Israel Railways is preparing a major nationwide timetable update that is expected to change how people travel across the country, with knock-on effects for communities that rely on fast, reliable commuting.

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The new timetable, due to begin on the night of 17 January 2026, is expected to add more than 40,000 seats per day. The capacity increase is planned through longer trains, additional carriages, and the introduction of high-capacity electric trains on key routes. The move is presented as part of a broader effort to expand service, raise capacity, and strengthen links between urban centers and peripheral areas as rail demand reaches new highs.

Source: https://ch10.co.il/en/news/1038065/ (לו”ז חדש ברכבת ישראל עם תוספת של 40 אלף מקומות ישיבה ביום)

What is changing on the network

  • Trains on routes such as Netanya to Rehovot are set to be lengthened significantly, adding thousands of seats and extending operating hours on high-demand services, including major routes that run from the north to the south.
  • Electrification progress, including completed infrastructure in the Be’er Sheva area, is expected to support longer late-night service and service on Saturday night, strengthening links between southern communities and central hubs.
  • High-capacity electric trains are set to enter service on key corridors for the first time, with the stated aim of improving capacity and reliability during the busiest travel periods.
  • The timetable change follows record ridership in 2025, with nearly 72 million journeys, attributed to longer trains, electrification, and service upgrades.

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With more seats, longer operating hours in key areas, and expanded use of electric trains, the timetable update is expected to make rail commuting more practical and consistent for a larger share of the country.

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