How to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem

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 45-55 km (28-34 miles) from Jerusalem. Despite the relatively short distance, the best way to make the journey depends on when you arrive, how much luggage you have, where you are staying and whether public transportation is operating.

Most travelers choose among the direct train, an official airport taxi and a pre-booked private transfer. Renting a car is another possibility, while the former Nesher shared-taxi service to Jerusalem no longer operates.

Quick answer: For most travelers arriving when trains are operating, the direct train to Jerusalem-Yitzhak Navon Station is the fastest and cheapest choice. An official airport taxi or pre-booked private transfer is usually more practical if you arrive on 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, before holidays or when traffic is heavy on Highway 1. The train journey ends at Yitzhak Navon Station and does not include the onward trip to your accommodation. