By Bus in Tel Aviv

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By Bus

Bus travel in Israel is generally very convenient. The main interurban bus company operates primarily from Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station but also from the Central Railway Station. Buses leave for Jerusalem every 15 minutes throughout most of the day. Travelers purchase their tickets at the central ticket booth or, if the booth is closed, from the driver on the bus. Only the Eilat line requires advance reservations -- particularly necessary in peak season.

The city bus system is well developed, with lines run primarily by the Dan bus cooperative, as well as by Egged. The fare is a fixed NIS 5.30 within the city center, and you buy your tickets on the bus. There is a small discount for a 10-ride card, and travelers who think they might use the buses extensively in the city can buy a monthly pass at the Central Bus Station good on Egged or Dan busses in the greater metropolitan area of Tel Aviv for NIS 149.

Two of the major lines, Bus 4 (Ben Yehuda and Allenby streets) and Bus 5 (Dizengoff Street and Rothschild Boulevard), are also serviced by privately run red minibuses. You can flag these down and ask to get off at any point along their routes; the fare is the same as on regular buses. Minibuses also run on Saturday, when regular buses do not.

Contacts

Central Bus Station (Levinsky St.). Central Railway Station (Arlosoroff St.). Dan Bus Services (03/639 -- 4444). Egged (03/694-8888).