Visit Jerusalem Biennale
The 2017 Jerusalem Biennale is from October 1st to November 16th. Opening receptions start October 1st through October 3rd. Hosted at several venues across the city, the Biennale will showcase 26 exhibitions and 7 installations. There are many ways to move about the city and numerous hotel options. It’s a busy time of year, so plan ahead.
One ticket allows a person to enter all venues once during the seven weeks of the show starting October 8th.
Book Your Accommodations
The Jewish Holiday of Sukkot will start Wednesday October 4th and end Wednesday October 11th. Its best to book your accommodations early - hotels and hostels will fill up fast.
Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem
Bus
The 485 line run by Afikim leaves every hour on the hour 24 hours a day from Sunday-Thursday but only runs from 12:00 am to 2 pm on Friday and 7 pm on Saturdays. It is easily the most affordable option at just 16 NIS per person.
Train
From the Ben Gurion Airport, the train leaves approximately every 2 hours. Get off at the Tel Aviv HaHagana station, and wait on the same platform for the train to Jerusalem. The train makes two stops in Jerusalem - stay until the end of the line at Train Station (Malha). The trip will take up to 1:40 to 2:30 hours depending on the number of stops.
Taxi
Nesher (shared taxi van)
There is another option is the Nesher (shared taxi van). It leaves from just outside the Arrivals Hall at the airport and will conveniently drop off passengers at any requested destination in Jerusalem. Leaving from the airport, drivers typically wait for the sheroot taxi to be full before setting off, keep in mind to factor in travel time. A single journey should cost about 62 NIS, and the Sherut runs 24/7.
Private Taxi
A private taxi to or from Jerusalem is another option, and should cost roughly 250 NIS during the week and 300 NIS on Shabbat. At the airport, it is advised to use a taxi company under the supervision of the Israel Airports Authority, operated by on-site dispatchers, and found at Terminal 3 on the ground level of the multi-level road.
Travel Apps
Transportation within Jerusalem
Bus
Buses within the city of Jerusalem are 5.90 each ride, and the bus ticket includes a 90 minute window to re-use your ticket. If planning to do multiple trips one can get a ‘Rav Kav’ at the central bus station for free or passengers can purchase on the bus. With the ‘Rav Kav’ passengers can pay for multiple trips and can also take the Light Rail. To refill the ‘Rav Kav’ simply ask the bus driver. Buses will run until midnight there are occasional late night buses.
On Shabbat, the buses will stop 30 minutes before sundown on Friday and resume 30 minutes after sundown on Saturday.
For more information on the ‘Rav Kav’ or a list of service points visit: http://www.egged.co.il/Article-786-Rav-Kav-Card.aspx
Train
The light rail (also known as the Tram) runs along Yafo street and from Kheil HaAvir to Mt. Hertzl and can take you up near the Yafo Gate into the old city . Passengers can purchase an individual ticket at the ticket station or use a ‘Rav Kav’. This 90 minute window for reusing your ticket applies to the tram as well.
On Shabbat, the tram will stop a few hours before sundown on Friday and will resume a few hours later after sundown on Saturday.
All public transportation, buses and tram, will cease during the Shabbat.
Taxi
Taxis are generally a more expensive way of transportation. There is also an app called “Gett”, which is similar to ‘Uber’, but guarantees no surcharge. If you need to transportation on shabbat, taxis will be the only transportation during that time, and they will be few and far between.
The Moovit App allows its users to plan out their trip before hand focusing more on the public transportation. Provide accurate bus and train arrival and departure times. Searching in English is an option although all maps are in Hebrew.