How to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Haifa

Last updated: August 2026 by Moshe Barak — Israel travel and transportation expert with more than 20 years of experience helping international travelers navigate Israel.

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is approximately 100-110 km (62-68 miles) from central Haifa. The best way to make the journey depends on when you arrive, how much luggage you have, where in Haifa you are staying and whether public transportation is operating.

Most travelers choose between the direct train, an official airport taxi, or a pre-booked private transfer. Renting a car is another option, while direct bus 905 operates only during a very limited weekend window. The former Amal shared taxi (sherut) service between Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa is no longer in operation.

Quick answer: For most travelers arriving while trains are operating, the direct train normally offers the best combination of price, speed and convenience. An official airport taxi or pre-booked private transfer is generally more practical if you arrive during Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, have substantial luggage, are traveling with children or as part of a group, or want door-to-door transportation.

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Travel times are estimates. Road journeys can take considerably longer during rush hour or when traffic is heavy. Train times end at the selected Haifa railway station and do not include any onward journey to your accommodation. Fares and schedules can change, so check current information for your arrival date.

• Choose the train if it is operating when you arrive, you are traveling relatively light and you do not mind completing the journey from a Haifa railway station to your accommodation.
• Choose an official airport taxi if you want an immediate door-to-door ride and are comfortable with a metered fare that can vary with traffic and the time of travel.
• Book a private transfer if guaranteed pickup, a fixed price, flight monitoring, luggage assistance or a larger vehicle is important to you.
• Consider bus 905 only if its very limited timetable matches your arrival and one of its Haifa stops is convenient.
• Rent a car if Haifa is the beginning of a wider independent trip through northern Israel.

💡My recommendation: For one or two travelers arriving while trains are running, the train normally provides the best balance of cost and convenience. For families, groups, travelers carrying several suitcases and anyone arriving when trains are not operating, arranging door-to-door transportation is generally more practical.

The direct train is normally the least expensive and most practical way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Haifa. It avoids road congestion and serves several railway stations along the Haifa coastline.

The journey takes approximately 80 minutes to Haifa Hof HaCarmel and around 90-100 minutes to Haifa Center HaShmona, depending on the train and time of day. Some services continue to HaMifrats Central and stations north of Haifa.

No train change is normally required, but not every service stops at every Haifa station. Check the Israel Railways journey planner for current departure times, fares, platform information and service updates on your travel date.

Ben Gurion Airport railway station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3. After leaving customs and entering the arrivals hall, follow the signs marked Train or Israel Railways and take the escalator or elevator to the station level.

If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, use the airport’s free internal shuttle to Terminal 3. There is no railway station at Terminal 1.

Before boarding, check the electronic departure board and confirm that the train is traveling north toward Haifa, Akko, Nahariya or another northern destination.

A one-way train ticket from Ben Gurion Airport to Haifa generally costs approximately 30-45 ILS, depending on the station and current fare structure.

A single paper ticket can normally be purchased from a ticket machine or ticket counter at the airport station. A Rav-Kav card is not required simply to purchase one train journey.

If you intend to continue using trains, buses, the Carmelit or other public transportation during your stay, an anonymous Rav-Kav card or supported mobile-payment app may be more convenient. Check the National Public Transportation Authority for current ticketing and fare information.

Haifa is built along the coast and up the slopes of Mount Carmel. The station that looks closest on a map may not always provide the easiest journey to a hotel located higher on the mountain.

Not every train serves all four stations, so enter your destination into the journey planner before choosing where to leave the train.

👉 Not sure where to stay in Haifa? Compare the city’s leading hotels, locations and accommodation options in The Best Hotels in Haifa.

• Usually the least expensive practical option.
• Direct service with no train change normally required.
• Not affected by road traffic.
• Modern, air-conditioned trains.
• Space for standard luggage.
• Several stations serving different parts of Haifa.

• Trains do not operate during Shabbat or most Jewish holidays.
• Departure times and frequencies vary by day and time.
• Some trains stop at only selected Haifa stations.
• Maintenance or temporary operational changes can affect the timetable.
• You may need additional transportation from the station to your accommodation.
• The final connection may be inconvenient with several suitcases, young children or mobility limitations.

👉 Planning additional journeys after Haifa? Compare trains, buses, taxis, rental cars and private transportation throughout the country in Getting Around Israel.

An official airport taxi provides direct transportation from the terminal to your hotel, apartment or other address in Haifa. It is convenient for travelers with luggage and is generally available when trains and regular intercity buses are not operating.

At Terminal 3, the official on-demand taxi queue is located on the ground-floor arrivals level outside Exit 03. At Terminal 1, licensed taxis are available outside the main arrivals exit.

Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal and offering an unofficial ride. Follow the airport signs and use only the authorized taxi system.

Gett manages the official airport taxi-ordering system. You can request a taxi through the Gett app or use one of the self-service kiosks inside the airport. After entering your destination, you receive a ride code. Take this code to the official taxi queue, where an usher will direct you to an available licensed taxi.

