Jerusalem Taxis & Transport: Your UK Guide

When planning a trip to Jerusalem, understanding the local transport system is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. While many visitors are curious about the sheer volume of vehicles, such as how many taxis operate within the city, precise, publicly available figures for the exact number of taxis in Jerusalem are not readily disclosed. However, what truly matters for any traveller is knowing how to access reliable services and navigate the city efficiently, whether by private hire or public transport.

Jerusalem's transport landscape is as rich and multifaceted as its history, offering a blend of traditional taxi services and a modern, integrated public bus network. This guide will delve into practical advice for utilising taxis, highlight the significance of the city's central transport hub, and provide insights to help you traverse this ancient city with modern ease.

Navigating Jerusalem by Taxi: A Practical Guide

While the exact count of taxis remains elusive, Jerusalem offers a robust taxi service designed to cater to both residents and tourists. Knowing how to identify reputable operators and understanding local nuances can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Identifying Reputable Services: The iTaxiJerusalem Initiative

For visitors seeking assurance of fair pricing and quality service, it is highly recommended to look out for taxis bearing the iTaxiJerusalem branding. These vehicles belong to companies that have entered into a formal agreement with the Jerusalem municipality. This treaty signifies a commitment to providing transparent and high-quality service, aiming to instil confidence in passengers. Choosing an iTaxiJerusalem vehicle can often mean a more predictable and pleasant journey, adhering to agreed standards for fares and driver conduct.

The Colourful Divide: East vs. West Jerusalem Taxis

A distinctive feature of Jerusalem's taxi fleet is the colour coding, which subtly indicates their primary operational zones. Taxis predominantly operating in West Jerusalem are typically white, reflecting a standard often found across Israel. Conversely, taxis in East Jerusalem are generally yellow. While both colours of taxis can operate throughout the city, this distinction can offer a quick visual cue about a taxi's usual base or the area it might be more familiar with. For most tourist journeys, either colour taxi will be able to provide service, but it's a fascinating local detail worth noting.

Key Taxi Companies in Jerusalem

While hailing a taxi on the street is common, pre-booking through a reputable company can offer peace of mind, especially for early morning departures or late-night arrivals. Here are some of the established taxi companies in Jerusalem, complete with their contact numbers, which are typically dialled from within Israel:

For a comprehensive list of all Jerusalem taxi companies, local resources often direct visitors to the Jerusalem Taxi Services website. While we cannot provide direct links, a quick online search for 'Jerusalem Taxi Services' should yield the official portal. It's always advisable to verify contact details and service offerings, particularly if you have specific requirements or are travelling during peak seasons.

Jerusalem's Central Bus Station: A Hub of Activity

Beyond taxis, Jerusalem's Central Bus Station (CBS) stands as a monumental gateway for intercity travel, a testament to the city's dynamic growth and its role as a major regional hub. More than just a departure point, it is a significant commercial and social centre.

A Journey Through Time: The Station's Evolution

The history of Jerusalem's primary bus station is a story of adaptation and modernisation. Starting in 1932, the original main bus station was strategically located in the heart of downtown Jerusalem, on Jaffa Road. This site, now occupied by the Pillars Building, served the city's growing transport needs for decades. By the 1960s, a replacement station, designed by Ossip Klarwein, was constructed further west, paving the way for the current facility. This earlier structure was a more modest, single-story building with an open-air depot. The current Central Bus Station, a much grander and more secure edifice, opened its doors in September 2001. Its commissioning was a direct response to the escalating flow of bus traffic and the critical need to implement stringent security protocols for all incoming and outgoing passengers. During its construction, operations temporarily relocated a few blocks east on Jaffa Road, near the future HaTurim light rail stop, showcasing the city's commitment to maintaining transport services even amidst significant infrastructure projects.

