Taxi Travel

Taxis are an affordable way to get around. If you need to get somewhere fast or are unfamiliar with the area, a taxi is your best bet, and you can hail one on the street or request one by phone. On the whole, drivers are knowledgeable, cheerful, and like to practice their English with tourists.

Taxis are white sedans with a yellow sign on the roof. The sign lights up to indicate availability. According to law, taxi drivers must use the meter (be firm when you request this) unless you hire them for the day or for a trip out of town, for which there are set rates. If you're pressed to take the cab at a set price, you can ask your hotel staff for an estimate of the cost of your journey. In such a case, agree on the price before you begin the journey and assume that the driver has built in a tip. In the event of a serious problem with the driver, report his cab number (on the illuminated plastic sign on the roof) or license-plate number to the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Transport.

Certain shared taxis or minivans have fixed rates and run fixed routes, such as from Tel Aviv to Haifa or from the airport to Jerusalem; such a taxi is called a sherut (as opposed to a "special," the term used for a private cab). Some sheruts can be booked in advance.

Eight- or ten-seat sheruts are an option if you're traveling between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They operate from outside Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station seven days a week, departing when they fill up (fare NIS 20). They end their journey with stops opposite the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and near Zion Square in the downtown area. A "special" cab costs about NIS 270, with a 25% surcharge after 9 pm and on Saturday and holidays.

Taxi Contact

Nesher (599/500-205 or 02/625-7227. www.neshertours.co.il/about-us.)

Jerusalem Taxi Contacts

Hapalmach (02/679-3333.)

Hapisgah (02/642-1111.)

Ha'ooma/Habira (1 Harav Kook St., near Zion Sq., Downtown, Jerusalem, 94226. 02/538-9999. Central Bus Station, Romema, 94383. 02/538-9999.)

Rehavia (02/625-4444.)

Smadar (02/566-4444.)

Eilat Taxi Contacts

Taba (08/633-3339.)

London (08/996-3789.)

Massada Taxis (08/642-2222.)