You do not have to download the app to use the airport kiosks. However, the app may make it easier to track the journey, access customer service and use available digital-payment options.

Gett also allows scheduled airport taxi orders through its app. These are different from joining the on-demand queue after arrival, so check the meeting point shown in your reservation.

💡Can you use Uber at Ben Gurion Airport? Uber does not currently operate its standard ride-hailing service in Israel, so you cannot order an Uber after landing. Find out which local alternatives are available instead in Is Uber Available in Israel?

An official airport taxi to Haifa often costs approximately 500-600 ILS, although the final amount can be lower or higher. Treat this as a planning estimate rather than a guaranteed price.

The fare from the official airport taxi queue is calculated by the meter and can vary according to:

• Your exact destination in Haifa
• Traffic and total journey time
• Daytime, nighttime, weekend or holiday tariffs
• Applicable airport, reservation or waiting charges
• The route taken and any requested stops

Whether you request the ride through the Gett app or an airport kiosk, the fare for an on-demand taxi is generally determined by the meter. Keep your ride code and receipt in case you need customer assistance or leave something in the vehicle.

• Direct service to your exact destination.
• No advance booking is required.
• Generally available during Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
• Convenient for travelers with standard luggage.
• Official system with licensed taxis and a traceable ride code.

• The final price is not fixed in advance.
• Traffic can increase both the journey time and the metered fare.
• Queues may be long when several flights arrive at approximately the same time.
• A standard taxi may not accommodate a large group or several full-size suitcases.
• Taxi availability may be reduced during Shabbat, holidays and periods of unusually high demand.

A typical sedan is generally suitable for up to three passengers with regular suitcases or four passengers with limited luggage. Larger taxis may be available, but they are difficult to guarantee without advance booking.

👉 Before using taxis elsewhere during your trip, read this practical guide to taxis in Israel, including payment, apps, fares and avoiding unauthorized drivers.

A pre-booked private transfer is the most convenient option for travelers who want a driver waiting for them, a suitable vehicle arranged in advance and a price confirmed before the journey.

When booking, you provide your flight details, destination, number of passengers and expected luggage. The driver monitors your flight, meets you at the agreed location, assists with your bags and takes you directly to your accommodation in Haifa.

A pre-booked private transfer is generally recommended for travelers seeking a reliable, door-to-door journey and is especially useful for:

• Families traveling with children.
• Groups that require a larger vehicle.
• Travelers carrying several large suitcases.
• First-time visitors who want assistance after landing.
• Arrivals during Shabbat, Jewish holidays or late at night.
• Travelers who prefer a fixed quote instead of a metered fare.
• Passengers requiring an accessible or specially configured vehicle.
• Anyone wanting to avoid uncertainty about taxi queues or availability.

The private option costs considerably more than the train and may cost more than an on-demand taxi. However, it removes uncertainty about the vehicle size, pickup arrangements and final price. This can be especially valuable after a long flight or when public transportation is not operating.

Egged bus 905 provides a direct connection between Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa. However, it operates only during a very limited weekend window and should not be treated as a regular daily alternative to the train.

Current timetable information shows departures mainly on Saturday night into early Sunday. The exact days and times can change, so check the current schedule on Egged’s Journey Planner before relying on it.

The journey normally takes approximately 110-125 minutes, depending on traffic and your chosen stop.

Bus 905 departs from the public transportation level of Terminal 3, on Level 2.

The route also stops at Terminal 1, so travelers arriving there may be able to board without transferring to Terminal 3. Confirm the active stop and timetable for your travel date.

After leaving Ben Gurion Airport, the route normally includes the following stops:

• Tel Aviv Savidor
• HaSira Interchange
• Netanya Interchange
• Olga Junction
• MATAM
• Haifa Hof HaCarmel
• HaMifrats Central Station

HaMifrats Central is the final Haifa stop, but travelers can leave at Hof HaCarmel if it is more convenient for their destination.

Routes and stops can change. Check Egged’s Journey Planner or the Public Transportation Journey Planner before traveling.

The fare generally falls within approximately 20-30 ILS per passenger, but you should check the current price before traveling.

Cash is not accepted on regular public buses. You will need either:

• A loaded Rav-Kav card
• A supported public transportation payment app

• Direct connection between the airport and Haifa.
• Low fare compared with a taxi or private transfer.
• Stops at both Hof HaCarmel and HaMifrats Central.
• No change of bus is required.

• The timetable is extremely limited.
• It is not a useful option for most weekday arrivals.
• Road traffic can cause delays.
• Space for luggage may be limited when the bus is crowded.
• You may still need another connection from the bus stop to your accommodation.
• Always confirm the service on your actual arrival date.

No. The shared taxi service previously operated between Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa by Amal is no longer operating.

Many older travel websites, university pages and forum discussions still recommend this service. Travelers should not arrive expecting to find a walk-up shared van to Haifa outside the terminal.

