Welcome to Israel! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you walk through centuries of history, explore vast terrains, and experience a melting pot of culture, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. 

But before we set off to explore, we must know how to travel around the country! Follow along for these insightful tips on transportation in Israel, specifically Jerusalem. 

There are regular direct flights from major cities in Europe and North America, as well as from a number of Asian cities to Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion International Airport, located only 25 KM west of the conference venue

The Local PCO – Ortra LTD., operates a travel agency with attractive air travel fares to Israel.

For further details, you may contact Ms. Heli Belo, heli@ortra.com

Jerusalem is about a 35–40-minute drive from Ben Gurion International Airport, one of the largest travel hubs in the Middle East. The high-level security standards at Ben Gurion Airport are unmatched, and there are several means of transportation between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem.

1.  Train (Rakevet Israel) – Utilizing the express train is the greatest and most affordable way to travel to Jerusalem. The train ride is about 20 minutes time and costs 13 -18 NIS (about $5 USD). 

The nearest train station to the ICC is called: Central Station (Itzhak Navon)

2. Taxi – You’ll find both private and shared taxi services at Ben Gurion Airport located at Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall Exit.

A private taxi to Jerusalem costs approximately 230 NIS ($63 USD) Sunday – Friday and about 290 – 300 NIS ($80 USD) on Saturday. Payments for taxi rides can be done either using cash or a local app called Gett (available for download on iOS or Android). There’s no need to book ahead for the trip, just be sure to have enough cash as not all taxis accept
credit cards. Please note: by law, taxis must have a meter running. The driver may try to negotiate a fixed price but that is generally illegal.

3. Shared Taxi (Nesher Sherut) – A Nesher Sherut (shared taxi service) is a cheaper alternative to a private taxi.
You’ll find Nesher vans outside the Arrivals Hall and they will drop you off anywhere in Jerusalem. The service runs 24/7. Please note that travel from Ben Gurion Airport with this service does not require pre-booking however travel from Jerusalem to the airport requires booking 24 hours in advance and it is advised to note your flight’s departure time. The shared taxi costs 62-67 NIS (about $17), and you’ll find the current rate clearly posted outside the terminal.

4. Bus – There is a direct bus that makes round trips between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem daily. The No. 485 Afikim bus operates 24 hours a day (Saturday evening through late Friday afternoon) and departs from Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport and from several locations in Jerusalem, including the Central Bus Station. The journey is approximately an hour and costs 16 NIS (about $5 USD). Bus fare is only accepted through a card called Rav Kav, which you can purchase here.

In addition to the public transportation, Private Airport Transfers are also available on a pre-arranged basis.

Private Arrival/Departure Transfer US$ 225 (up to 2 passengers) | Private Arrival/Departure Transfer US$ 265 (up to 6 passengers):

Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration, collect your bags, pass through Customs, and then proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Please turn on your cell phone when exiting the airplane so that the service company can contact you – please send us in advance your cell number.

For departure transfers your driver will be waiting for you in the lobby of the hotel, holding a sign with your name on it.

Pick up for return transfer will be 4 hours prior to flight departure time.

 

VIP Arrival Escort Service & Transfer US$ 370 (up to 2 passengers):

This service operates from the plane, where you will be greeted on landing at the end of the flight sleeve. A representative will escort you all the way through passport control, luggage collection, directly to the awaiting
car transfer which will take you to your hotel.

For further details please contact the conference secretariat ssiem2023@ortra.com or +972-3-6384444.

Jerusalem is a large city, with several neighborhoods interconnected by a system of public and private transportation. It is very easy to get around Jerusalem without a car, although rental cars are available throughout the city, and many sites can be reached on foot.  If you know your destination and have the proper app or website, you are set to go. It is easy to get around by bus and light rail in Jerusalem, and information is generally in Hebrew and English.

Another alternative way to travel around Jerusalem is by publicly available motorized scooters or bikes, which you can find pretty much everywhere.

