To use public transportation in Israel you must either have a reloadable Rav-Kav card or use one of the 4 phone apps authorized for this purpose.
Obtaining a Rav-Kav
A personalized Rav-Kav, with your name and photo, can be obtained for free at Tachanot Merkaziyot – תחנות מרכזיות – central bus stations, or at Al Hakav Information Centers across the country. Check here for countrywide locations. Alternatively, a Rav Kav can also be obtained online on the Rav-Kav website (and the physical Rav-Kav card will be sent to you in the mail). Click here for more details.
Discounts
Young people, students, disabled individuals, senior citizens or Bituach Leumi – בטוח לאומי – National Insurance beneficiaries can have their Rav Kav loaded with a special profile to receive discounted fares. Some additional documentation may be needed, see more details here.
Payment
When you scan your Rav Kav on an intracity local bus, you are allowed to transfer and take multiple bus-rides in a 90-minute time frame for the same fee.
Scanning
Be mindful to always scan your Rav-Kav! Your card has been properly scanned only when you see the green light. There are inspectors on public transport, and they give fines if the scan was not completed properly.
There are 4 government-approved phone apps that can process payment for public transportation alongside their other functionalities. These apps are:
Download
Download and open the app on your phone and allow it to access your phone’s camera.
Personal Information
You will need to enter your personal details including your credit card information.
Scan QR code
Once you have the app set up on your phone, when you board a bus or tram (including the Jerusalem Light Rail), search for the QR code stickers on the window. Scan the QR code to pay. You may also have to select your destination station to activate the payment.
Paying monthly
Unlike using the Rav Kav card, which is a pre-paid payment solution, these phone apps charge you for your usage at the end of each month, for the preceding month.