The easiest way to get to Haifa from Tel Aviv is by train! Israeli railway is a good option when you don’t have a car. It’s comfortable to travel by train. And the train from Tel Aviv to Haifa… is by double decker train! How cool is that!
And for this 1 hour trip, the fare is only 27.5NIS! ($7.5) Comparing to the food costs in Israel or train costs in Europe, this is super cheap!
The 3 Train Stations in Tel Aviv
There are 3 train stations in Tel Aviv. Not really know why because they aren’t too far away from each other. Tel Aviv- Hahagana is more likely your stop.
- Tel Aviv- Hahagana (link)：the name “Hagana” comes from Hagana the military organization before independence. Fully accessible. Rav-kav counter (Sun-Thu 07:00-19:00) This is the station where you stop at from Ben Gurion Airport
- Tel Aviv- Hashalom (link)：”Shalom” means peace. Fully accessible.
- Tel Aviv- Savidor(link)：Named after the director of railway bureau of 1954–1964. Fully accessible. Rav-kav counter (Sun-Thu 07:00-19:00, Fri 08:00-12:00)
The 3 Train Stations in Haifa
There are also 3 train stations in Haifa… they aren’t too far away from each other. Haifa Hof HaCarmel is more likely your stop.
- Haifa Hof HaCarmel (S. Raziel) (link)：It means “Carmel Beach” and S. Raziel is the name of the director of railway bureau in 1983–1993. Fully accessible. Rav-kav counter (Sun-Thu 07:00-10:00, 15:00-19:00) This is the closest station to Haifa Beach.
- Haifa – Bat Galim (link)：It means “daughter of waves”. Fully accessible. Close to Elijah’s Cave.
- Haifa Center/ HaShmona (link)：It means “central”. Fully accessible. I got my Rav-kav from the counter here.
Tel Aviv’s Hagana Railway Station
There’s always security check before entering railway stations in Israel. Some are stricter than others. This one is quite strict. So try to arrive 5-10minutes earlier than planned.
How to Buy a Train Ticket?
If it’s just after shabbat, you have to use a ticket machine. It can get crowded if you go there when shabbat is just over. Be patient.
The names in Israel can get confusing. Two names, but same thing. And sometimes you are just “supposed” to know. Haifa-Shmona is Haifa Center. I got my ticket and it was only 27.5 NIS. There are 3 stops in Haifa, make sure you know which stop you should get off!
There was a piano in the train station, but there wasn’t a cafe where you can sit. Well, it’s better to go directly to your platform!
Elevator at Hagana Railway Station
Yes there is one. The station is fully accessible. It’s nice especially when you are traveling with suitcases! Turn to your right and wait between the two electronic boards as there are less people here. (It will give you less pressure because you need more time to board your train when traveling with luggage)
Tel Aviv→Haifa : Interior
Double Decker train! How cool is that!
It was wreird that there wasn’t a designated place for luggage in the train from Ben Gurion Airport. And it was weird that somehow on this train you find an area for luggage, plus there are 2 seats before the luggage racks.
I like the upper level. From experience there were more people in the lower level.
There was no charger on this train. But there was WC. It’s a good idea to travel by train because it is quite comfortable. So much leg room!
Wait for your turn…. I’m glad WC is just WC in Israel, not another term you are “supposed” to know.
I don’t know why, but it wasn’t particularly clean. The first toilet I went was broken. I took courage to flush down the toilet but… it was a disaster! And I fled. The other toilet was acceptable, but I don’t understand why the garbage bag was hanging there.
Here we are! Haifa-Center～ Many people were going home too.
Elevator at Haifa Center Railway Station
You will see an elevator too, It’s fully accessible.
Is there a Locker?
Yes, before you leave the railway station, there is a locker. 20 or 30NIS per locker. Remember the train ticket was only 27.5NIS? So I think this service was pricey.
小的置物箱20NIS，剛好是登機箱的大小
If you leave the station, then you’d have to go through security again!
