Israel Railways to Launch New Direct Routes, But High-Speed Line Remains Congested
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Starting November 14, Israel Railways will offer direct train routes from Hadera, Netanya, and Beit Yehoshua to Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem. However, the busy Tel Aviv-Jerusalem high-speed line will continue to operate with only two trains per hour, leading to expected ongoing congestion. The new direct lines are made possible by the partial operation of the new Eastern Railway. Further capacity increases on the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem line are not anticipated for several years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- New direct train routes to Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem begin November 14.
- The Tel Aviv-Jerusalem high-speed line will continue to have only two trains per hour.
- Congestion on Highway 1 is expected to persist due to limited train capacity.
- The new direct routes utilize the partially operational new Eastern Railway line.
- Significant capacity increases on the Ayalon railway are expected in about six years.
Starting November 14, Israel Railways will introduce direct train services from Hadera West, Netanya, and Beit Yehoshua to Ben Gurion Airport (Natbag) and Jerusalem. This change is facilitated by the new Eastern Railway line, which is currently operating on a partial route and allows for the diversion of freight trains and other rolling stock from the coastal line. Despite the new direct connections, the high-speed train line between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is expected to remain congested for the coming months. Currently, this line operates only two trains per hour, and a third train per hour will not be added until a new control system is operational in several months. Consequently, heavy traffic congestion on Highway 1, particularly during peak hours, is likely to persist. The new schedule will also bring other changes to train departure times and routes. Israel Railways reported a record 72 million journeys in 2025, with daily trips exceeding 300,000 in the first half of 2026. The new timetable is anticipated to accommodate tens of thousands of additional passengers. Significant improvements to the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem line are not expected until the completion of the 431 railway project in 2027, the full operation of the Eastern Railway by late 2027, and the opening of the fourth Ayalon railway line in approximately six years, which will substantially increase train capacity.
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