  1. Light Rail and Bus – Public transportation in Jerusalem consists of a network of buses and a central light rail system that connects one end of the city (Mount Herzl) to the other side (Pisgat Zeev).
  • Light Rail – The Jerusalem Light Rail (Harakevet Hakala) stretches from Pisgat Ze’ev in the North (Heil Ha’avir Station) to Mount Herzl in the West, with many stops along the way. Using the Jerusalem Light Rail requires you to buy a ticket before boarding the train; tickets can be purchased at all the stops. A single ride on the light rail is 5.90 NIS. The train’s arrival time is continuously updated on the electronic boards at the stations. Know the right time for you! Use the “plan your journey” option on the rail’s official website to stay updated with the schedule. APP for travelling in Jerusalem on buses and the light rail- hereThe nearest train station to the ICC is called: Central Station (Itzhak Navon)
  • Bus – Buses in Jerusalem are all run by ‘Egged’; they are mostly green although some are white with red stripes. There are several routes within the city, and the standard bus fare in Jerusalem is 5.90 NIS for a single trip.
  • Paying for public transportation (buses, trains, light rail) is done by using a ‘Rav Kav’ with a smartcard chip. See below for more information.
  • NOTE: No public transport on Shabbat – The Jerusalem bus and rail systems shut down for Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) on Friday afternoon. Buses stop about an hour before sundown, and light rail a few hours before. Service resumes after sunset on Saturday night (buses start about an hour after Shabbat ends, and the light rail a few hours later. Tip: Since there’s no public transportation in Jerusalem during Shabbat, be mindful of planning ahead for your visit to Jerusalem if you’re staying there during Shabbat. If your flight lands on a Friday night or a Saturday day and you need to get to Jerusalem, you may book a shuttle or private taxi ride from the airport to Jerusalem.
  1.  
  2. Taxi – Taxis in Jerusalem are ubiquitous within the city limits. Taxi ordering apps such as Gett operate in the city, and be sure to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride.
  3. Car Rental – There are several car rental agencies in Jerusalem.
  4. By Foot – Walking is the best way to experience the city and enjoy all its beauty. Much of Jerusalem is walkable; since the city is built on mountains, the humidity level is much lower than most cities – providing pleasant weather most of the time. The terrain in Jerusalem features a range of high slopes, hills, and steep ascents. In the Old City, many of the lanes and alleyways are inaccessible to cars, so you’ll have to tour on foot (it’s also much more impressive this way!). Visitors can stroll through the City Center easily, and walking to the Old City from downtown should take no more than 20 minutes.

Intercity Travel:

Despite its small size, Israel offers a wealth of diverse experiences that can easily be explored in day trips from Jerusalem. For example, a mere 45-minute bus ride away lies Tel Aviv, a vibrant coastal city with a buzzing nightlife, world-class culinary, and stunning beaches. If you’re interested in exploring around Israel, a 2-hour drive will lead you to Tiberias in Northern Israel, while the Dead Sea in Israel’s Negev Desert can be reached in less than 40 minutes.

How to purchase tickets for public transportation:

Every train station has an electronic machine to purchase train tickets. If you hold a digital wallet on your phone, you may utilize the Moovit app and pay with your phone for every ride.

Paying for public transportation (buses, trains, light rail) is done by using a ‘Rav Kav’ with a smartcard chip. Rav Kav cards are available at kiosks, the Central Bus Station, all Cofix branches, Super-Pharm, etc. throughout the city, and all Rav Kav cards are reloadable. You may also buy tickets digitally through the ‘Moovit’ app and scan a QR code on the buses to pay for your trip

Cancellation Policy

For alterations of reservations or any other invoiced item an administrative charge of 100 NIS will be charged. Alternative participants are readily accepted for an administrative fee of 100 NIS.

Refund of payments made towards registration will be refunded if written notification reaches the Symposium Secretariat, Ortra Ltd. ssiem2023@ortra.com as follows:

Cancellation received within 14 days from the date of registration (unless registration was made during the 7 days prior to the Symposium) – Full refund, excluding 100 NIS handling fees.

If cancellation received 15 days or more from the date of registration refund will be made as follows:

  • Until June 26, 2023 – Full refund with deduction of 100 NIS handling fee
  • From June 27, 2023 – 50% refund
  • From July 27, 2023 – No refund.