Train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (via Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv)

The highly anticipated new highspeed train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv via Ben Gurion Airport has started operation in Israel in late 2018. While the final destination of the Jerusalem train will be to Tel Aviv, construction is still underway on the track leaving just one destination on the train route currently to Ben Gurion Airport. The new Jerusalem to Tel Aviv train service is officially called King David Line.

Traveling to Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv from Jerusalem by train

Passengers can travel from Jerusalem from the new Yitzhak Navon Station to Ben Gurion airport in just over 20 minutes. The trains are scheduled to run every half hour, but passengers must account for the ten minute time to reach the entrance in Jerusalem where the station is housed inside the large-scale granite station which requires three escalators.

In the early stages of operation, the new Jerusalem train is running free of charge to passengers. According to Israel Railways, there is a 90 day period after the initial line where transportation between the Yitzhak Navon Station and other Israel destinations will be free, however, this is only relevant for passengers who purchase the train ticket on a Rav Kav card directly at the Yitzhak Navon Station. A Ravkav refers to the electronic card which is used as a ticketing system that can be used across all bus companies in Israel as well as the national railway. In order to use the first free 90 days, all passengers must purchase the voucher in advance, which can also be bought online.

Yitzhak Navon Station in Jerusalem by Shinaimm – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Traveling from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv by Train

Travelers to central Tel Aviv must remember that trains from the Jerusalem’sYitzhak Navon Station currently only reach one destination, Ben Gurion Airport. Passengers to central Tel Aviv will need to switch trains at the airport to continue their journey.

Taking into account that transfer, as well as the 10 minutes it takes to get from the surface entrance of the station in Jerusalem down to the platform via three escalators and some stairs, the trip from central Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station to Hashalom Station in central Tel Aviv, will now take around 45 minutes

As construction continues passengers can expect some delays or closures so it is best to always check the daily updates directly with Israel Railways to confirm travel plans in advance.

Looking for ways to get to Ben Gurion Airport? Check out Shuttles to Ben Gurion Airport.