Ben Gurion International Airport

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is Israel's main international gateway, located approximately 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv and 50 km west of Jerusalem. Named after Israel's first Prime Minister, the airport handles over 25 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for El Al Israel Airlines, Israir, and Arkia.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 3: The main international terminal, handling virtually all international flights and most El Al operations. This is a modern, spacious terminal opened in 2004 with excellent amenities.
• Terminal 1: Primarily serves domestic flights and some low-cost carriers. Located about 2 km from Terminal 3.

Most international travelers will use Terminal 3 exclusively. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus.

Important note on security: Ben Gurion is known for having some of the strictest airport security in the world. Security screening begins before you even enter the terminal, with vehicle checks and questioning. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights - security interviews can take 30-90 minutes depending on your travel history and profile.

TLV is located approximately 20 km from central Tel Aviv and 50 km from Jerusalem. Travel times:

• Tel Aviv center: 25-40 minutes by car
• Jerusalem: 45-60 minutes by car
• Haifa: 90-120 minutes by car
• Eilat: 4-5 hours by car (or 50-minute domestic flight)

The Israel Railways train is the most convenient option for Tel Aviv, departing from the station directly beneath Terminal 3.

Uber does not operate in Israel. The local rideshare app is Gett (formerly GetTaxi), which works with licensed taxis and is widely used.

Rideshare Apps

• Gett: Most popular, works with licensed taxis, fixed prices to major destinations
• Yango: Yandex-owned service, available in Israel
• Regular taxis: Available at designated ranks outside arrivals

Typical Fares

Destination	Fare (approximate)	Notes
Tel Aviv center	₪150-200 (~$40-55 USD)	Fixed fare available via Gett
Jerusalem	₪280-350 (~$75-95 USD)	Fixed fare, sherut shared taxi cheaper
Herzliya	₪180-220 (~$50-60 USD)	—
Haifa	₪450-550 (~$120-150 USD)	—

Tips:

• Use Gett app to avoid negotiating fares
• Official taxi stand is outside the arrivals hall
• Taxis charge extra on Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and holidays - approximately 25% surcharge
• Most taxis accept credit cards, but confirm before starting

Sherut (Shared Taxi/Minibus)

Sherut services offer affordable shared rides:

• To Tel Aviv: ₪50-60 (~$14-16 USD) per person, departs when full
• To Jerusalem: ₪70-80 (~$19-22 USD) per person
• Find sherut stands outside arrivals, left side of the terminal

Sheruts operate on Shabbat when trains and buses don't run.

Israel Railways

The train station is located directly beneath Terminal 3 - follow signs from arrivals (5-minute walk).

Route to Tel Aviv:

1. Take train to Tel Aviv HaHagana (first Tel Aviv stop)
2. Journey time: 18-22 minutes
3. Fare: ₪15 (~$4 USD)
4. Trains run every 20-30 minutes

Route to Jerusalem:

1. Take train to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon (city center station)
2. Journey time: Approximately 30 minutes
3. Fare: ₪22 (~$6 USD)
4. Limited service - check schedule

Tel Aviv Stations Served:

• Tel Aviv HaHagana (closest to south/central Tel Aviv)
• Tel Aviv HaShalom (near Azrieli Center)
• Tel Aviv Savidor/Central (near north Tel Aviv)
• Tel Aviv University

Train Schedule

• Operating hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM, Friday until ~2:30 PM
• No service: Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and Jewish holidays
• Night trains: Limited overnight service on some nights

Purchase tickets from machines in the station or use a contactless payment card. The Rav-Kav card (Israel's transit card) works on trains.

Buses

Egged and Dan operate bus services, but trains are generally more convenient from the airport.

For destinations not served by train, buses depart from the ground transportation center near Terminal 3.

Ben Gurion offers multiple parking options:

Type	Rate	Notes
Short-term (P1, P3)	₪25/hour, ₪180/day max	Closest to terminals
Long-term (P2)	₪65/day	Covered parking
Economy (P4)	₪45/day	Shuttle to terminal

Pre-booking via the airport website offers discounts. First 15 minutes free for drop-offs.

Terminal 3 has decent dining options, mostly located in the main departures hall and airside.

Landside (Before Security)

• Aroma Espresso Bar: Israeli coffee chain, sandwiches, salads
• McDonald's: Fast food
• Cafe Cafe: Light meals, coffee

Airside (After Security)

• Duty Free dining court: Multiple options including grab-and-go
• Coffee shops: Aroma, Arcaffe, Starbucks
• Restaurants: Full-service Israeli and international cuisine
• Kosher options: Most restaurants are kosher, clearly marked

What to Try

• Shakshuka: Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce - a breakfast staple
• Hummus and falafel: Available at several spots
• Burekas: Savory filled pastries
• Israeli salads: Fresh chopped vegetables with olive oil and lemon

Prices are typical airport rates - budget ₪60-120 (~$16-32 USD) for a meal.

Note: Many food outlets close for Shabbat (Friday afternoon through Saturday evening).

Free WiFi is available throughout Terminal 3:

• Network: "Free_TLV_WiFi" or "BenGurionFree"
• Registration: Email or phone number required
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email, variable for streaming
• Duration: Unlimited

Lounges offer faster, more reliable connections.

