Getting From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
Revised and Updated – July 2024
Table of Contents
Traveling From Ben Gurion Airport
- Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), named after the first Israeli prime minister David Ben Gurion, is the main point of entry to Israel. It is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Tel Aviv and operates 7 days a week 364 days a year (except Yom Kippur). Arriving passengers who wish to go from the airport to Tel Aviv can make use of private taxis, shared shuttles, rental cars, buses and trains. Availability varies greatly and depends on the day and time of arrival.
- Getting to Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion Airport can sometimes be a tricky task, especially but not only for those landing in Israel on Shabbat and on Jewish holidays. Unfortunately, most of the information available throughout the internet regarding transportation from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv is found to be outdated and misleading. This guide aims to provide the most up-to-date information about the various options and to put things in order once and for all. It also notes a couple of things that travelers should beware of.
From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv by Taxi
- Taxis can be found at the taxi stand outside the arrivals hall. Taxi drivers are not allowed to solicit passengers inside the terminal, yet this happens occasionally so keep away from those as they are likely to be unauthorized drivers.
- You may ask the driver to suggest a fixed price before hitting the road. As of March 2024 taxi fares from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv range from ₪200 to ₪250, varying based on the day of the week and the time of the ride.
- In case of a dispute you may ask the driver to use the meter which starts at ₪11.85 although most drivers will probably try to avoid it. Generally taxi fares in Israel fall into 3 different categories. During nights weekends and holidays the higher fares apply. There is an extra charge for exiting the airport and using toll roads or fast lanes if needed. Tipping your taxi driver is not expected and therefore unnecessary.
- Update: As of April 2024, Gett operates the system of taxis at Ben Gurion Airport. You can use the Gett app on your smartphone or kiosks in the terminal to order a taxi and get a code. Outside the terminal, provide the code to a designated usher to get your taxi. Pay attention, users have been experiencing very long waiting times outside the arrivals terminal due to a persistent shortage of Gett drivers. To avoid potential delays, it is advised to pre-order your taxi from Ben Gurion Airport and ensure a smooth experience upon arrival, particularly during peak hours, weekends, and holidays.
From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv by Train
- Traveling by train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv is a convenient and cost-effective choice. The train station at Ben Gurion Airport is located just outside terminal 3 on the lowest level. Passengers landing at terminal 1 can connect to terminal 3 by using an airport shuttle free of charge.
- Trains from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv depart 3 to 4 times hourly during the day and once per hour at night. No change of trains is required to get to Tel Aviv. The journey typically takes about 12 minutes to reach Ha-Hagana station in south Tel Aviv and up to 30 minutes to reach the University station in north Tel Aviv. Keep in mind that the train stations in Tel Aviv are not located near the city center so taking another bus or taxi may be required to get to your final destination.
- A single trip costs ₪9.5 and a daily pass is ₪19 (as of July 2024). Remember that trains in Israel do not operate during Jewish holidays and weekends (Friday afternoon through Saturday night). For the most current fare prices, schedule changes and service updates please refer to the official Israel Railways website.
- If you’re going to rely on public transportation during your time in Tel Aviv or in Israel, it is advisable to purchase a Rav-Kav card at the arrivals hall of Ben Gurion Airport. Check out these useful travel tips for getting around Israel.
- Several private operators run a shared minivan shuttle service that can be taken to any destination in Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion Airport 24 hours a day.
- This service must be booked in advance in order for the driver to track your flight and wait for you even in case your flight is delayed.
- Depending on the operator, the type of vehicle and the time of the day it can take a long while before you leave the airport as drivers often wait for additional passengers before departing. Also, if you are the last one to be dropped off your journey can take longer than expected.
From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv by Bus
- Bus #445 operated by Metropoline runs every hour from terminal 3 in Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv dropping off passengers along the main streets of the city (Dizengoff, Burgashov, HaYarkon, Ben Yehuda) until reaching its final stop at Tel Aviv port.
- While a ticket is only ₪5.50 the duration of the ride can vary greatly due to traffic. Once again keep in mind that buses in Israel do not run from Friday afternoon through Saturday night as well as on Jewish holidays.
Renting a Car at Ben Gurion Airport
- 7 Car rental companies operate at Ben Gurion Airport 24 hours a day: Avis, Budget, Dollar Thrifty, Eldan, Europcar, Hertz and Shlomo Sixt. Their counters are located on level 1 of terminal 3 above the arrivals hall while the vehicles are collected from a nearby parking lot.
- Other local car rental companies have branches in Tel Aviv as well as in other major cities but those are closed during weekends and holidays.
- If you wish to rent a car in Israel it is highly recommended to reserve a car in advance in order to avoid disappointment. You will probably get a better deal too.
About The Author
Moshe Barak is a highly knowledgeable and reputable private taxi service operator in Israel, renowned for his professional approach, friendly attitude, and attention to details.
With over 20 years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers he is the trusted choice by many international travelers seeking reliable transportation with a personal touch during their trip to Israel.
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