How much it costs to get from Ben Gurion Airport to the city

Ben Gurion Airport is about 20 km from Tel Aviv and 50 km from Jerusalem. Israel is not a budget destination, and transport prices reflect that.

To Tel Aviv (city center, 20 km)

• Train: 13.50 ILS ($3.70 USD). The cheapest option by far. Runs every 20-30 minutes during operating hours.
• Sherut (shared van): 50-65 ILS ($14-18 USD). Available 24/7 including Shabbat.
• Taxi (regulated): 150-200 ILS ($40-55 USD) daytime. Night surcharge adds roughly 25%.
• Pre-booked transfer: $45-65 USD for a sedan.

To Jerusalem (city center, 50 km)

• Sherut: 65-80 ILS ($18-22 USD). Slower due to passenger drop-offs.
• Taxi (regulated): 300-350 ILS ($80-95 USD) daytime. Night surcharge applies.
• Pre-booked transfer: $75-110 USD for a sedan.

To other destinations

• Herzliya (30 km): 180-230 ILS by taxi, $55-75 by transfer
• Haifa (100 km): Train available (about 60 ILS). Taxi 450-550 ILS. Transfer $120-170.
• Netanya (50 km): 250-300 ILS by taxi, $70-100 by transfer
• Dead Sea (150 km): 600-750 ILS by taxi, $180-250 by transfer

Surcharges to be aware of

Ben Gurion taxi pricing is government-regulated with clear surcharge rules:

• Nighttime (21:00-05:30): Approximately 25% above daytime rate
• Shabbat and holidays: Approximately 25% above daytime rate
• Extra luggage: A small charge may apply for more than two bags
• Third passenger and above: A small per-person surcharge

These surcharges can stack. A Shabbat night taxi to Jerusalem can approach 500 ILS ($135 USD). Pre-booked transfers do not apply these surcharges, making them more competitive during premium hours.

The Shabbat cost equation

During Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), the train does not run, and taxis charge surcharges. A sherut is the budget option. A pre-booked transfer at its standard rate becomes relatively good value since there is no Shabbat premium.

Currency and payment

Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (ILS). ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense Shekels. Most taxis accept credit cards but having some cash is prudent. The exchange rate at the airport is reasonable for small amounts.

Saving money

• The train to Tel Aviv is a fraction of the taxi cost and often just as fast
• If traveling during Shabbat, compare sherut and transfer prices since both avoid the taxi surcharge trap
• For groups of 3-4 heading to Tel Aviv, a shared taxi or transfer splits to $15-20 per person
• The train to Tel Aviv plus a short taxi in the city can be cheaper than a direct taxi from the airport

Israel's transport costs are higher than most Mediterranean destinations. The train is the clear winner for budget-conscious travelers heading to Tel Aviv, but it does not run during Shabbat or to Jerusalem. For everything else, compare the regulated taxi rate (with surcharges) against pre-booked transfer pricing.