Taxis in Israel

There are two types of taxis in Israel .

The first is the normal taxi (car - sometimes called 'special' or 'speezial') which are now regulated, and are white with the registration number printed on the side of the vehicle in orange. All normal taxis have a meter and by law, must turn the meter on without being asked.  (Tafeel Mone Bevakasha!). Taxis can be flagged down anywhere or ordered by telephone. If you are going a long distance, then it may be worth haggling. You don't have to tip in Israel but a few shekels are always appreciated. Taxis are a rather cheap source of getting around town. Some taxi drivers double as guides, especially in Jerusalem but beware, as official guides in Israel must be qualified and have an ID with a photo and the Ministry of Tourism logo.

The second type is a Monit Sherut (share-oot) or service taxi. This is a small minibus seating up to ten people stopping whenever flagged down, if seats are available. If you want to get off somewhere along the route just ask the driver. These run fairly regularly and primarily on main urban and intercity bus routes. Costs are approximately the same as a normal bus ride. Usually a Monit Sherut will wait until full before starting out. At night, and depending on destination, this can sometime mean a wait of 25-30 minutes, but the advantage is that between main cities they also run well into the early hours of the morning, and some routes throughout the night. At these times it is advisable to get on at the starting point if possible. They are all equipped with radios and if many people are waiting along the route usually inform other following drivers.
 
Moniot Sherut run to places all over the country from the Central Bus station in Tel Aviv, including Eilat. A few lines to the North (Netanya, Afula and Tiberias) also start from the main road at the Arlozorov Bus station, situated right next to the Railway station (Savidor) in Tel Aviv.
There are main terminal points in most major cities   (e.g. Haifa, Nahariya, Tiberias, Afula, Beer Sheva,  Kiyat Gat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Dimona, Arad and other cities) where Moniot Sherut are stationed. These will transport passengers to their own local areas as well as being part of the intercity network. They also usually run on the Sabbath and holidays (Friday shortly before sundown until Saturday sundown or on the eve of any other holiday) when all other public transport does not.

Haifa also has a limited bus service by Egged on the Sabbath, but is the only place that does, so Moniot Sherut are a great way to get around.