Israel is a country where, one day a week, time almost seems to stop. Every Friday at sunset, the country enters Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) — the Jewish day of rest — and for tourists, this can come as a real surprise if they are not prepared in advance.
What is Shabbat and when does it start
Shabbat is a day of rest prescribed by the Torah: God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. In modern Israel, it is not just a religious tradition — it is part of the country’s way of life. Shabbat begins on Friday at sunset (around 19:30 in summer and around 16:30 in winter) and ends on Saturday evening, when three stars appear in the sky.
Public transport comes to a stop
This is the main thing tourists need to know: trains and major bus services do not operate on Shabbat. Rail service stops completely from Friday evening until Sunday morning. This applies across the country — from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
One small exception is Haifa: some city bus routes operate even on Saturday, due to the city’s large Arab population.
In Tel Aviv, the city has launched several free Saturday minibus routes that run along the beaches and tourist areas.
One small exception is Haifa: some city bus routes operate even on Saturday, due to the city’s large Arab population.
In Tel Aviv, the city has launched several free Saturday minibus routes that run along the beaches and tourist areas.
Taxis and transfers — your best friend on Shabbat
On Saturday, taxis do operate, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
the official fare is 25% higher on Shabbat — this is set by law.
it is better to book in advance — on Friday before Shabbat begins, especially if you are flying from Ben Gurion Airport.
the most comfortable option for tourists is a pre-booked transfer or car with driver: fixed price, an English-speaking driver and no rush looking for a car on a Friday evening. At Colorit Travel, we offer this service — transfers and cars with driver across Israel, including Saturdays and holidays.
the official fare is 25% higher on Shabbat — this is set by law.
it is better to book in advance — on Friday before Shabbat begins, especially if you are flying from Ben Gurion Airport.
the most comfortable option for tourists is a pre-booked transfer or car with driver: fixed price, an English-speaking driver and no rush looking for a car on a Friday evening. At Colorit Travel, we offer this service — transfers and cars with driver across Israel, including Saturdays and holidays.
Shops, restaurants and cafés
The situation depends on the city:
In Jerusalem, most shops, kosher restaurants and venues are closed for the whole of Shabbat.
In Tel Aviv, things are much more relaxed: many cafés, restaurants, bars and shops stay open.
Shopping malls and supermarkets across the country are usually closed.
Beaches, parks, some museums and entertainment venues remain open.
Tip: stock up on food and cash on Thursday evening or Friday morning — on Friday, shops often close by midday.
🚨 An incredible fact: one day when the whole country stops
If Shabbat is a “pause”, then Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּיפּוּר, the Day of Atonement) is a full stop. Once a year, for 25 hours, Israel almost completely shuts down:
All buses, trains and trams stop — absolutely everything.
Even most radio stations, TV channels and news websites stop broadcasting.
The streets become so empty that children ride bicycles right on the highways — an annual tradition.
Tourists who happen to be in Israel on Yom Kippur describe it as something unreal: empty Tel Aviv, silence on the highways, hundreds of cyclists on major roads. If you find yourself in Israel on this day, treat it as a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The date of Yom Kippur changes every year according to the Jewish calendar, usually falling in September or October.
Practical tips for tourists
Download the Moovit app — it shows Saturday routes and real arrival times.
Keep the number of an English-speaking taxi or transfer service at hand — for example, Colorit Travel works 24/7, including holidays.
Check the exact Shabbat start time for the week of your visit — it changes every Friday.
Cash in shekels is essential on Saturday, as not all taxis accept cards.
In Jerusalem, restrictions are stricter than in Tel Aviv, so plan the day separately for each city.
Shabbat is not an obstacle for tourists, but a reason to slow down with the whole country, walk, enjoy the quiet and feel Israel from the inside.
In Jerusalem, most shops, kosher restaurants and venues are closed for the whole of Shabbat.
In Tel Aviv, things are much more relaxed: many cafés, restaurants, bars and shops stay open.
Shopping malls and supermarkets across the country are usually closed.
Beaches, parks, some museums and entertainment venues remain open.
Tip: stock up on food and cash on Thursday evening or Friday morning — on Friday, shops often close by midday.
🚨 An incredible fact: one day when the whole country stops
If Shabbat is a “pause”, then Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּיפּוּר, the Day of Atonement) is a full stop. Once a year, for 25 hours, Israel almost completely shuts down:
All buses, trains and trams stop — absolutely everything.
Even most radio stations, TV channels and news websites stop broadcasting.
The streets become so empty that children ride bicycles right on the highways — an annual tradition.
Tourists who happen to be in Israel on Yom Kippur describe it as something unreal: empty Tel Aviv, silence on the highways, hundreds of cyclists on major roads. If you find yourself in Israel on this day, treat it as a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The date of Yom Kippur changes every year according to the Jewish calendar, usually falling in September or October.
Practical tips for tourists
Download the Moovit app — it shows Saturday routes and real arrival times.
Keep the number of an English-speaking taxi or transfer service at hand — for example, Colorit Travel works 24/7, including holidays.
Check the exact Shabbat start time for the week of your visit — it changes every Friday.
Cash in shekels is essential on Saturday, as not all taxis accept cards.
In Jerusalem, restrictions are stricter than in Tel Aviv, so plan the day separately for each city.
Shabbat is not an obstacle for tourists, but a reason to slow down with the whole country, walk, enjoy the quiet and feel Israel from the inside.