Getting Around Palestine
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis (servees) for Jerusalem and Ramallah. Rural: Rent a car for West Bank exploration. Coast: Limited access to Gaza; focus on buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tel Aviv to your destination.
Train Travel
Limited Rail Network
Palestine has no operational passenger trains; historical lines exist but are not in use for travel.
Cost: N/A; alternatives like buses from Jerusalem to Bethlehem cost 5-10 ILS, journeys under 1 hour.
Tickets: Not applicable; use bus stations or apps for intercity bus bookings where available.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for crowded buses and checkpoints delays.
Bus Passes
No national rail passes; consider multi-ride bus cards for West Bank routes, around 50 ILS for 10 trips.
Best For: Frequent urban travel in Ramallah or Nablus, savings for 5+ short trips.
Where to Buy: Local bus stations, transport offices, or apps with instant digital options.
Regional Connections
Access Israeli trains from Jerusalem for links to Tel Aviv or Haifa, but requires border crossing.
Booking: Use Israel Railways app or website; book early for peak holiday periods, discounts up to 30%.
Main Stations: Jerusalem Malha or Yitzhak Navon, with checkpoints for Palestinian travelers.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Useful for West Bank flexibility despite checkpoints. Compare rental prices from 150-250 ILS/day at Jerusalem or Ramallah outlets.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 21-25; Palestinian ID for locals.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to checkpoints; verify rental inclusions for border areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural/highways.
Tolls: Minimal in West Bank; Israeli roads may require electronic tags (around 20 ILS/trip).
Priority: Yield at checkpoints and roundabouts; pedestrians have right-of-way in cities.
Parking: Free in many areas, paid lots 5-10 ILS/hour in Jerusalem tourist zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at 7-8 ILS/liter for petrol, 6.5-7.5 ILS for diesel in West Bank.
Apps: Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps due to spotty signal at checkpoints.
Traffic: Delays from Israeli checkpoints near Ramallah and Bethlehem during peak hours.
Urban Transport
Jerusalem Light Rail
Modern tram system in East Jerusalem, single ticket 5.5 ILS, day pass 12 ILS, 10-journey card 27 ILS.
Validation: Tap Rav-Kav card or buy tickets at machines; fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: Moovit or Egged app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile payments.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Ramallah and Bethlehem, 20-40 ILS/day with stations in urban centers.
Routes: Flat paths in valleys, but hilly terrain in Jerusalem limits use.
Tours: Guided eco-tours available in Jericho area, blending history with cycling.
Buses & Local Services
Palestinian Bus Cooperative and Egged operate networks in West Bank cities like Nablus and Hebron.
Tickets: 2-5 ILS per ride, pay driver in cash or use contactless where available.
Shared Taxis (Servees): Ubiquitous yellow taxis for short routes, 3-7 ILS/person.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near checkpoints in cities for easy access, Old City Jerusalem or Ramallah center for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for peak seasons (spring/summer) and holidays like Ramadan.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for checkpoint-related travel disruptions.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to servees before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in West Bank cities, 3G in rural areas; limited in Gaza.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 20 ILS for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before entry, activate upon arrival, works across borders.
Local SIM Cards
Jawwal (Paltel) and Ooredoo offer prepaid SIMs from 30-50 ILS with solid West Bank coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 50 ILS, 10GB for 80 ILS, unlimited for 120 ILS/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites; public access in Ramallah squares.
Public Hotspots: Universities and checkpoints have free or low-cost WiFi.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, no daylight saving (aligns with Israel Standard Time).
- Airport Transfers: Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) 45km from Jerusalem, shared taxi 50 ILS (1 hour), or book private transfer for 200-300 ILS.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (10-20 ILS/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and servees vary; historic sites like Bethlehem Church have steps, limited ramps.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (small fee 10 ILS), check guesthouse policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on servees for 5-10 ILS off-peak, folding bikes free on local buses.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Palestine
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv is the main entry point. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV): Primary international gateway, 45km from Jerusalem with bus connections.
Queen Alia Airport (AMM, Jordan): Alternative entry 100km east, bus to Allenby Bridge 20 ILS (2 hours).
Ramleh Airfield (historical): Not in use; focus on regional flights via Jordan for Gaza access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for spring travel (March-May) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Amman and crossing Allenby Bridge for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Arkia serve Ben Gurion with European and regional connections.
Important: Factor in visa/border fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, typical withdrawal fee 5-10 ILS, use local banks to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, American Express rare in smaller shops.
- Contactless Payment: Growing use, Apple Pay and Google Pay in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for servees, markets, and rural spots, keep 100-200 ILS in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid border exchanges with poor rates.