More Than Just a Terminal: Inside the CBS

The new Central Bus Station is a multi-layered complex designed for both functionality and commerce. It boasts two levels of underground parking, crucial for managing vehicle flow in a dense urban environment. Above ground, there are three main levels dedicated to passenger services and retail, topped by five upper floors of office space. The first main level functions as a vibrant shopping concourse and a food court, offering a wide array of eateries and shops. The second main level serves a dual purpose: it continues the shopping concourse experience and acts as the arrivals hall for intercity bus passengers. Due to the building's construction on a hillside, both the first and second main levels conveniently offer ground-level access to Jaffa Road, facilitating easy entry and exit. Beyond the numerous retail stores, visitors can find bakery outlets, entertainment options like a video game parlour, and various free-standing gift sellers, making the station a destination in itself. The third main level is the dedicated departures hall, featuring 22 bus platforms. Passengers wait at clearly numbered doors for their bus to pull into its designated slot within the indoor parking lot. Once the bus arrives, they proceed through the door directly into the indoor garage to board, a system designed for efficiency and protection from the elements. Large digital display boards provide real-time updates on upcoming departure times, ensuring passengers are well-informed. While many platforms accommodate multiple bus routes, high-demand routes, such as the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv line, benefit from their own designated platforms and more frequent services, highlighting the station's capacity to handle significant passenger volumes.

Security and Peace of Mind

A paramount aspect of the Central Bus Station, reflecting Israel's comprehensive approach to public safety, is its rigorous security system. Passengers and their baggage undergo thorough screening by security personnel upon every entry into the CBS building from Jaffa Road. This means that once inside, departing passengers can board buses without requiring additional security checks at the platform. Conversely, passengers arriving in Jerusalem are dropped off in the garage on the opposite side of the building. They have the option to exit directly to the street without passing through security, or to enter the bus station building, in which case they must also clear a security check. Even individuals wishing to visit only the shopping concourses are required to pass through security. It's noteworthy that, consistent with most commercial security checkpoints across Israel, licensed gun owners are typically exempt from these searches, based on the presumption that individuals vetted by the government to carry firearms publicly do not pose a criminal or terrorist threat. In addition to the building's robust security measures, Egged, the primary bus operator, maintains its own team of uniformed security personnel who regularly patrol the indoor bus parking lots, adding an extra layer of safety and vigilance.

Environmental Concerns and Passenger Experience

Despite its modern design and comprehensive facilities, the Central Bus Station has faced challenges, particularly concerning indoor air quality. In October 2013, the Environmental Protection Ministry of Israel officially declared the indoor garage, where passengers board buses, as an "excessively polluted space and an endangerment to public health." Levels of nitrogen oxide and respirable particulates generated by exhaust fumes were found to be in violation of Israel's Clean Air Law. This led to significant repercussions, including a substantial fine in 2012 for air pollution, which remains under legal discussion. Furthermore, in September 2011, the Environmental Protection Ministry mandated that management "completely separate the bus platform and the building's interior due to high pollution levels." For passengers, this means being aware that while the station offers convenience and security, the air quality in the immediate boarding areas can be a concern. Efforts to mitigate this issue are ongoing, but it highlights the complexities of managing a high-traffic indoor transport hub.

Intermodal Connectivity

The CBS is strategically located to offer seamless connectivity with other modes of public transport. The Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon intercity rail station, providing high-speed train services, is situated directly adjacent to the bus station, just across Jaffa Street. Furthermore, a Jerusalem Light Rail station and various Jaffa Street city bus stops are conveniently located between the bus and train stations. This intermodal design greatly enhances the convenience for travellers, allowing for easy transfers between intercity buses, trains, city buses, and the light rail system, making the CBS a true nexus of urban and national transport.

Cultural Nuances and Public Transport

The Central Bus Station also reflects some of Jerusalem's unique social and cultural dynamics. The decision to integrate a shopping concourse within the station initially drew criticism from parts of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. In response to petitions, Egged, the bus company, introduced special arrangements, including a dedicated platform for buses travelling to Haredi destinations, such as Route 400 to Bnei Brak, where passengers could wait in relative privacy. Additionally, a "mehadrin" Route 402 between Jerusalem and Bnei Brak was launched, departing from Egged's city bus terminus at Har Hotzvim in northern Jerusalem. This alternative caters to Haredi riders who prefer to bypass the Central Bus Station entirely. The Har Hotzvim terminus has since expanded to include "mehadrin" bus departures to other Haredi cities like Safed, Ashdod, and Haifa. While a 2011 Israeli High Court of Justice ruling abolished mandatory gender segregation on public buses, allowing it only on a voluntary basis for an experimental period, the system of separate lines terminating at Har Hotzvim remains an established feature, illustrating the nuanced approach to serving diverse community needs within public transport.

