Traveling Inside Palestine: Due to the small size of Palestine and the restrictions placed by the Israeli occupation on freedom of movement within the Palestinian Territories, taxis are the more reliable mode of public transport to travel in Palestine. There are no public railways, metros, trams or public buses in the West Bank and Gaza as there are in Israel.
What mode of transportation Palestinians use?
Palestinian taxis are divided into three main types: Firstly, as in most countries, private taxis travel both between and within cities, and to and from the particular locations of the passenger’s choice. Second, are shared (yellow ‘service’ minivan taxis) which travel within cities and which will generally travel to and from a particular location of your choice.
Both of these types of taxis can be hailed in the usual manner, by waving your arm at the side of the road and informing the driver who stops of the place you want to go.
Thirdly, there are also shared (yellow ‘service’) taxis which travel between cities. These shared taxis arrive in and from depart from main taxi stations only. Like shared taxis which travel only within cities, intercity taxis have no set schedule. This type of taxi tends to depart only when the taxi is full.ta
Are Palestinian taxis permitted access to Israel?
Shared (‘sherut’) and private (‘munit’) can be found in Israel as well as in Palestine. However, while Israeli taxis are able to travel freely between Israel and Palestine, Palestinian taxis are not permitted access to Israel – another circumstance of the occupation. Visually, the difference between the two is that the Palestinian taxi is yellow with a white number plate, while Israeli taxis are white with a yellow number plate.
Taxis’ meter system in Palestine and Israel
Taxi serves in both Israel and Palestine do not function on a meter system, so it’s important to have an idea of the fair price for your trip. As a tourist, it’s likely assumed you’ll not to know the fair price of a ride, and might, therefore, be charged more. It’s important to be prepared to barter with the driver if you think you’re not getting a fair price.
Is it cheap to take a taxi in Palestine?
Intercity shared taxis are the cheapest mode of transport in Palestine because they offer the least control over travel for passengers. Prices vary according to the destination, as well as the length of the journey. Ramallah to Hebron should cost around 28 NIS (8$) or from Ramallah to Nablus 20 NIS (6$). Hebron to Bethlehem should cost 16 NIS.
What is the price of taking a private taxi in Palestine?
Private taxis, on the other hand, are much more expensive than shared taxis. A private taxi to Bethlehem from Hebron should cost around 80NIS. A private taxi is a good option for a day trip to a particular area however, if sightseeing spots are far apart, and a car would therefore be useful for the entire day. Private taxi drivers often offer this touring service, but bartering, again, is recommended.
Another benefit of private taxis is that many run after seven in the evening when most shared taxi services close. There are also still some private taxis on Friday, which is the Muslim holy day when shared taxis are hard to come by. Likewise in Israel, during Shabbat on Friday evenings and Saturdays, bus services and shared taxis are rare or unavailable.
Final Remarks
When planning travel in Israel and Palestine, bear in mind that the majority of shops, cafes, restaurants, and tourist spots are closed on Fridays in Palestine and that the Shabbat affects the opening hours of some Israeli organizations and institutions. Such preparation will ease your travel concerns while here.
