Getting from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem

Ben Gurion Airport sits between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, roughly 20 km from central Tel Aviv and 50 km from central Jerusalem. Getting to Tel Aviv takes 20-40 minutes by car, while Jerusalem takes 45-60 minutes. You have trains, taxis, shared shuttles (sheruts), and pre-booked transfers. A taxi to Tel Aviv runs about 150-200 ILS ($40-55 USD), and a train ticket costs 13.50 ILS ($3.70 USD). Ben Gurion is a large, modern airport but security processes can be time-consuming, so factor that into your schedule.

Ben Gurion Airport has rigorous security, and this extends to the arrival experience. Immigration can range from a few minutes to over 30 minutes depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and how busy the airport is. Be prepared for questions at passport control. This is normal and not cause for concern.

Baggage claim is in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. After collecting your bags, you exit into a large arrivals hall with car rental counters, currency exchange, ATMs, and SIM card vendors. The exit to ground transport is clearly marked. The train station is accessible from within the terminal via an elevator.

Taxi: Official taxi stands are outside arrivals. Taxis to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem use government-regulated fixed prices, not meters. To Tel Aviv: approximately 150-200 ILS ($40-55 USD). To Jerusalem: approximately 300-350 ILS ($80-95 USD). Prices increase by about 25% at night (21:00-05:30) and on Shabbat/holidays.

Sherut (shared van/minibus): Shared taxis operate 24/7, including Shabbat, departing when full (usually 10 passengers). To Tel Aviv: around 50-65 ILS ($14-18 USD). Slower than a private taxi since you make multiple stops to drop off passengers.

Pre-booked transfer: A driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, known vehicle, flight monitoring included. Particularly valuable during Shabbat when trains are not running, or for Jerusalem-bound travelers who want a direct ride.

Ride-hailing apps: Gett and Yango operate in Israel. Prices are similar to regular taxis. Available at the airport with varying wait times.

To central Tel Aviv:

• Train: 13.50 ILS ($3.70 USD)
• Sherut: 50-65 ILS ($14-18 USD)
• Taxi: 150-200 ILS ($40-55 USD), more at night
• Pre-booked transfer: $45-65 USD

• Taxi: 300-350 ILS ($80-95 USD), more at night
• Pre-booked transfer: $75-110 USD
• Sherut: 65-80 ILS ($18-22 USD)

Ben Gurion is busy around the clock, with many flights arriving in the early hours. After midnight, trains are not running (last trains depart around 23:00-23:30 most nights). Sheruts still operate and are the budget option at these hours.

Taxis are available 24/7 but apply the nighttime surcharge (roughly 25% above daytime rates). Pre-booked transfers work at any hour and the price does not change, which makes them predictable for middle-of-the-night arrivals.

Ben Gurion is well-equipped for families. The terminal has elevators, family restrooms, and a clear layout. Luggage trolleys are available at baggage claim.

For the train, you manage your own luggage on board. With a stroller, multiple bags, and children, this can be cumbersome. Taxis and transfers are more practical for families with heavy luggage.

Child car seats are legally required for children under 8 in Israel. Taxis at the rank do not carry them. If you need a car seat, pre-book a transfer and request one, or bring your own.

The arrivals hall is large but well-organized. Pre-booked transfer drivers wait either in the arrivals hall near the exit with a name sign, or at a designated meeting point that will be communicated in your booking confirmation. The taxi rank is outside on the ground level, accessed through the main exit. Follow signs for taxis and ground transport.

Choose a sherut if: You want door-to-door service cheaply and do not mind shared travel with multiple stops.

Choose a taxi if: You want a direct, private ride and are comfortable with the regulated pricing.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: You arrive during Shabbat when trains stop, are heading to Jerusalem, travel with family and need a car seat, or want fixed pricing and a guaranteed driver at any hour.