Rav-Kav is Israel's unified public transport card. You cannot ride a bus or train without it: drivers do not accept cash. That is why buying a Rav-Kav is one of the first things to do after arrival, before your first work day. In this guide we cover what Rav-Kav is, where to buy and top it up, how to check the balance, and how to avoid a fine from an inspector.
What Rav-Kav is and why you need it
Rav-Kav is a plastic chip card that stores your tickets and travel passes. You use it to pay for buses and trains across the country: tap the card on the validator when boarding, and the ride is paid.
You cannot pay cash. Drivers do not sell tickets or take money. If you board without a card, you are effectively riding without a ticket.
Inspectors check regularly on both buses and trains. Riding without a validated ticket means a fine several times higher than the fare, and "I just arrived, I didn't know" does not work as an excuse. The rule is simple: tap your card on the validator every time you board, including transfers.
Where to buy a Rav-Kav
Official Rav-Kav service centers
The most reliable option. Service centers exist in every city: they issue cards, help with replacement or recovery, and answer questions. Find the map of offices on the official website ravkavonline.co.il.
Super-Pharm pharmacies
At Super-Pharm pharmacies you can both buy a card and top it up. Convenient — these pharmacies are in almost every city and neighborhood.
Kiosks
Street kiosks often sell Rav-Kav cards too. It is fast, but the price may be higher than at official points. If there is a service center or Super-Pharm nearby, go there instead.
Stations and the airport
Ticket machines and counters are located at railway stations and central bus stations. And if you have just landed, you can get a card right at Ben Gurion Airport — do it straight away, so you can leave the airport by train or bus.
How to top up your Rav-Kav
- Pharmacies and shops. Super-Pharm and other sales points — pay in cash or by bank card.
- Machines and ticket counters at train and bus stations.
- The Rav-Kav app. Download the official app, hold the card against your phone, and top up with a bank card without queues.
- Online via the official website ravkavonline.co.il.
The app and online top-up require a bank card. If you do not have one yet, read our guide on getting a bank card in Israel without citizenship; until then, top up in cash at a pharmacy or ticket counter.
How to check the balance
- In the Rav-Kav app — hold the card against your phone.
- At a station machine or ticket counter.
- When paying on the bus — the validator screen shows the remaining balance.
Tip: do not let the balance hit zero. Keep enough for at least a couple of rides so you are not hunting for a top-up point on your way to work.
What's next: fares, zones and card type
This is the basic guide in our Rav-Kav series. Continue reading in the knowledge base:
- Rav-Kav fares and zones: what a ride costs and which pass saves money. Check exact ticket prices on the official website — fares change from time to time.
- Personalized or anonymous Rav-Kav — how they differ and why a personalized card is safer if lost.
With your Rav-Kav ready, you can get to work in any city. Browse fresh job openings in Israel, or leave a request for job matching — our manager will help you find a verified vacancy.