Elainee

We are getting rental car in Jerusalem several days into trip. Recommendations for car service to our hotel are needed. Usual price? We are staying at Inbal.

basingstoke2

As you exit the terminal you will see mini-vans AKA Sherut that are shared taxis. There should be a sign "To Jerusalem." The cost is about NIS 70 per person. If you don't see it, just ask, English should be no problem but if it is just ask in Hebrew

"Aifoh hah sherooteem l'Yerooshalayim?" (Where are the shared taxis to Jerusalem?) and gesture that you want to be pointed in the right direction.

AlexA

Stick to English!
If you leave off the "l'Yerooshalayim" part of basingstoke2's question you'll be asking "where are the toilets?"
('sherut' literally means 'service' but is part of the idiom for "shared taxi" as well as the common word for toilets/restroom).

A privata taxi will be much more but if you are more than 2 travelers it may make sense.

basingstoke2

Yup - that's why I put the L'Yerooshalayim in there.

Now OP knows how to ask for 2 things.

JerryS

The OP is staying at the Inbal and I assume that there will be at least 2 people.
Take a taxi, not a Sherut. It will be quicker, easier and more comfortable.
The cost will be a bit more but not but you will appreciate the convenience.
Have a great trip.

AlexA

Yes--two useful phrases!

Actually, I think "Aifoh hah sheroot l'Yerooshalayim?" would be better (leaving off the plural of the word "sherut" which is where the mistake could occur) . It's the equivalent of "where is the taxi" instead of "where are the taxis" but it sounds more natural in Hebrew that way.

By the way, Elainee, Nesher is the main shared taxi company
http://www.neshertours.co.il/english.asp
A regular non-shared taxi(called a "special") will be a set rate for out of town trips and you can ask to see the rate sheet. I haven't taken one from the airport in a while, but there used to be small surcharges for luggage and i think an aiport surcharge. rates are also higher on holidays, Shabbat, late night etc.

basingstoke2

A good point AlexA. I haven't had the opportunity to use spoken Hebrew since asking directions of some orthodox fellows in Antwerp.

Elainee

So I just exit airport and any taxi will be ok? They all do this run? Fixed price or meter?
Thanks

Elkaz

First of all Nesher is 60NIS per person and the regular taxi will cost more than 120NIS. The comment that you are staying at the Inbal insinuates that you can afford a private taxi, BUT I think we all may want to save a few shekels.

There is no need to ask for a shared taxi ( or a bathroom) in Hebrew when at the airport. There are multiple signs indicating Taxi to Jerusalem. When you exit the terminal it is on your right and the private taxi is on your left.

If you decide you want a private taxi then you join the line and a dispatcher will place you in the next cab. He will also tell you the regulated fee. Do NOT take a taxi from anyone who approaches you in the terminal. Not only is it illegal, you have no idea what the ultimate cost may be. Stick with the legal regulated taxis.

BTW there are also the familiar signs that direct you to restrooms -

Elainee

Many thanks! Restroom signs are always good after very long flight. Glad there is dispatcher!

JerryS

Elkaz, at least let the OP make an educated decision. How much do you estimate, a private taxi will cost? 10 Shekels? 30 Shekels? More? Less?
Let them decide how much it is worth to them for the convenience and perhaps more comfort.

JerryS

I meant "how much more do you think a private taxi would cost?"

Oreet

A private taxi from the airport to Jerusalem will cost 262 NIS daytime rates and 312 on nights, holidays, Shabbat, etc. To this add another pprox. 4 NIS per person from the third person and another 4 NIS per suitcase.

Oreet

Forgot to add

Also - regarding the attempt to ask for a taxi in Hebrew - the dispatcher and most of the staff there will be able to answer you in English - best to stick to English if you don't really speak Hebrew, for two reasons - first of all you are apt to get an answer in Hebrew that is coming at you at 100 MPH and you will be totally lost. secondly, why open the door for you to be the butt of jokes when you follow the well meant suggestion that you ask for the rest rooms to Jerusalem

Elainee

We will speak English at all times.
A private taxi will work for us. We will be very tired (and unpleasant) after the long flight.
Still looking for recommendation for car service from Eilat border crossing to Petra. We will overnight in Petra so group tours will not work for us.

AlexA

Elainee,
Glad you got the information you need to make a good choice for you

Oreet etc, you realize the speaking Hebrew part was tongue-in-cheek and just a little diversion here. We made it clear that English is commonly spoken in Israel, and will be no issue at all at the airport.

Elkaz

In order to get a recommendation or information re: taxi on the Jordanian side of the border it is best to post in the Jordanian forum.

basingstoke2

True AlexA, but in any case, if the OP is not already considering to do so, it it valuable to learn to read Hebrew enough to make out street signs and such as well as some polite common phrases just as one would do in visiting any other country where one is not familiar with the language.