Traveling From Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on Shabbat

Revised and Updated – May 2025

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• Landing at Ben Gurion Airport on a Friday evening or Saturday 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 getting around Israel 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• Unfortunately, most of the information available online is outdated.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 – commonly known as sheruts – from Ben Gurion Airport. As of May 2025, 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 are no longer in operation, as of May 2025.
• Limited taxi availability – Some taxi drivers choose not to work during Shabbat, which may result in fewer vehicles available and consequently longer waiting times

💡 Tip: Shabbat start and end times change by season. 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. You’ll find them at the official taxi stand just outside the arrivals hall (Level G of Terminal 3).

• How to Book: As of May 2025, Gett is the designated taxi operator at Ben Gurion Airport. You can order a taxi via the Gett app or at the dedicated kiosks inside the 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
  (Depends on your destination within Tel Aviv, traffic, and whether it’s day or night)

• Taxi to Jerusalem: ~290–360 ILS
  (Varies based on time of travel and exact location in Jerusalem)

• Taxi to Haifa: ~500–600+ ILS
  (Higher fare due to distance; price depends on exact destination and time of travel)

💡 Arriving passengers have been reporting 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 info, and everything you need to know about using taxis in Israel.

Pre-booked airport transfers provide a convenient, stress-free way to skip waiting for taxis after a long flight. They’re especially ideal for families, large groups, and travelers 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, usually 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 tend to 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 while making your reservation to get the right vehicle for your needs.

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

• Availability: Major car rental agencies have offices at Ben Gurion Airport. However, not all agencies 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 hours for Shabbat with your chosen rental agency to avoid surprises.

• Fares: Rental prices vary widely depending on vehicle type, rental duration, and demand. Remember to factor in additional costs such as fuel and parking fees.

💡 For the best deals on rental cars, check out Economybookings — a site that consistently uncovers the most competitive rates in Israel. Another excellent choice is QEEQ, known for the wide selection of vehicles and attractive offers, making it easy to find a rental car that fits your needs and budget.

Public transportation gradually resumes on Saturday evening, usually:

• After sunset + 1 hour
• Around 7:30–8:30 PM, depending on season

Check Israel Railways for the latest train schedules and timetable updates: rail.co.il

💡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, especially on 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, or 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 smart idea to have some Israeli shekels on hand. You’ll find ATMs and currency exchange counters at Ben Gurion Airport, open 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 heading 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 an airport transfer in advance. Be sure to specify the number of passengers and the size/amount of luggage during booking to ensure you’re provided with the right 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 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, purchase an eSIM before your trip. This way you can have instant access to navigation, taxi apps, and messaging — without the need to swap SIM cards or find a store that sells local plans.

• Useful Apps: Download the Gett app to book taxis, Waze for real-time navigation if you’re renting a car, and Moovit for planning public transport on weekdays or after Shabbat.

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 offers clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to help you plan your arrival 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!

About The Author

Moshe Barak is a highly knowledgeable and reputable private taxi service operator in Israel, renowned for his professional approach, friendly attitude, and attention to details.
With over 20 years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers he is the trusted choice by many international travelers seeking reliable transportation with a personal touch during their trip to Israel.

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