Best Time to Visit

Jerusalem is pleasant to visit at any time of year. For affordable prices, relatively limited visitor numbers, and warm, enjoyable weather, choose March-May and October-November. Summer is peak season, and hosts the busy, interesting Jerusalem Season of Culture festival. Temperatures are high (around 25 to 35 °C, possibly more), and the city is packed with people. Winters are cool, much more than in nearby Tel Aviv, and can have unpredictable weather. The city gets particularly crowded and expensive during Jewish holidays (High Holy Days, Passover, and Sukkot) and the Christian Easter.

Passport/Visa

To visit Israel, your passport should be valid for at least the duration of your stay. While Israel recommends six months of validity, it's no longer a strict requirement as long as your passport remains valid during your visit. Most visitors from countries with visa exemption agreements, including the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter Israel for up to 90 days without a visa. However, as of August 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) must be obtained online at least 72 hours before travel. For those from non-exempt countries, a visa is required in advance. In addition, Israel issues an entry card instead of stamping passports, which helps avoid complications when travelling to certain Arab or Muslim countries. Carry your passport if you plan to visit Palestinian territories, as it may be required at checkpoints.

Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Jerusalem does not have an airport within the city, but the closest airport is Ben Gurion International Airport, located around 50km away. This is the main international airport in Israel and offers many flight options from various destinations around the world. From Ben Gurion Airport, you can reach Jerusalem by taxi, shared shuttle, or train. Taxis and shared shuttles are available at the airport terminal. Taxi ranks at the airport are found at ground level at the Gate 3 exit, and on the second level at the Gate 21 exit. To help you hail a taxi, a taxi dispatcher service is available at two locations: Terminal 3, Level G, Gate 42 exit; or Terminal 1, near Gate 3. Alternatively, you can take the cheaper bus 485, run by the Afikim company. It goes from the airport to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station and runs around the clock 6 days a week, excluding Shabbat. The last service is at 2 pm on Friday, followed by the next bus at 7 pm on Saturday. The train station is located at the airport itself, at level S. The train is a convenient option as it offers a direct connection between the airport and Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon Station, with a travel time of around 25 minutes. It is important to note that security measures are strict in Israel, especially at the airport, so be prepared to go through a thorough security check.

• Web:

  www.iaa.gov.il/en

• Address:

  Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport, Israel

• Phone:

  +972 3 972 3333

Public Transport

Public transport in Jerusalem includes an extensive bus network and a light rail line, operated by companies like Egged and CityPass. To use the system, you must have a 'Rav Kav' smart card, which can be purchased and reloaded at various locations, including bus and light rail stations, kiosks, and convenience stores. Tickets cannot be bought on board, so make sure your Rav Kav card is loaded with sufficient credit beforehand. The bus network covers the entire city, with key hubs around the Central Bus Station and the Downtown Triangle. The light rail runs from Mount Herzl to Pisgat Ze'ev, passing through major areas like Jaffa Road and the Mahane Yehuda Market, with the Mount Herzl station conveniently located near the Yad Vashem memorial. For planning routes, use official public transport apps or the Egged website for real-time information.

• Web:

  www.egged.co.il

• Phone:

  +972 3 694 8888

• Opening hours:

  The system shuts down from Friday afternoon to Saturday after sunset

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Jerusalem, and they are usually white with a yellow sign on the roof. They run on meters, but it's a good idea to agree on a price beforehand to avoid any issues. It's also common to tip the driver a small amount, around 10% of the fare. You can hail them on the street, call their phone number, or ask your hotel reception. There is a small additional fare if you call by phone, and the tariff is higher at night (9pm–5:30am), on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, and on holiday eves. Make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter when you get in. For trips outside of town, you might want to negotiate a fare with the driver instead of using the meter. Ridesharing apps such as Uber (only with licensed cab drivers) and Gett operate in Jerusalem, and they can be a convenient and reliable option for transportation.

Electricity

Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will usually find plug type C (two round pins, common in Europe). You can also see plug H (three pins in a triangular shape), which is compatible with type C.