SIM cards are available in the arrivals hall after customs:

Carriers

• Cellcom: Major carrier, good coverage
• Partner (Orange): Reliable network
• Pelephone: Bezeq subsidiary
• HOT Mobile: Budget option

Where to Buy

• Arrivals hall kiosks: Multiple carrier options, open most hours
• Convenience stores: In the terminal
• Pre-order: Some providers offer airport pickup

Typical Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Cellcom	Tourist	₪100 (~$27 USD)	10GB data, local calls, 14 days
Partner	Visitor	₪120 (~$32 USD)	15GB data, 30 days
HOT Mobile	Prepaid	₪50 (~$14 USD)	5GB data, 7 days

Bring your passport - it's required for SIM registration. eSIMs from international providers (Airalo, Holafly) also work in Israel.

ATMs are located throughout Terminal 3:

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs from major Israeli banks (Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, Discount Bank)
• Departure hall: ATMs near check-in and after security
• Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS/₪)

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices operate in arrivals and departures:

• Change Point: Multiple locations
• Bank branches: Some banks have airport branches

Exchange rates at the airport include significant markups (5-10%). Better options:

• Use ATMs for cash withdrawals (your bank's foreign transaction fee applies)
• Pay with credit/debit card where possible - widely accepted in Israel
• Exchange money at banks or post offices in the city for better rates

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Israel. Amex is accepted at major retailers and hotels. Contactless payments are common.

Terminal 3 offers duty-free shopping airside (after passport control):

Duty-Free

• James Richardson Duty Free: Main operator
• Categories: Perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, spirits, tobacco, fashion

Israeli Products

• Dead Sea cosmetics: Ahava, Premier - popular gifts, often discounted
• Wine: Israeli wines from Golan Heights, Galilee regions
• Olive oil: Premium Israeli olive oils
• Halva and tahini: Traditional Middle Eastern sweets
• Judaica: Religious items, souvenirs

Notable Stores

• Steimatzky: Books, magazines, newspapers (Hebrew and English)
• Electronics stores: Cameras, phones, accessories
• Fashion: Israeli and international brands

Shopping is concentrated in the main duty-free area after passport control. Allow 30-45 minutes if you want to browse properly.

Terminal 3 has several lounge options:

Dan Lounge

• Location: Airside, near Gate B
• Access: Priority Pass, various credit cards, pay-per-use
• Facilities: Food, drinks, WiFi, showers, comfortable seating
• Quality: Good Israeli food selection, can be crowded

Fattal Lounge

• Location: Airside, Gate C area
• Access: Pay-per-use, some premium cards
• Facilities: Standard lounge amenities

King David Lounge (El Al)

• Location: Airside
• Access: El Al Business Class, Matmid Gold, King David Club members
• Facilities: Premium Israeli cuisine, wine bar, showers, business center

Day Passes

• Dan Lounge: ₪180-220 (~$50-60 USD) walk-in
• Pre-booking online usually offers lower rates

Priority Pass Coverage

Priority Pass is accepted at the Dan Lounge, making it accessible for many premium credit cardholders.

At the Airport

There is no hotel directly inside Ben Gurion Airport.

Near the Airport

• Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv Airport: 5-minute drive, free shuttle. Rooms from ₪600/night (~$160 USD).
• Prima Tel Aviv Airport: Adjacent to the airport, shuttle service. Rooms from ₪450/night (~$120 USD).
• Yehuda Hotel: Budget-friendly option in nearby Bnei Brak. Rooms from ₪300/night (~$80 USD).

Tel Aviv (20-30 min away)

For early morning flights, consider staying near the airport. For a more enjoyable stay, Tel Aviv offers better options:

• Budget: Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv, from ₪150/night (~$40 USD) for dorms
• Mid-range: Hotel Prima City, Maxim Design Hotel, from ₪400/night
• Upscale: The Norman, David Intercontinental, from ₪1000/night

Given Ben Gurion's early check-in requirements (3 hours recommended), factor in travel time when choosing accommodation.

Israel offers incredible history, beaches, and culture - it's worth extending your stay if possible.

Tel Aviv (20 km)

• Beaches: Mediterranean beaches along the promenade - Gordon, Frishman, Banana Beach
• Old Jaffa: Ancient port city with galleries, restaurants, flea market
• Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel): Vibrant food market, street food, spices
• Rothschild Boulevard: Bauhaus architecture, cafes, nightlife
• Neve Tzedek: Charming neighborhood with boutiques and restaurants

Jerusalem (50 km)

• Old City: Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, Via Dolorosa
• Yad Vashem: Holocaust memorial museum (free entry, allow 3+ hours)
• Mahane Yehuda Market: Food market, street food, bars in the evening
• Israel Museum: Dead Sea Scrolls, extensive archaeological collection

Day Trips

• Dead Sea: World's lowest point, float in the mineral-rich water (90 min drive)
• Masada: Ancient fortress with cable car, dramatic sunrise (90 min drive)
• Haifa: Bahai Gardens, German Colony, Mediterranean views (90 min by train)
• Caesarea: Roman ruins on the Mediterranean coast (45 min drive)

Practical Tips

• Shabbat: From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, most public transport stops, many businesses close. Plan accordingly.
• Security: Bag checks are common at malls, bus stations, and public buildings. This is routine.
• Currency: Israeli Shekel (₪). Cards widely accepted; carry some cash for markets and small purchases.
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants. Not expected at cafes for counter service.
• Language: Hebrew and Arabic are official. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Weather: Hot, dry summers (May-September, 30-35C in Tel Aviv). Mild winters (December-February, 10-18C).
• Dress code: Casual in Tel Aviv. Modest dress required at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Israel.

For long layovers (6+ hours), a quick trip to Tel Aviv is feasible - take the train to Tel Aviv HaHagana (20 min), explore Jaffa or the beach, and return. Allow at least 3.5 hours before your flight for the return journey and security.