How to Travel from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on Shabbat

Revised and Updated – January 2026

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• Landing at Ben Gurion Airport on a Friday evening or Saturday morning can be confusing for travelers unfamiliar with how public life in Israel shifts during Shabbat – the Jewish day of rest. Public buses and trains do not run during the weekend, so weekend travel requires different planning than on regular weekdays.

• Unfortunately, most of the information available online is outdated. Many online guides still mention services that are no longer available, such as shared taxis (sherut) from Ben Gurion Airport. As of January 2026, the only transportation options for traveling from TLV Airport during Shabbat are taxis, pre-booked transfers, and car rentals.

• This guide provides clear, up-to-date information on how to travel from Ben Gurion Airport during Shabbat – including fare estimates and practical tips to help you reach Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or any other destination in Israel smoothly and stress-free.

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, begins at sundown on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday. It’s a day of rest and spiritual observance, during which many public services – including transportation – come to a complete halt across Israel. The same applies to major Jewish holidays, which also follow similar restrictions. Understanding this core aspect of Israeli life is essential for planning your airport transfer in Israel during Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

• No trains – Israel Railways halts service before sundown on Friday and resumes only after Shabbat ends on Saturday night.
• No buses – All public buses stop running, including Egged, Dan, Kavim, Metropoline, and other operators.
• No shared taxis (sheruts) – Sherut services from Ben Gurion airport have been discontinued and as of January 2026 are no longer in operation.
• Limited taxi availability – Not all taxi drivers work during Shabbat, which may result in fewer vehicles being available and, as a result, longer waiting times.

💡 Tip: Shabbat start and end times change by season. You can check the exact times on MyZmanim.

Taxis are the most readily available option for traveling from Ben Gurion Airport during Shabbat.

• Availability: Taxis operate 24/7, including throughout Shabbat and on Jewish holidays. They can be found at the designated taxi stand just outside the arrivals hall (Level G of Terminal 3).
• How to Book: As of January 2026, Gett is the official taxi operator at Ben Gurion Airport. You can order a taxi by downloading the Gett app or at one of the kiosks located in the arrivlas terminal.
• Fares: Fares are regulated, but expect higher rates on Shabbat and during night hours. Estimated taxi fares from Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat are:
  • Taxi to Tel Aviv: ~180-220 ILS
    (Depending on your final destination in Tel Aviv, traffic conditions, and time of day)
  • Taxi to Jerusalem: ~290-360 ILS
    (Varies based on travel time and exact destination in Jerusalem)
  • Taxi to Haifa: ~500-600+ ILS
    (Higher fare due to distance, price varies based on travel time and exact destination in Haifa)

💡Arriving passengers report long wait times at Ben Gurion Airport due to an ongoing shortage of taxi drivers, especially during peak hours, weekends, and holidays. Be prepared for delays – or skip the wait by booking your airport transfer in advance (details below).

💡Check out my complete guide to taxis in Israel for helpful tips, fare information, and all you need to know about using taxis in Israel.

Pre-booked airport transfers provide a convenient, stress-free way to avoid waiting for taxis after a long flight. Airport transfers are ideal for families, large groups, and anyone traveling with multiple or oversized bags.

• Availability: Many private transfer companies operate 24/7, including during Shabbat and Jewish holidays. These services are specifically designed for airport pickups.
• How to Book: Airport transfers need to be pre-booked online, preferably a few days before your arrival. You provide your flight details, and a driver meets you with a sign.
• Fares: Prices are usually fixed and confirmed at booking, eliminating the need for negotiations and preventing any unexpected fees. These fares may be slightly higher than metered taxi rates during Shabbat.

💡 Private airport transfers are highly recommended for families, groups, and passengers traveling with multiple large or oversized suitcases. Make sure to specify the number of passengers and the size/amount of luggage when making your reservation to ensure the vehicle provided is the right fit for your needs.

If you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, renting a car at Ben Gurion Airport is an excellent option.

• Availability: Major car rental agencies have offices at Ben Gurion Airport. However, not all remain open for vehicle pick-up throughout the entire Shabbat period. It’s important to check each company’s specific Shabbat hours in advance.
• How to Book: Advance booking is essential. Confirm the exact pick-up procedures and Shabbat hours with your chosen rental agency to avoid any surprises.
• Fares: Rental prices vary widely depending on vehicle type, rental duration, and demand. Remember to factor in additional costs such as fuel, toll roads, and parking fees. I recommend checking out DiscoverCars as they often offer the best deals on a wide selection of vehicles from all major rental companies.

Public transportation gradually resumes on Saturday evening, typically about one hour after sunset – or around 7:30-8:30 PM, depending on the season. Check the official Israel Railways website for the latest train schedules and timetable updates.

💡For more in-depth information and valuable tips see my post on Getting around Israel smoothly and efficiently.

• Book Early: Reserve your taxi or transfer in advance, particularly during peak seasons when demand is high and wait times can be long.
• Confirm Fares: To avoid surprises, use the Gett app to check estimated taxi prices in advance. Make sure you get a written confirmation from your airport transfer provider before your trip.
• Carry Cash: Not all taxis or vendors accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to have some Israeli shekels (ILS) on hand. ATMs and currency exchange counters at Ben Gurion Airport operate 24/7 for your convenience.
• Traffic Planning: While traffic is usually lighter on Shabbat, occasional accidents or unexpected congestions can still cause delays. It’s a good idea to build in extra travel time, especially if you’re traveling to destinations like Jerusalem or Haifa.
• Luggage: A standard Israeli taxi typically accommodates up to 3 passengers with full-size suitcases, or 4 passengers with carry-on luggage only. While larger taxis are available, they’re less common and harder to find. If you’re traveling as a family, in a larger group, or with multiple large suitcases, it’s best to book your airport transfer in advance. Remember to specify the number of passengers and the amount of luggage to ensure you’re matched with the most suitable vehicle.
• Language Prep: Language typically isn’t a barrier in Israel, as most drivers speak at least some basic English. Still, it’s a good idea to have your destination address written in Hebrew, just in case. If you need help, the airport information desk can assist you.
• Stay Connected: Free WiFi is available in all terminals at Ben Gurion Airport. For continued connectivity after leaving the airport, consider purchasing an eSIM in advance. This way you can have instant access to navigation, taxi apps, and messaging without the need to swap SIM cards or find a local store. For more useful information check out my post “The Best eSIM for Israel“.

Landing at Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat requires a bit of extra planning in advance. Remember that public buses and trains do not run during Shabbat, and that shared taxis (sherut) ceased operating from Ben Gurion Airport. Hence, taxis, pre-booked airport transfers, and rental cars are your only options for traveling from Ben Gurion Airport during the weekend.

I hope this guide helps you plan your travel in Israel with ease. By preparing ahead, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free arrival and start your journey in Israel without a hitch, even on the weekend. Safe travels!

💡Need a reliable and comfortable airport transfer in Israel? Contact me with your travel details and get a quote today!

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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