By Taxi in Jerusalem

By Taxi

Seven- to ten-seat sheruts (stretch cabs or minivans) ply the same routes as the Egged buses to and from Tel Aviv and Haifa, and charge a similar fare (25% more on Saturday and holidays, when the buses don't run). From Jerusalem, Ha'ooma/Habira goes to Tel Aviv. Sheruts from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem congregate at Tel Aviv's New Central Bus Station. Sheruts to Jerusalem from Haifa leave from the Hadar district.

Taxis can be flagged on the street, ordered by phone, or picked up at a taxi stand or at major hotels. There are usually taxis waiting outside the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem. The law requires taxi drivers to turn on their meters, but it's mysterious how many meters fail to function the moment a tourist enters the cab. You can insist on it; but if you want the cab badly enough, you may need to compromise. Negotiating the fare puts you at a disadvantage unless you're familiar with the distance involved. A 10- to 15-minute ride (day rates until 9 PM) should cost between NIS 25 and NIS 30. The fare is 25% higher after 9 PM and on Saturday and holidays. Any serious problem with the cabbie can be reported to the Ministry of Tourism: be sure to note the number emblazoned on the front doors of the taxi or on the illuminated roof sign. Among the 24/7 cab companies are Hapalmach and Rehavia. Hapisgah is closed on the Sabbath. Ha'ooma/Habira runs a sherut service to and from Tel Aviv.

Contacts

Hapalmach (02/679-2333 or 02/679-3333). Hapisgah (02/642-1111; 02/642-3333 except on Sat.). Ha'ooma/Habira (02/538-9999) Rehavia (02/625-4444 or 02/622-2444).