Step 1 — Online registration (Free)
Log in to the Ministry of Transport website using your government credentials.
Enter your bike details: make, serial number (chassis) and colour.
You receive a confirmation SMS with the list of approved centres.
Transport.
Bus, train and driving in Israel. Olim discounts, senior free travel and urban survival.
The Rav-Kav
This is your physical travel card. Without a configured profile (Oleh, Senior, Student), you pay full price with no discount.
No card yet? Buy an anonymous Rav-Kav card (~₪5) at the Ben Gurion Airport transport info counter, at any train station, central bus station, or some kiosks/pharmacies — then set up your profile.
💡 Recharge it via the Rav-Kav Online app or 'Al HaKav' machines.
Rav-Kav portal Tram golden rule: On the tram (Jerusalem/Tel Aviv), if you do not validate within 30 seconds after boarding, it is a 180 NIS fine — even with a loaded Rav-Kav. Inspectors never negotiate.
Mobile payments
- Pay by scanning a QR code
- Best fare calculated automatically
- Moovit, Pango or Cello
No need to pre-load credit anymore when you use these apps.
Israel Railways: what really matters
Fast line Jerusalem-Yitzhak Navon ↔ Tel Aviv: about 28 minutes, essential for daily commuting.
Often very crowded on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings: plan ahead.
Real advice: always check the Israel Railways app 15 minutes before departure. Last-minute cancellations due to maintenance are common.
Israel Railways websiteOfficial reform · since April 2025
Tzedek Tahburati — your transport rights
The "Tzedek Tahburati" (Transport Justice) reform grants significant discounts on Israeli public transport based on your personal or geographic profile. Only one profile is active at a time — the most advantageous one applies.
All eligible profiles
GRATUIT / FREE
- Age 67+Entire network — Gold card (Zahav)
- Discharged soldier < 1 yearFor 12 months — Chayal Meshouchrrar
- Blind or visually impairedMisrad Havaha certificate
50% de réduction
- Under 18Single rides + monthly passes
- Retired woman 62–66Single rides + daily + monthly passes
- Special-ed student (18+)Single rides + monthly passes — Hinuch Meyuhad
- Disability 50%+Single rides + monthly passes — Bituah Leumi certificate
- Bituah Leumi recipientSingle rides + monthly passes — income support, disability…
- Peripheral zone (clusters 1–5)Monthly passes only — check your address on PTI
33% de réduction
- Young adult 18–26Monthly passes
- University / higher education studentSingle rides only
⚠️ One profile at a time. Activate the most advantageous one.
How to activate your profile
- 1Identify the profile that applies to you (or use the calculator below).
- 2Gather the required documents for that profile.
- 3Activate via the Rav-Kav Online app, Moovit, Pango — or at an Al HaKav service center.
- 4Geographic profile: valid for 2 years — renew at expiry with a recent utility bill.
⚠ Note for Olim: without a Sefach (address appendix on the Teoudat Zehout), the online geographic check at pti.org.il will not work. Visit an Al HaKav service center with your Teoudat Oleh + Arnona, water, or electricity bill from the past 3 months.
Rights Calculator
Rights Calculator — Tzedek Tahburati
Answer the questions below to find your best transport discount in seconds.
Driving in Israel
Licence
Simplified conversion
Parking
Pango / Cello
Waze
GPS navigation
Insurance
Mandatory cover (Bitouah)
Parking: the Pango / Cello puzzle
Blue & White
Paid parking (via Pango/Cello). Free for resident permit holders.
Red & White
No parking. Immediate towing/fine risk.
Grey
Free parking, but rare in city centers.
In Tel Aviv, a blue-white curb can become residents-only from 5pm or 7pm. Always read the sign at the start of the street.
License conversion, categories, new driver rules…
Everything about the driving license itself (conversion, timelines, category equivalence, Nahag Hadash rules) is covered in detail in the dedicated guide.
See the driving license guideRoad survival: priority & cameras
Red-light cameras
Amber can last about one second. Running red can cost around 1500 NIS plus license points.
Bus lanes / Netiv Plus
Driving there without authorization is prohibited and often camera-enforced.
Horn culture
In Israel it is often a driving language. Stay calm and focused.
Mini car cost simulator (monthly)
Quick estimate: insurance + parking + fuel + annual fees (registration and test).
Planning a purchase? See the full car-buying guideImportant yearly rule
Every year, you pay registration in Israel. The yearly test is also mandatory, except for new cars during the first 3 years.
Test: included (vehicle older than 3 years).
Estimated total monthly cost: 1310 ₪
Indicative amounts: they vary by city, insurer, vehicle usage and driver profile.
Road emergencies
100
Police
101
MDA (ambulance)
1221
Yedidim (volunteer roadside help)
Secure the scene: hazard lights, safety vest, triangle if possible.
Take photos (vehicles, plates, road) and note the exact time.
Fill an accident report form (tofess) with the other driver.
Contact your insurer immediately with photos and details.
Mandatory
Electric Bike — Registration
Every electric bike used on public roads must be registered. The process has two distinct steps.
Step 2 — Plate production and fitting (~₪70)
Visit an approved centre with the SMS or authorisation document.
The technician prints and attaches the registration plate to your bike.
Riding without a registration plate is subject to a fine of up to ₪500.
Survival glossary
Kav
Bus / tram line
Ratzif
Platform (train)
Ihouv
Delay
Omess
Overload / crowding
Tahanah Merkazit
Central bus station (often a maze)
Hofshi Hodshi
Monthly pass
Al HaKav
Transport service point (profiles, passes, help)
Rav-Kav
Rechargeable transit card
Rishayon Nehiya
Driving license
Bitouah Hova
Mandatory insurance
Test
Annual vehicle inspection
Misrad Hatachboura
Ministry of Transport
Israel Transport FAQ
Related guides
Comments
Be the first to share your experience on this guide.