What’s faster? Watch us race from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by high-speed train and Uber
Nicky Kelvin is the director of content and face of TPG UK, and is also an award-winning photographer. Before joining TPG UK, he was a record label lawyer and avid traveler sharing points wisdom as the "Miles Mogul."
Nov. 19, 2022
•
3 min read
What’s faster? Watch us race from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by high-speed train and Uber
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Our latest YouTube video features something a little different! We’ve raced to Edinburgh, Scotland; Amsterdam; Paris; Leeds, England; and even Heathrow Airport. However, we’ve never ventured outside of Europe.
This time, we head to the Middle East to find the fastest way of getting between two of Israel’s biggest cities, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, racing from the beach to the holiest Jewish site, the Western Wall.
I took public transport all the way, starting off on an electric scooter, taking the new high-speed railway line, followed by the Jerusalem light rail and, finally, a sprint through the Old City to the Western Wall.
Liam took a more relaxed and refined journey, ordering an Uber from point to point for the 70-kilometer (43 1/2-mile) journey.
You can watch the whole experience and find out who won right here on YouTube:
Nicky Kelvin — public transport
We paid: 12 British pounds (about $14)
It was a hot day in Israel, and the 86-plus-degree (Fahrenheit) heat was not conducive to running through the streets. However, I did my very best. The scooter was easy to find and a fun way to see some of Tel Aviv on the way to HaHagana train station. The high-speed train was quick and cool, as was the light rail train that was waiting for me at the other end.
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The final sprint through the Old City was also a hot one, but the surroundings were incredible. Had I not been racing and able to slow the pace down, it would have been a fascinating journey past some iconic sights of three of the world’s major religions.
Liam Spencer — Uber
We paid: 100 British pounds (about $119)
This was the cool, relaxed and stylish option. Liam simply had to pull up the Uber app, hop in the car and sit tight as his driver headed up the stunning winding roads to the hills of Jerusalem.
The huge downfall here was the price, which was almost 10 times the amount of public transport. Liam also took a huge risk, as the route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can often be plagued by terrible traffic.
Watch more:
Featured image by THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees