The Rav-Kav is a pre-paid magnetic smart transport card which is used as the main form of payment for public transportation in Israel. It can be used to take the train or bus, and it is the only form of payment accepted (within Tel Aviv buses) – So in order to move around Tel-Aviv you should probably get one. So where can you get Rav Kav in Tel Aviv? Keep on reading!
What is a Rav Kav?
There are two types of Rav-Kav available: a personalized card and an anonymous card.
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 personnel, national service conscripts of the IDF soldiers. Children under five can travel free any time when accompanied by an adult carrying a valid ticket. Discounted fares apply to senior citizens, youth and disabled persons. Students are entitled to a 50% discount.
Where Can You Buy a Rav-Kav in Tel-Aviv?
The website of the municipality of Tel Aviv say’s 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 doesn’t always work and in many cases you cannot buy a Rav Kav from the bus driver. our recommendation is to purchase it in advance, before boarding the bus.
You can purchase your card at the Rav-Kav Service Station (located at 35 Ibn Gabirol St.), train stations, the airport and in any one of the four tourist information centers in Tel-Aviv:
- Tel Aviv Promenade – Retsif Herbert Samuel St 46
- Jaffa – Marzouk and Azar St 2
- Independence Trail – Rothschild Blvd 11
- Sarona – Aluf Albert Mendler St 14
How to load money to the Rav-Kav?
You must load your card with money before boarding the city bus. This can be done using smartphone apps called “HopOn” and “Rav-Kav Online”, but require use of NFC, so make sure your device supports it.
There are other loading locations available throughout the city, including tourist information centers (as specified above), “Tel-O-Fun” green bike stations (which are available almost every other block) and in many stores and kiosks.
Each bus ride in the city costs 5.90 NIS, and you can transfer to as many buses as you like within a 90-minute time frame. Afterwards, payment for an additional ride is required.
How to Use the Rav-Kav?
Each time you use public transport you need to swipe the Rav-Kav card in the card reader (which is available near each door of the bus). You can enter the bus on the front door or the back one. Once you have done that, the appropriate fare will be deducted from your balance.
Other Options instead of Rav Kav in Tel Aviv
In case you do not want to issue a Rav-Kav card, there are other options. You can pay directly by an app, without the need to swipe the card. When boarding the bus, 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.
And that is it for today!
In case you have any questions, find another cool place that sells Rav Kav in Tel Aviv and want to let us know, or just want to show us some love – Please comment below.
