Bus, train and driving in Israel.
Olim discounts, senior free travel and urban survival.
This is your physical travel card. Without a configured profile (Oleh, Senior, Student), you pay full price with no discount.
No need to pre-load credit anymore when you use these apps.
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 websiteOlim Hadashim
A dedicated discount exists. Rules can change, so always verify eligibility and profile conditions on official websites.
Seniors (75+)
Full free access (Profil Zahav) on the entire Israeli network.
Retirees
50% immediate discount for women (62+) and men (67+).
Students
Significant discounts on monthly and annual passes.
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.
Licence
Simplified conversion
Parking
Pango / Cello
Waze
GPS navigation
Insurance
Mandatory cover (Bitouah)
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.
Foreign license held for more than 5 years: conversion is usually automatic (appointment at Misrad HaRishouy). Less than 5 years: a practical test (Control) is required.
License conversion (2026 law)
Foreign license held for more than 5 years
Direct conversion, no practical test. File fees only.
Foreign license held for less than 5 years
Simplified practical test ("Control") required.
Tofes Yarok (Green Form)
This is your digital medical file. Without it, no conversion process can start.
Book an appointment with Misrad HaRishouy before going.
Prepare your foreign license, Teoudat Zehout, passport, and requested photos/documents.
Confirm medical/exam requirements based on how long you have held your license.
B ↔ B
Private car (up to 3.5t)
A / A1 / A2 ↔ A / A1 / A2
Motorcycles and scooters
C1 ↔ C1
Light utility vehicles (up to 12t)
Always verify the exact category printed on your new Rishayon.
Yellow "Nahag Hadash" sign is mandatory on the rear window.
Melve (accompanying driver) is mandatory during the first 6 months.
Zero tolerance for alcohol (near-zero legal threshold).
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.
Quick estimate: insurance + parking + fuel + annual fees (registration and test).
Important 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.
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.
A dedicated discount exists. Rules can change, so always verify eligibility and profile conditions on official websites.
Full free access (Profil Zahav) on the entire Israeli network.
50% immediate discount for women (62+) and men (67+).
Significant discounts on monthly and annual passes.
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.
Licence
Simplified conversion
Parking
Pango / Cello
Waze
GPS navigation
Insurance
Mandatory cover (Bitouah)
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.
Foreign license held for more than 5 years: conversion is usually automatic (appointment at Misrad HaRishouy). Less than 5 years: a practical test (Control) is required.
License conversion (2026 law)
| Criteria | Result |
|---|---|
| Foreign license held for more than 5 years | Direct conversion, no practical test. File fees only. |
| Foreign license held for less than 5 years | Simplified practical test ("Control") required. |
Tofes Yarok (Green Form)
This is your digital medical file. Without it, no conversion process can start.
Quick checklist
Book an appointment with Misrad HaRishouy before going.
Prepare your foreign license, Teoudat Zehout, passport, and requested photos/documents.
Confirm medical/exam requirements based on how long you have held your license.
B ↔ B
Private car (up to 3.5t)
A / A1 / A2 ↔ A / A1 / A2
Motorcycles and scooters
C1 ↔ C1
Light utility vehicles (up to 12t)
Always verify the exact category printed on your new Rishayon.
Yellow "Nahag Hadash" sign is mandatory on the rear window.
Melve (accompanying driver) is mandatory during the first 6 months.
Zero tolerance for alcohol (near-zero legal threshold).
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.
Quick estimate: insurance + parking + fuel + annual fees (registration and test).
Important 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.
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.
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
Yes, temporarily. Then you must start the conversion process based on your driving history and status.
Yes. The annual vehicle registration fee is generally due every year.
Yes, except for new vehicles during their first 3 years.
You may receive an automatic camera fine. Always check local road signs.