Rail transport in Israel: routes, opening dates and ticket prices
2026
Rail transport in Israel: routes, opening dates and ticket prices
Israel Railways connects Nahariya, Akko, Haifa, Binyamina, Hadera, Netanya, Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Holon, Lod, Rehovot, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Be’er Sheva and several other places through heavy rail and branch lines. Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon, Ben Gurion Airport, Modi’in, Karmiel, Afula and Beit She’an are further important destinations. Not every pair has a direct train; schedules and transfer patterns should be checked before traveling.
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Rail service between Jaffa and Jerusalem began under Ottoman rule in 1892. Israel Railways records the Ayalon rail corridor opening in 1993, the modern Valley Line to Afula and Beit She’an in 2016, the Karmiel line in 2017 and the new fast Jerusalem line beginning service in 2018. Airport access opened in 2004 and Modi’in access was expanded in 2008. Later upgrades included electrification and service changes.
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According to the Israeli Ministry of Transport fare table published in April 2025, standard one-way heavy-rail tickets cost ₪11.50 for 0–15 km, ₪21 for 15–40 km, ₪27 for 40–75 km, ₪30.50 for 75–120 km and ₪52.50 for 120–225 km. These are distance bands, not guaranteed prices for every named city pair, and passenger discounts or later regulatory changes may apply. Compare the current official fare before purchasing.
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Passengers can use a Rav-Kav card or supported mobile payment systems. Monthly or daily passes, youth discounts and senior eligibility have separate rules. Light rail in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area is not identical to the national heavy-rail service and may be operated under different timetables.
Sources and references
rail.co.il — ?lan=en&page=AboutIsraelTrain
www.gov.il — prices_update_2025