|
Getting Around Israel: Transport Guide
Jul 05,2007 00:00
by
newsdesk
By Air By Train By Road Buses: The bus system is very efficient, modern, air conditioned, fast and clean. The Arab buses are slow and antiquated. The Egged Bus Company, the second largest in the world, after the American Greyhound, plies through the whole country except in Tel Aviv and in the West bank and Gaza strip where the Arab buses ply. Buses ply regularly from the Central Bus Stations (tachanah mercazi) in every town and city to the neighbouring areas. There are Information Desks at the bigger central bus stations. Tickets can be bought from either the ticket booth or the driver if you want a confirmed seat in the bus going to another city. As the buses work on a numbered system you can always ask an Israeli for help in case you are confused. Stand on the right side of the road when catching a bus otherwise you’ll land up in the wrong and opposite direction. The buses run till 2400 at night but do have a list of the timings of the bus if you are visiting another city. Egged buses stop running an hour before sunset on Fridays and start again on Saturday evening. It’s the same schedule on holidays. Taxis: Private taxis are easily available on the streets, or by telephone. Check the meter to check that it is running so that you know what you have to pay. For long distances it is cheaper to use a shared taxi (sherut). These mini buses commuting between cities are as reasonable as buses. They ply on Saturdays when larger buses are on holiday and charge more on that day. Cycling is another, though not a completely safe, way in the accident-prone roads of Israel. Sexual harassment is common and hitching a ride is not recommended for women in Israel and it is safer if women do not hitch hike alone in male company. By Waterways |