Hire car vs public transport in Israel for 1 week visit

I am planning a trip to Israel for the first days in January. Arrive in Tel Aviv and spend 1-2 days there. Visit Jerusalem for 2-3 days and possibly a few days in the north as well. At the moment, I am only planning to book the first 2 nights in Tel Aviv and then be spontaneous after that depending on weather etc. I also want to do some hiking.

A hire car is usually the most comfortable solution but I am wondering if using public transport would be the more sensible alternative - especially considering that I will be spending a few days just exploring the cities.

How good is inter-city public transport? How does it compare price-wise to car hire (€350/week)? Is there a 7-day pass or similar?

Pictures about "Hire car vs public transport in Israel for 1 week visit"

Hire car vs public transport in Israel for 1 week visit - Old trolleybus driving along wet asphalt road in small city at foggy night

Hire car vs public transport in Israel for 1 week visit - Street of city with signages in night

Hire car vs public transport in Israel for 1 week visit - From above long exposure traffic on modern highway elevated above ground level surrounded by urban constructions in evening

What is the best way to get around Israel?

Intercity buses are the fastest and easiest way of traveling between the major cities of Israel. Buses between Jerusalem, Haifa, and Tel Aviv depart very frequently. For less frequent buses, such as Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to Eilat, or Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, you must book your ticket in advance.

Is public transport in Israel good?

Israel has a great network of transportation, making getting around in Israel very easy. This is true whether you are using public transport or traveling on your own and renting a car. The country has a modern road network, with train and bus service between major cities.

How much does public transportation cost in Israel?

As of Feb 2021, a single urban bus ride costs \u20aa6.00 in most metropolitan areas, but could be as little as \u20aa2.50 in smaller cities. Intercity fares vary approximately based on distance. Trips between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv cost \u20aa15.50 one way.

Is it safe for tourists to drive in Israel?

No, Israel is an excellent country for a road trip. Renting a car in Israel is easy, and driving is relatively safe. While you need to pay more attention to driving in large cities such as Tel Aviv or Jerusalem with traffic congestion, the rural areas offer a much more pleasant experience.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Tim Samuel, Тамара Левченко, Maria Orlova, Ruiyang Zhang