Getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport, is generally an easy task. There are many options available, including the train, shuttles, taxis, sheruts (a bus-taxi hybrid), and car rentals. Each has its own advantages. Each better fits different types of travelers, different destinations/start points, and different numbers of people. This article will answer one of our most frequently asked questions: How can you get to and from Ben Gurion Airport?
Taking a Private Transfer
Private Ben Gurion Airport transfers are the most recommended way to get to and from Ben Gurion airport. Available 24/7, an airport transfer is a hassle-free way to travel. They are often cheaper than taxis as there are no hidden fees for extra luggage, passengers, or weekend/nighttime hours. While they aren’t as cheap as public transport, often the price evens out once you take into account the cost of your taxi to your destination from the train station. A private transfer will drop you off directly at your destination and the driver will handle loading and unloading your luggage. In addition, drivers track your flight and wait for you in the arrivals area with a sign.
If waiting in long lines at the Airport isn’t your thing, it’s also worth considering vip fast-track services at Ben Gurion Airport. This can make the airport experience even quicker and simpler, letting you skip queues for security, check-in, and passport control.
Book a Ben Gurion Airport Transfer to or from the airport here.
Renting a Car at Ben Gurion Airport
All of Israel’s major car rental companies have locations at Ben Gurion Airport. They have reservation desks above the arrivals hall, and the cars are only a short bus ride away. Likewise, if you are returning a car, follow signs to the drop off point. There will be a bus service to the main airport terminal. Cars are available for pickup and drop off at the airport 24/7. Generally, car rental agencies in the rest of the country are usually closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. You can pre-book your rental car for a better price.
Taking a Taxi
Taxis to Ben Gurion Airport can be ordered from any taxi service in the country. Taxis can be found outside the Arrivals Hall where a dispatcher is on hand. Fares from the airport have legally fixed prices to every city. They fall into two categories depending on the time of day. Drivers can also charge extra for more than 2 passengers and luggage. It’s important to know that during busy times, there can be a long queue for taxis at the airport, and therefore if you’re arriving after a long flight, it is often a better idea to pre-book a private airport transfer.
Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem (#485) is available 24 hours a day, 6 days a week (not on Shabbat). It departs hourly from Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station. The journey time to Jerusalem is approximately 1 hour. The central drop-off in Jerusalem avoids the city’s heavy traffic. While exiting the bus, you can easily transfer to the Light Rail or a local bus. You can grab a local taxi to anywhere in the city.
Taking a Train
Israel Railways trains in Israel run to and from the Ben Gurion Airport station right outside Terminal 3. They are an easy way to get to and from Tel Aviv and many other cities.
From Ben Gurion Airport train station you can travel to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Modi’in, Herzliya, Binyamina, Atlit, Haifa, Krayot, Akko, and Nahariya. Furthermore, you can also change in Tel
Aviv for train services from Ben Gurion Airport to places including Herzliya, Netanya, Caesarea, Yavne, Bat Yam, Rishon Lezion, Holon, Ashkelon, Bnei Brak, Petach Tikvah, Rosh Haayin, Ramla, Beit Shemesh, Ashdod, Rehovot, Kiryat Gat, Beer Sheva, and Dimona.
Be aware that the train stations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and most other places are situated on the edge of the city. A bus or taxi will be required to get to almost all hotels. If you are flying in or out of Terminal 1, there is a free shuttle that runs between the terminals every 15 minutes to connect you with the train. Read more about which terminal you will use in Ben Gurion Airport.
To see the train timetable, visit the Israel Railways website.
Taking a Sherut
A sherut is a minibus that operates as a shared taxi. This is a popular way of traveling in Israel and in particular to and from Ben Gurion Airport. From the airport, sheruts run to Jerusalem and Haifa 24/7. They can be found on Level G outside Arrivals. They are minibuses that take about 10 passengers to the main bus station in the city or directly to your destination. You can ask the driver to drop you off at any point along the route. In addition, they will pick you up from your front door for the return journey to the airport if you book in advance. Bear in mind that there is often over an hour waiting time before you’ll leave the airport as the driver waits to have a full bus before taking off. Similarly, if you’re taking a sherut to the airport, factor in an extra hour of travel time.
Amal operates sheruts between Haifa and Ben Gurion Airport. Sheruts to Haifa also go to the Krayot and the north of the country. Nesher Tours operates sheruts between Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport. Sheruts to Jerusalem can take you to Jerusalem, as well as towns and villages en route.
