The Carmelit is an underground metro and funicular system serving Haifa, Israel. It is said to be the smallest subway system in the world, consisting of a single line, six stations and a track length of 1.8 km. Ha Carmelit Haifa Limited operates the line, making it the only subway system in Israel. It connects the city centre with the Carmel Centre, providing a convenient and efficient means of transport.
The system is also known as the Carmelit. It serves about 8,000 passengers a day. Unfortunately, no fare information is available. The system does not operate 24 hours a day and there is no air conditioning. It is not possible to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless.
Platforms are not equipped with screen doors. The system operates at an average speed of 28 km/h. The service is managed by the Haifa Municipality. Operating hours vary: Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 to midnight, Friday from 6:15 to midnight and Saturday from 6:00 to 19:00. The cost is ₪6.60.
Haifa Metro Map
Map of Carmelit (Haifa) Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Carmelit (Haifa) Metro map in PDF format.
The Carmelit Subway
The Haifa metro has a distinctive architecture. The trains travel up and down Mount Carmel, hence the name. Swiss company Von Roll manufactured the trains, which reach a maximum height of 268 metres. Around 800,000 people use the metro every year.
Historical Overview
Haifa stretches from sea level to the top of the mountain, necessitating a funicular system to connect the major business centres and tourist attractions at ground level with the residential areas at the top of the mountain.
Construction of the lines began in 1956 and the system became operational in 1959. However, the system was closed in 1986 for modernisation and refurbishment. The decommissioned rolling stock was intended for display at the Israel Railway Museum, but due to high transport costs it was stored in a scrapyard.
The refurbished system resumed service in 1992. In March 2015, service was briefly suspended due to system malfunctions. Since July 2015, the metro has been operating without interruption.
Operating Hours
The Carmelit’s operating hours vary throughout the week. From Sunday to Thursday, trains run from 6am to midnight. On Fridays and public holidays the service ends at 15:00. On Saturdays, trains run from 7pm to midnight. On the eve of Yom Kippur, the subway is open until 13:00, on the eve of Passover until 14:00, and on the day of Yom Kippur it is closed.
Trains run every 10 minutes.
Lines and Stations
The Carmelit trains have a sloping design, and the stations are stair-like. Only two 2-car trains operate on this line, running on a single track with a small section of double track where they cross.
The trains run either uphill or downhill and operate automatically. However, an operator is responsible for opening and closing the doors. Both trains run and stop at the same time and a full journey on the line takes just 8 minutes.
The stations are relatively small and not all have concourses. Each station has platforms on both sides of the track, one for boarding and one for alighting. Massada and B’nei Tzion stations have only one platform. The platform stairs have a distinctive yellow canopy. Signals and poles indicate the exact position of the trains. However, the stations are not wheelchair accessible.
The stations from the lower to the upper level are as follows:
Paris Square
This station, one of the terminal points of the system, is located at an altitude of 12 metres. It is located in downtown Haifa, near major government buildings and the courthouse. Haifa Central Station is only a few minutes away. Major roads, including HaAtzmaut Street and Boulevard Palyam Street, are nearby. From here, passengers can easily reach Haifa Centre HaShmona Station, Metronit (lines 1 and 2) and the Port of Haifa.
Solel Boneh
The station is located 63 metres above sea level. It is close to Ha’atzmaut Park, Hanevi’im Tower and Haifa City Hall.
HaNevi’im
This station, at an altitude of 70 metres, serves the Hadar HaCarmel business district. The Haifa Museum is easily accessible from this station, which also serves as a connection point to the Metronit Line 3.
Massada
Located on Massada Street in the Hadar Hacarmel neighbourhood, the station is 118 metres above sea level. Nearby are the Haifa Museum of Science and Technology, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and more.
Bnei Zion
This station is located at an elevation of 194 metres on Golomb Street in Hadar Hacarmel, near the Bnai Zion Medical Centre and the Bahá’í World Centre.
Gan HaEm
Located in the Carmel Center neighbourhood at 287 metres, this station is close to the Haifa Auditorium, the Haifa Zoo and several prestigious hotels.
Future Expansion
Despite its function of connecting important residential and commercial areas, the Carmelit metro is not very popular and its coverage remains limited. It does not cover its operating costs and the city council currently has no plans for expansion due to financial constraints.
Fares and Tickets
The Carmelit subway fare is comparable to local bus fares, but offers time savings and a comfortable ride. There are three types of tickets: single, 10-ride and monthly. The Rav Kav multipurpose transport ticketing system is used for multi-ride tickets. These cards can be recharged from machines at stations and various locations around the city.
Discounts are available for students and senior citizens, while children under the age of five and uniformed soldiers travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased from machines at the stations and must be scanned at the gates of the paid area to access the turnstile. Payment can be made with coins or credit cards.
Facilities and Services
Several amenities enhance the travel experience:
- Stations have escalators in addition to stairs.
- Ticket machines offer instructions in Hebrew and English.
- Bicycles can be taken on the trains free of charge.
- The metro is a safe place to be in case of bombings.
- Security guards are stationed at station entrances.
Rules
To ensure the smooth operation of the system, passengers must comply with the rules of the metro authority.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited on trains and in stations.
- Weapons are not allowed in the turnstile area.
- Passengers should use the litter bins to keep the stations and trains clean.
Tips
A trip on the Carmelit funicular is an enjoyable experience, which can be enhanced by taking the following tips into account:
- Be aware of pickpocketing on the trains. Secure your handbag and smartphone.
- Keep your ticket when inside the turnstile.
- If your journey extends beyond the area covered by the Carmelit funicular, for example if you are taking a bus, buy a ticket that includes the transfer.