Another notable controversy involved the opening of a McDonald's franchise in the food court. Unlike most McDonald's in the city, this particular branch sought kashrut certification from the rabbinate. However, the rabbinate conditioned its certification on McDonald's making its other city outlets kosher, which the company declined. When McDonald's proceeded to open a kosher branch without the official certificate, Haredi activists threatened a boycott. The property firm owning the bus station initially cancelled McDonald's contract, leading to a legal dispute that McDonald's won, forcing the firm to pay trial expenses. McDonald's then opened its franchise, adhering to halachic obligations internally but without rabbinical supervision, and surprisingly, the Haredi boycott never materialised. In January 2010, the branch finally reopened with a kosher certificate from the Jerusalem rabbinate, after McDonald's agreed to specific changes. This included blue signage instead of the traditional red, prominently displaying "kosher" in English and Hebrew, and blue disposable packaging and special staff uniforms. This episode highlights the delicate balance between commercial enterprise and religious observance in Jerusalem's public spaces, a fascinating aspect of the city's culture and daily life.

Choosing Your Ride: Taxis vs. Buses in Jerusalem

When navigating Jerusalem, travellers have excellent options in both taxis and the public bus system. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your needs, budget, and desired level of security and flexibility.

Essential Tips for Travellers

• Negotiate or Insist on the Meter: When taking a taxi, always ensure the driver uses the meter (monit). If travelling outside the city or for a pre-arranged tour, a fixed price might be agreed upon, but confirm it clearly beforehand.
• Know Your Destination: Have the exact address or a prominent landmark ready for your driver. English is widely spoken by drivers in tourist areas, but knowing a few key Hebrew phrases or having your destination written down can be helpful.
• Rush Hour Considerations: Jerusalem traffic, like any major city, can be heavy during peak hours (morning and late afternoon/early evening). Factor this into your travel time, especially if heading to the bus or train station for a scheduled departure.
• Public Transport Cards: If planning to use buses extensively, consider purchasing a Rav-Kav card. This rechargeable smart card offers cheaper fares and easier travel across public transport networks in Israel.
• Stay Informed: For the latest information on bus schedules, routes, and any changes to station operations, official transport apps or websites are the best resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I hail a taxi in Jerusalem?

A: You can hail a taxi directly from the street, find them at designated taxi stands (common near hotels, major attractions, and transport hubs like the Central Bus Station), or pre-book one via phone using the company numbers provided above or through local taxi apps.

Q: Are taxis safe in Jerusalem?

A: Yes, taxis in Jerusalem are generally safe. It is always recommended to use licensed taxis, identified by their official markings and meters. Opting for services like iTaxiJerusalem provides an added layer of assurance due to their agreement with the municipality regarding fair and quality service.

Q: What's the difference between white and yellow taxis?

A: Taxis in West Jerusalem are typically white, while those in East Jerusalem are generally yellow. This colour difference often indicates their primary operational base, but both can operate throughout the city. For most travellers, either colour taxi will serve your needs.

Q: Can I pay with a credit card in Jerusalem taxis?

A: While cash (Israeli Shekels) is universally accepted and often preferred, some taxis, particularly those from larger companies or newer vehicles, may accept credit cards. It's always best to ask the driver before starting your journey if you intend to pay by card.

Q: How do I get to/from the Central Bus Station?

A: The Central Bus Station is well-connected. You can arrive by city bus (numerous routes stop nearby), by the Jerusalem Light Rail (the station is adjacent), by intercity train (Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon station is across the street), or by taxi, which can drop you directly at the entrance.

Q: What facilities are available at the Central Bus Station?

A: The Central Bus Station offers extensive facilities, including a large shopping concourse, a food court with various eateries (including a kosher McDonald's), retail stores, restrooms, and waiting areas. It's designed to be a comfortable and comprehensive hub for travellers.

Q: Is the bus station easily accessible for people with disabilities?

A: As a modern transport hub opened in 2001, the Central Bus Station is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. It aims to provide easy access for all passengers.

Understanding Jerusalem's transport system, from its distinctive taxis to its bustling Central Bus Station, equips you with the knowledge to explore this incredible city with confidence and ease. Whether you opt for the direct convenience of a taxi or the extensive reach of the public bus network, Jerusalem's transport options are designed to connect you to its myriad wonders.

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