The Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv serves as Israel's primary air terminal, located approximately 14 kilometers from the city. It is renowned for its high level of security, making it one of the safest airports in the world.
How to Get to the City Center
You can reach the center of Tel Aviv from the airport in about 25 minutes via shuttle, taxi, or public transportation.
Public Transportation
Tel Aviv's public transportation options include trains, buses, and shuttles.
Important! Keep in mind that from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, Israel observes Shabbat, and during this time, you can only use taxis or shuttles.
Train
The train is one of the most comfortable transportation modes, equipped with amenities such as restrooms, gadget chargers, and the option to reserve seats in advance.
- Where to Find: Head to the bottom floor of the third terminal at the airport. The train station is located there. If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, you can take shuttle bus #5 to Terminal 3. Information about the shuttle can be found below.
- Route: From the airport, the train follows the route: HaShalom - Center - Savidor - University.
- Trip Time: 13-25 minutes.
- Travel Schedule: Trains run from 05:16 to 23:20, departing every 30 minutes. For exact schedules or train changes, visit the official website. On Fridays, trains operate until 3:00 pm, and the first train on Saturday begins at 8:00 pm.
- Fare: Approximately $4.1 USD.
- Where to Buy a Ticket: Purchase tickets at the ticket office or from a machine on the airport premises. Do not discard your ticket before reaching your destination, as there is a turnstile for passengers at the exit of the train.
Additional Information:
- Babies under the age of five travel for free.
- Children aged 5 to 10 years old receive a 10% discount on fares.
Route Cab (Sherut)
The route cab, or sherut, is one of the most popular forms of transportation in Tel Aviv. These vehicles can carry up to 10 passengers at a time.
- Where to Find It: There is a cab stop right next to the terminal exit.
- Cost: Approximately 9-12 USD, paid directly to the driver.
- Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
The shuttle departs when all seats in the vehicle are occupied, and there is no fixed timetable. Shuttle buses also make stops upon passengers' request.
Bus
While not the most convenient or fastest transportation option, buses are available. Please note that you won't get directly from the airport to the city; you may need to change buses.
- Where to Find It: There is a bus stop in Terminal 3, near gates 21 and 23. Take bus No. 5 (green color).
- Time Schedule: Buses operate from 05:00 to 22:00.
- Cost: Free.
Transfer
After reaching Airport City station, you can take buses numbered 268, 249, 423, 930, 947, 950 to get into the city. Please note that no buses run on the Sabbath (Saturday).
- Cost: Approximately $0.57 USD.
- Travel Time: About 30 minutes.
- Travel Schedule: Buses operate from 07:00 to 20:30, with additional services on Fridays at 10:30 and 14:00, and Saturdays at 21:30. For the exact schedule, check here.
- Where to Buy a Ticket: Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the ticket office at the bus stop.
Transfer
If you want maximum comfort getting to the city, consider booking a transfer. You can arrange one through KiwiTaxi, and a driver with a nameplate will be waiting for you at the airport exit.
Cost: Starts from 109 USD for two passengers.
Taxi
Taxis are available at any time, including during Shabbat. However, they can be quite expensive. You can book a taxi through the airport's dispatch service or on the GetTaxi website.
Cost: Typically 40-45 USD per car. You can calculate the exact cost of the trip here.
Car Rental
Rental counters are available throughout the airport, offering 24/7 service not dependent on the Sabbath. Renting a car is convenient and practical.
Cost: Depends on the car class, starting from 36 USD per day for a small-sized car, 37 USD for a medium-sized car, and 52 USD for a large-sized car. An additional 29 USD fee is required at the airport for renting and returning the car.
How to Get to the Train and Bus Station
The Tel Aviv Savidor Center train station and Arlozorov bus station are located next to each other. You can reach them from the airport by train. Get off at the Tel Aviv-HaHagana stop. Refer to the information above for details on train schedules and costs.
