Most visitors arrive via Ben Gurion Airport about 30 miles (53 km) or an hour's drive east on Route 1. Taxis, shared rides, buses or rental car are available. A high-speed rail connection is under construction. The city itself has a well-developed bus system, limited light-rail service and taxis that can be hailed on the street. Driving around on your own is generally discouraged because of congestion, limited parking and local driving habits.
Major international and Israeli firms have offices in Jerusalem if you want to rent a car to get out and about in Israel, but public transportation suffices in the city where traffic and parking are a hassle.
Hilly terrain and crazy traffic make cycling in the city a challenge, but trails have been mapped in the Judean Hills, and bike tours include countryside by day and Jerusalem by night. A six mile (10 km) bike path - the first section of a bike ring around the city - swings through Park Jerusalem. Rentals - including app-guided itineraries, helmets and electric bikes for an extra boost - are available at The First Station outdoor mall.
Opened in 2011, the Jerusalem Light Rail or The Tram operates on one line between Mount Herzl and Pisgatt Zeev. Most useful to visitors are the stops between the Central Bus Station and the Damascus Gate and the Mount Herzl terminal, a short distance from Vad Vashem. Buy tickets at stops before boarding. It doesn't run on the Shabbat.
Egged buses - generally green or white with red stripes - run in an extensive but complicated network out of the Central Bus Station. Routes in the center of town often overlap. Buy your tickets from the driver as you board or invest in a "Rav Kav" smartcard for longer stays. Check the Egged website for route updates and specifics. A 24-hour shuttle connects Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem. No buses, including the shuttle, run on the Shabbat.
Metered taxis - white in West Jerusalem, green in East Jerusalem - can be hailed on the street or ordered ahead by phone for a small surcharge. You can also agree on a price with the driver before departing. The meter starts at 12.3 ILS ($3.50), the minimum fare between 5:30 am and 9 pm. Fares outside those hours and on the Shabbat and Jewish holidays are 25 percent higher. Uber and other shared-ride services also operate.
