City Local Transportation Guide for Haifa, Israel
Haifa is one of Israel's most beautiful and well-connected cities, offering multiple transportation options to help you navigate the city efficiently. Below is a comprehensive guide to the local transportation options, including cars, metro, rail, buses, and trams.
Haifa Local Transportation Guide
| Mode of Transport | Description | Routes & Coverage | Cost & Payment | Tips & Notes |
|----------------------|----------------|----------------------|-------------------|------------------|
| Carmelit Metro (Underground Funicular) | Israel's only subway, a funicular system with six stations. | Runs from Downtown (Paris Square) to Central Carmel. | ₪6 per ride, Rav Kav card accepted. | Great for avoiding hills; limited coverage. |
| Israel Railways (Train) | Fast and efficient for intercity travel and reaching Haifa neighborhoods. | Main stations: Haifa Center-HaShmona, Hof HaCarmel, Lev HaMifratz. Connects to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Akko. | Varies by distance; Rav Kav card accepted. | Best for traveling to/from Haifa; trains run frequently. |
| Egged Buses | Extensive bus network covering all Haifa districts. | Major routes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 22, 24, 37, 45, 115. Connects all neighborhoods and nearby cities. | ₪6 per ride, daily/monthly passes available. | Most frequent transport option; use Moovit app for schedules. |
| Metronit (BRT - Bus Rapid Transit) | Articulated buses with dedicated lanes for fast travel. | Major routes: 1, 2, 3 serving Haifa, Kiryat Yam, Kiryat Ata. | Same price as a regular bus; uses Rav Kav card. | Faster than normal buses; runs frequently. |
| Taxis & Rideshare | Available 24/7 but more expensive than public transport. | Can be hailed on the street or booked via Gett or Yango apps. | Fares start at ₪12; longer rides can be expensive. | Ensure the meter is used or agree on a price beforehand. |
| Sherut (Shared Taxi - Minibus) | Operates on fixed routes but flexible drop-offs. | Follows main bus routes but stops upon request. | Costs ₪6-12 per ride; cash payment only. | Available even on Shabbat when buses don’t operate. |
| Car Rental | Available but not necessary for city travel. | Best for trips to the Galilee, Akko, Nazareth. | Rental prices vary, starting at ₪150/day. | Parking in central Haifa is limited and expensive. |
| Bicycle & E-Scooter | Available for short-distance travel. | Rentals via apps like Bird and Lime. | Pay per minute via app. | Best for seafront areas like Hof HaCarmel. |
Additional Transportation Tips for Haifa:
Use the Rav Kav card – It works on buses, Metronit, Carmelit, and trains, offering discounts.
Moovit or Google Maps – Essential for checking real-time bus and train schedules.
Public Transport on Shabbat (Friday Evening to Saturday Evening) – Buses and trains don’t operate, but shared taxis (Sherut) and Carmelit do.
Best way to travel within the city? Metronit + Carmelit + Buses offer the best coverage.
Need a fast connection to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? Take Israel Railways trains for the quickest and most comfortable option.
Would you like help with specific routes based on your travel plans?
