Both taxis and transfers are widely used at Ben Gurion. The choice depends largely on when you arrive, where you are going, and whether Shabbat affects your plans.
Taxis at Ben Gurion
Ben Gurion taxis use government-regulated fixed prices, not meters. The driver should show you the official tariff book. This means you will not be overcharged in the traditional sense, but you will pay the official rate plus any applicable surcharges.
To Tel Aviv: approximately 150-200 ILS ($40-55 USD) during the day, more at night and on Shabbat. To Jerusalem: approximately 300-350 ILS ($80-95 USD), again more at night.
Taxis are available immediately at the rank. No waiting, no booking. You get in and go. Card payment is generally accepted.
The downside: you cannot choose your vehicle or specify extras like child seats. The nighttime and Shabbat surcharges can push costs up significantly.
Pre-booked transfers
A transfer gives you a fixed price set at booking time. No surcharges for night arrivals, Shabbat, or holidays. You specify your vehicle type, request car seats if needed, and the driver tracks your flight.
To Tel Aviv: $45-65 USD. To Jerusalem: $75-110 USD. The cost is competitive with regulated taxi fares, especially when surcharges apply.
The main advantage is predictability. You know exactly what you will pay regardless of when you land. During Shabbat, when taxis charge premiums, a transfer can actually be cheaper.
The Shabbat factor
This is where transfers gain a clear advantage. From Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, taxis apply Shabbat surcharges, trains do not run, and transport options thin out. A pre-booked transfer at a flat rate becomes the most cost-effective private transport option.
If your arrival does not fall during Shabbat, the cost difference narrows. A daytime taxi to Tel Aviv and a pre-booked transfer are within the same range.
The Jerusalem question
For travelers heading to Jerusalem (50 km), the longer distance makes transfers more attractive. A taxi to Jerusalem with the nighttime surcharge can approach 430 ILS ($120 USD). A pre-booked transfer at $80-100 USD is often the better deal. The ride is also more comfortable in a vehicle you have chosen.
When to choose what
Taxi if you arrive during daytime hours on a regular weekday, are going to Tel Aviv, and want to leave immediately without advance planning.
Pre-booked transfer if you arrive during Shabbat, at night, are headed to Jerusalem, need a car seat, want a specific vehicle type, or value fixed pricing over flexibility.
Summary
Ben Gurion's regulated taxi pricing removes the scam risk you face at other airports. The question is more about surcharges and convenience than about protecting yourself from overcharging. During regular hours, both options cost roughly the same. During Shabbat and nighttime, a pre-booked transfer often comes out ahead.