The traffic is heavy, the parking spaces few. If you want to get from one place to another in Israel without stress, public transport is the way to go. It’s no surprise that the Strat-up Nation offers a wide range of apps for this purpose.
We have compiled a list of apps you absolutely need for your trip and what you need to know about them.
Google Maps
When you arrive at the airport, the classic Google Maps is helpful for an initial orientation. The app not only helps you find your way around, but can also be used as a navigation system. It is helpful that it shows you the way by foot, by car, but also by public transport. If you want to travel by public transport or on foot, Google Maps is a safe number.
Moovit
If you want to use a navigation app that’s straight out of Start-Up Nation, the app Moovit is recommended. The free app shows you how to get from A to B in the easiest and best way possible.
Train and bus times, maps and timetables are available in real time. You will also find important messages for your lines bundled here. You can plan your route by bus, train, underground, bike, scooter or a combination of all.
Gett
If you use Uber in America, you can use the app Gett in Israel. There are of course many ways to order a taxi, but the cheapest and safest option is Gett. The company is structured similarly to Uber. Only drivers who have an official licence to transport passengers are used.
With the app, it is possible to determine the driver’s whereabouts and estimated time of arrival. Passenger transport can be booked immediately or in advance. The service is then paid for by credit card. Gett stands out from other passenger transport companies in that the prices do not fluctuate.
Because traffic in Israel is particularly busy at peak times, we generally recommend using public transport.
Israel Railways
Rail travellers are best served by the Israel Railways app, and train travel in Israel is worthwhile. Due to the geographical conditions, the routes of the Israeli railways mainly run along the coast. Exceptions are the railway lines from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the line from Akko to Karmiel and the former connection to the Hejaz Railway through the Jordan Valley.
The Israeli skating rink has a track network with a total length of about 600 kilometres. There are few places in the country that cannot be reached by rail.
The Israel Railways app plans your route for you by entering nothing more than your location and destination. It gives you quick and easy access to timetables and schedules. This can be very helpful, as most signage in Israel is in Hebrew. One shortcoming of the app is the payment system. External apps have to be used for this.
Rav-Kav
What you should know is that you cannot pay cash on board public transport in Israel. Therefore, we recommend the Rav Kav app.
Rav-Kav is a smart card used for payments in the Israeli public transport system. With the Rav-Kav app, you can top up your card from any mobile phone that supports NFC. You can choose whether you want to top up credit, a daily pass, weekly pass, 30-day pass or monthly pass.
All major credit and debit cards are accepted for payment. Contracts sold through this app are valid for travel on trains in Israel and with the following bus companies: Dan, Egged, Metropoline, Kavim, Superbus, Afikim and more. To check your account balance and trip history, all you have to do is scan your Rav-Kav with the app.
All these apps can be used on Apple or Android devices and are free of charge.