Some private companies may advertise pre-booked shared shuttles, but these are not the former scheduled Amal sherut. Check the pickup arrangements, waiting policy, number of stops and total price before booking any private shared service.

👉 For up-to-date information about sherut services in Israel, see my guide: Are Shared Taxis Still Available in Israel?

Renting a car can be practical if Haifa is the beginning of a longer independent trip through northern Israel.

A car gives you flexibility to visit places such as Akko, Caesarea, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Rosh Hanikra and the Golan Heights without depending entirely on public transportation.

A rental car is less attractive if you plan to spend most of your stay inside Haifa. The city has steep, winding streets, while parking can be difficult or expensive around popular central areas and hotels.

Major international and Israeli rental companies operate at Ben Gurion Airport. Collection procedures and operating hours vary, so confirm where and when you will receive the vehicle – especially if your flight lands during Shabbat or a holiday.

If a rental car suits your itinerary, compare current offers through DiscoverCars before choosing a provider and insurance package.

Regular Israel Railways services do not operate during Shabbat, from Friday evening through Saturday. Similar restrictions apply during most Jewish holidays, although exact suspension and resumption times vary according to the season and date.

Although some local weekend transportation operates within the Haifa area, it does not provide a regular direct connection from Ben Gurion Airport.

During Shabbat, the practical options between Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa are:

• An official airport taxi
• A private transfer booked in advance
• A rental car, provided the rental company and collection service are operating

Bus 905 may have a few departures on Saturday night, normally around or after the end of Shabbat. Its limited schedule means that it is not a dependable solution for most flights.

Taxi availability may be reduced when demand is high, and metered fares are generally higher during nights, weekends and holidays. A private transfer arranged in advance provides greater certainty, particularly for families, groups and travelers with substantial luggage.

Plan your transportation in Israel carefully and especially from Friday evening through Saturday.

👉 This dedicated guide explains the practical options, limitations and planning considerations for Traveling from Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat.

• Check your arrival date and time: Confirm whether your flight lands during regular service, late at night, on Shabbat or during a Jewish holiday. Passport control, baggage collection and customs can add considerable time after the scheduled landing.
• Use live transportation information: Train and bus schedules can change. Check the official journey planner shortly before leaving the airport instead of relying on an old screenshot or timetable.
• Confirm your arrival terminal: The railway station is at Terminal 3. Bus 905 normally serves both Terminal 3 and Terminal 1.
• Keep your exact Haifa address available: Save your hotel or apartment address on your phone. This helps taxi drivers and allows you to identify the most suitable train station or bus stop.
• Consider the complete journey: A direct train to Haifa may still require another bus or taxi to reach your hotel. Compare the total journey rather than only the airport-to-station time.
• Remember Haifa’s geography: A destination that looks close to a coastal station may be located considerably higher on Mount Carmel.
• Choose the right vehicle for your luggage: Do not assume every taxi will accommodate four passengers and four full-size suitcases. Specify all passengers, bags, strollers and mobility equipment when booking.
• Allow for traffic: Driving may take around 75-110 minutes under normal conditions but considerably longer during rush hour, before Shabbat or holidays, or following unexpected road disruptions.
• Avoid unofficial transportation offers: Use the official airport taxi system or a transfer arranged with a reputable operator.
• Stay connected: Mobile internet makes it easier to check schedules, use maps, communicate with your driver and manage public transportation payments.

📱 Activating mobile data before you land can make your arrival considerably easier. Compare providers, coverage and data allowances in my guide to choosing the best eSIM for Israel.

💡 For advice about passport control, baggage claim, terminals and essential services after landing, see these Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Tips for first-time travelers.

For most arrivals while trains are operating, the direct train provides the best balance of price, journey time and reliability. It avoids road congestion and serves several stations across Haifa.

An official airport taxi offers flexible door-to-door transportation without advance booking, while a private transfer provides the greatest certainty regarding pickup, vehicle size and price. Bus 905 can be useful only if its very limited schedule matches your arrival. A rental car makes the most sense when Haifa is the first stop on a wider independent trip through northern Israel.

Whichever option you choose, consider the complete journey to your accommodation – not only the headline travel time to Haifa. Check current schedules, account for luggage and onward transportation, and pay particular attention to Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

🚖 Prefer to have everything arranged before you land? Reserve a private airport transfer to Haifa and receive a suitable vehicle, flight monitoring and a confirmed quote in advance.

• The Best Hotels in Haifa
• The Best Museums in Haifa
• Getting Around Israel
• Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Tips
• How to Travel from Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat

Thank you for visiting my website!

I’m Moshe Barak, providing private transportation across Israel for international travelers for over 20 years.

Together with my team of dedicated drivers, I offer reliable, flexible, and personalized service – with close attention to detail and a personal touch. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, I’m committed to making your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Feel free to reach out for a quote, I’ll be happy to assist.
I look forward to being part of your journey in Israel.

Warm regards,
Moshe Barak

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