Best way to get around Israel

[Sam Finkelstein]

We're finally going to Israel this summer after 2+ years of not being able to, and we'd like to not waste half our trip on trying to get around.

In the past, I've always been fine walking and taking public, but things may be different with a toddler.

Staying in either Bayit VaGan or Sorotzkin neighborhood.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience on whether it's worth renting a car or if it's better to just splurge on the occasional taxi.

[Moshe Green]

We're finally going to Israel this summer after 2+ years of not being able to, and we'd like to not waste half our trip on trying to get around.

In the past, I've always been fine walking and taking public, but things may be different with a toddler.

Staying in either Bayit VaGan or Sorotzkin neighborhood.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience on whether it's worth renting a car or if it's better to just splurge on the occasional taxi.

I think it really depends on your definition of "wasting a trip". If it means you wont be able to pack in as many tourist attractions as you want, so rent a car. If you enjoy walking around and seeing the country and its residents and don't consider that ",wasting a trip" so don't bother. Also, depending on what you are doing, renting a car may not save you any time, or even make you lose time. Example: Going to the Kosel. Better to go by taxi and not have to worry about parking.

[aygart]

I think it really depends on your definition of "wasting a trip". If it means you wont be able to pack in as many tourist attractions as you want, so rent a car. If you enjoy walking around and seeing the country and its residents and don't consider that ",wasting a trip" so don't bother. Also, depending on what you are doing, renting a car may not save you any time, or even make you lose time. Example: Going to the Kosel. Better to go by taxi and not have to worry about parking.

To get to the most tourist attractions or mekomos hakdoshim hire a driver who knows  the best ways to plan the route

[moko]

To get to the most tourist attractions or mekomos hakdoshim hire a driver who knows  the best ways to plan the route

disagree. I would have a hard time without a car and I visited them all myself. Especially when you're in the Negev,  Golan, the ability to simply freestyle is amazing.
I'm kind of nervous about our upcoming trip this summer.
Prices for a 7 passenger are absolutely insane. $5k-$6k for 19 days.

[YitzyS]

I only know of two ways to get around Israel: above or below

[aygart]

disagree. I would have a hard time without a car and I visited them all myself. Especially when you're in the Negev,  Golan, the ability to simply freestyle is amazing.
I'm kind of nervous about our upcoming trip this summer.
Prices for a 7 passenger are absolutely insane. $5k-$6k for 19 days.

To freestyle is very different from trying to pack in as many places as you can. I've done both and it really depends on what you are trying to do. It also depends on where you are staying and what is in that immediate area as well as the parking situation there.

[aygart]

I only know of two ways to get around Israel: above or below

What makes one of those above and the other below?

[justaregularguy]

What makes one of those above and the other below?

one line is above the other ?

But I found having a dedicated driver to be the best option convenience-wise

[Spoon]

We're finally going to Israel this summer after 2+ years of not being able to, and we'd like to not waste half our trip on trying to get around.

In the past, I've always been fine walking and taking public, but things may be different with a toddler.

Staying in either Bayit VaGan or Sorotzkin neighborhood.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience on whether it's worth renting a car or if it's better to just splurge on the occasional taxi.

Depends where you want to go. For getting around Jerusalem using buses and the train is definitely viable. For anything out of the city I’d rent a car.

[samtam]

What's the best way to get a taxi/driver for a family of 5 in and around Jerusalem?

[Moshe Green]

What's the best way to get a taxi/driver for a family of 5 in and around Jerusalem?

please define "best way".

do you mean:
a) Smallest amount of time
b) smallest amount of money
c) smallest amount of stress
d) smallest amount of issues with communication
e) some of the above
f) all of the above
g) none of the above
h) other

[Darth1]

What's the best way to get a taxi/driver for a family of 5 in and around Jerusalem?

Citi Car/ My Car
But then again it depends if you want option: ABCDEFGHI...

[aygart]

What's the best way to get a taxi/driver for a family of 5 in and around Jerusalem?

A taxi driver for a trip? For a day? To get to somewhere else in Jerusalem?

[samtam]

please define "best way".

do you mean:
a) Smallest amount of time
b) smallest amount of money
c) smallest amount of stress
d) smallest amount of issues with communication
e) some of the above
f) all of the above
g) none of the above
h) other

A,C,D. i remember that Gett used to show you the pricing and car size. i would need room for 5. and let's say for rides to Tzova Galita Chocolate Farm and back and the surrounding areas of Jerusalem

[samtam]

Citi Car/ My Car
But then again it depends if you want option: ABCDEFGHI...

Citi Car/ My Car. is this easy to use? close by?

[yfr bachur]

Citi Car/ My Car. is this easy to use? close by?

once you signup - quite straightforward, though its exponentialy easier if you have a decent comand of hebrew.
many many cars more or less only in chareidi areas, though there are other carshare programs that have cars on non chareidi areas.
takes advance planning, especialy during high use times (i.e. dont expect to be able to book the closest - or any - car 20 minutes before you need it on chol hamoed)