Tel Aviv (TLV) TLV: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Ben Gurion Airport

Plan your journey from/to Ben Gurion Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by bus or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Ben Gurion Airport is the main international airport in Israel, making it the country's busiest airport. The airport is considered one of the best airports in the Middle East thanks to its notable security and focus on passengers' experience. The airport is in Tel Aviv, also known as the "white city" due to its many white buildings. The airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it very convenient for passengers with early flights, layovers, and delays. There are 104 airlines flying in and out of the airport, which is the main hub for El Al, Israir Airlines, Arkia, and Sun d'Or. 

What's the best way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to the city center?

There are several ways to travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv city center. Depending on their time and cost preferences, passengers often opt for a train, airport shuttle, or taxi.  The train (Israel Railways) travels from the airport (Terminal 3) to Tel Aviv all day and night. During the day, the trains depart every 30 minutes and stop at all stations within Tel Aviv. From 11:00 p.m. to 6 a.m., just one train departs every hour and it only stops at Arlozorov Station. The total journey time is about 18 minutes.  Airport shuttles take around 30 minutes to arrive in Tel Aviv, with no waiting times, and they operate 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, taxis are located in Terminals 1 and 3. Taxis run 24/7 and take 30 minutes to arrive in Tel Aviv. Passengers can order a taxi from the dispatcher post at Terminal 3 Level G, at the exit from Gate 03, or at Terminal 1 near Gate 03. Shared taxis (also known as "sheruts") take about 30 minutes to arrive in Tel Aviv, with waiting times for them to fill up varying from 30 to 60 minutes.

How far is the city center from Ben Gurion Airport?

The distance between the airport and Tel Aviv is approximately 19 miles (25.5 kilometers). Passengers can use the train, an airport shuttle, a shared taxi (sherut), or a regular taxi to travel from the airport to Tel Aviv city center. Passengers should keep in mind that the most convenient method of transport to Tel Aviv is the train. Trains offer the shortest travel time, of 18 minutes, are available 24 hours a day, and depart 41 times per day. Travelers can catch the train in Terminal 3 of the airport. 

What services are there at Ben Gurion Airport?

Ben Gurion Airport is a modern facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It's the largest airport in Israel, and its amenities reflect that status. The amenities found in the airport include, but are not limited to, currency exchange counters, luggage storage, ATMs, duty-free shops (cosmetics, books, sports, electronics, fashion, and jewelry), business centers, VIP lounges, a police station, two synagogues, a children's room, a medical clinic, free WiFi, and a range of food options (including kosher) in the many coffee shops and restaurants.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Ben Gurion Airport is proud to be a fully accessible facility for anyone with limited mobility. The airport offers barrier-free access and special services to aid anyone with particular needs. By law, the Israel Airport Authority has the responsibility of providing the correct infrastructure to assist any passengers with limited mobility. Regardless, the airport also explains that the responsibility for handling assisted passengers and their personal belongings lies on their respective airline from the moment of entering the terminal until disembarking the airplane. A ground handling company facilitates the process for its passengers, offering services such as accompaniment and assistance through the departure and arrival process. Toilets for passengers with limited mobility can be found on the first floor, the departure lounge, and in the arrival areas.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Ben Gurion Airport

When traveling to Tel Aviv from the airport, passengers will find that most public transportation and taxis are available at any time every day, except for Shabbat. Judaism's day of rest, Shabbat entails refraining from work activities and resting in order to honor the day. There are 39 categories of prohibited forms of melakhah (work) on Shabbat protected under halakha (Jewish law). Since Shabbat is performed from sunset on Friday until the appearance of stars in the sky on Saturday night, public transportation does not run between those times. Anyone traveling to Israel should keep this in mind when planning, to make their stay as comfortable and easy as possible.