving there is considered highly disrespectful.
Can I visit religious sites or neighborhoods on Shabbat?
Yes, but you must be extremely respectful. If you visit the Western Wall or walk near ultra – Orthodox neighborhoods (like Mea Shearim in Jerusalem), dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees). Do not take photos, use your phone visibly, or play music in these areas during Shabbat, as operating electronics is forbidden and taking photos is considered highly offensive to the locals observing the holy day.
Does Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) close on Shabbat?
No, Ben Gurion Airport remains open 24/7, and international flights operate normally (the only exception is Yom Kippur, when the entire airspace closes). However, Israel’s national airline, El Al, does not fly on Shabbat. Keep in mind that since public trains do not run, you will need to pre-book a private taxi or airport transfer to get to or from the airport.
What is a "Shabbat Elevator" in my hotel?
Operating electrical circuits is prohibited during Shabbat for observant Jews. To accommodate this, most hotels in Israel designate at least one “Shabbat Elevator” (Ma’alit Shabat). From Friday evening to Saturday night, this elevator runs automatically and stops at every single floor, opening and closing its doors without anyone pressing a button. If you are in a hurry, make sure to look for the signs and use the regular elevators!
Are hospitals and pharmacies open on Shabbat?
Yes, absolutely. In Judaism, saving a life and medical emergencies override all Shabbat rules (a principle called Pikuach Nefesh). Hospitals and emergency services (Magen David Adom) operate 24/7. While regular pharmacies close, every city has designated “on-call” pharmacies (called Toren) that remain open through the weekend.
The Ultimate Israel Shabbat & Holiday Times for Tourists
Don't let Shabbat or Jewish holidays catch you off guard! Free Israel trip planner to check Shabbat times, public transport closures, and holiday dates.
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