You will soon be able to travel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, or from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in just 28 minutes, and reach Jerusalem in just 20 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport, thanks to Israel’s new rail connections.
Israel is getting smaller! The long-awaited high-speed rail link between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will open in March 2018, and this is just the start! This train route will not only connect with the extensive inter-city rail system spanning the country, but will also link up with a new network of light rail lines being built across Tel Aviv and the surrounding towns.
Building the new train line has involved the skillful construction of dramatic bridges and tunnels to bring the train on a gentle uphill slope to Jerusalem. It is not surprising that the project has taken longer and cost more than expected. Travelers will soon enjoy free journeys and can see for themselves the incredible infrastructure that makes this high-speed rail link possible. It is expected to revolutionize journeys between Israel’s major cities for commuters and for tourists too.
The Tel Aviv train system that is now under construction includes nine underground rail stations in central Tel Aviv. These stations will be connected by a light rail network across the city, with seven rail lines spreading out to connect the surrounding suburbs and towns. The new system will relieve traffic congestion throughout central Israel, and make Tel Aviv–Jaffa the hub of Israeli’s largest metropolis.
The first line to be built – known as the Red Line – will connect Petach Tikva, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv–Jaffa and Bat Yam. The Green Line is planned to reach Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Holon and Rishon LeZion, and the Purple Line will connect Yehud, Or Yehuda, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Kiryat Ono, Givat Shmuel and Petach Tikva. Four additional light rail lines are planned, eventually connecting more towns to the commercial heart of the country, and creating Israel’s Metropolitan Area Mass-Transit system.
Traveling by train in Israel is a real pleasure. If you are planning a visit to Israel, why not include a scenic train journey between its cities and avoid the traffic. The coastal route from Haifa south to Tel Aviv is particularly beautiful, and there are some stunning new stations to visit throughout the network. Israeli railway stations often include public pianos and spaces for music performances, and free books to borrow. Most trains are also equipped with USB charging sockets and many have quiet carriages where mobile phone use is prohibited.
The new high speed rail link from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem will be free for travelers during March and April 2018. It will also connect both cities to Ben Gurion Airport, reducing your travel time significantly. Talk to Shatour’s travel advisors about taking advantage of Israel’s new rail connections.