The Rav-Kav is a magnetic smart transport card which is used as the main form of payment for public transportation in Israel. It can be used to take a bus or train, and it is the only form of payment accepted within Jerusalem buses – So in order to move around The city you should probably get one. So where can you get a Rav Kav in Jerusalem? Keep on reading!
What is a Rav Kav?
There are two types of Rav-Kav available: a personal card and an anonymous one.
Personalized card – Will require a valid identity document during the purchase, and will include a digital photograph of the card holder (just like on a driver’s license). The Rav Kav card is issued on the spot and your personal identification details are printed on the underside of the card. This is a recommended option for long-term visitors or residents of Israel, as this card can enable discounts (which you get every time you load money into the card).
Anonymous card – Visitors generally use the anonymous card, which doesn’t require any personal information to be given and can be purchased for a one-time payment of 5 NIS.
Free travel passes are given to police officers and prison authority workers, national service or IDF soldiers. Children under five can travel free any time when accompanied by an adult (which should be carrying a valid ticket). Discounted fares apply to senior citizens, youth and disabled persons, and students are entitled to a 50% discount.
Where Can You Buy a Rav-Kav in Jerusalem?
Some (official) websites say that you should have the option of purchasing a Rav-Kav on board any of the inner-city buses, for a cost of 10.90 NIS (This includes the price of the card itself as well as a ride in the city).
From our experience, this almost never works – and in most cases you cannot buy a Rav Kav from the bus driver (and some of the drivers are not very nice about that). our recommendation is to purchase it in advance, before entering the bus.
Cards can be bought at kiosks spread throughout the city, as well as post offices, Cofix coffee chain stores and Maayan 2000 supermarket branches. Personalized card can be made at one of the Rav Kav service centers:
- Talpiot – Kenyon Hadar, Floor -1 next to Optica Halperin.
- Pisgat Ze’ev – Kenyon Pisgat Ze’ev, entry level on the left side.
- Ramot – Kenyon Ramot, entry level next to Cafe Neeman and across from Bank Leumi.
- Shchunot HaTzafon – Rav Shefa, 2nd floor.
- City Center – King George 3.
- City Center – Citipass Service Center, Binyan Klal, Yafo 97.
- Central Bus Station – 3rd floor across from platform 22.
- Ma’ale Adumim – Derech Kedem 5.
- Givat Ze’ev – Kidron 10.
Where Can You Load a Rav-Kav in Jerusalem?
Once you have your initial card, it can be reloaded in many places around the city, most useful (in our opinion) are the 46 loading points at the light rail stations.
You must load your card with money before boarding the city bus. This can also be done online using smartphone apps called “HopOn” and “Rav-Kav Online”, but require use of NFC, so make sure your device supports it.
How to Use a Rav-Kav Card?
Each time you use public transport you need to swipe the Rav-Kav card in the card reader. You can enter any bus on the front door or the back one, or any door of the light train – near each door you should see a card reader. Once you have done that, the appropriate fare will be deducted from your balance.
Each bus or light train ride in the city costs 5.90 NIS, and you can transfer to as many other following buses or train rides as you like within a 90-minute time frame. Afterwards, payment for an additional ride is required.
Other Options
You don’t have to get a Rav-Kav card in order to use public transport around Jerusalem – there are other options! You can pay for each ride directly using an app, without the need to swipe a card on entry. When boarding the bus (or train), use the app and scan a QR code which is visible near each door. Super Easy!
Just keep in mind you need to download the “HopOn Rav-Pass” app beforehand, and insert your credit card details. Another app that offers a similar function is the “Moovit” app.
For more information and details regarding the Rav-Kav service stations (and in general, all things relaed to it), you can check the official Rav-Kav website.
And that is all.
In case you have any questions, find another cool place that sells Rav Kav in Jerusalem and want to let us know, or just want to show us some love – Please comment below.
Does the bus Jerusalem – Yad Hashmona cost 5.50 shekels?
Yes, it is 🙂
Klopt het dat je alleen incheckt met de Rav Kav en dat je niet hoeft uit te checken?
Mag je voor 2 personen samen reizen op 1 neutrale rav kav card?
Hi Tineke,
I hope I translated and understood you well.
You do not need to check out, you should do it only once – as you board the bus/train.
You need a different Rav-Kav card for each person (the ride is valid for 1.5h so technically you cannot even check-in twice with the same card).
Klopt het dat je alleen incheckt met de Rav Kav en dat je niet hoeft uit te checken?
Can i use a Rav-Kav from Ben gurion airport to jerusalem?
You can use it to travel on the train to Jerusalem, but you will use it to get a train ticket at the train station at the airport.
anyway to purchase on the app for a family? Maning if I have 5 passengers is it possible from the app or need to purchase 5 separate cards? (specifically for the light rail in Jerusalem?)
You need buy a different ticket for each passanger (sadly there are no “family tickets”).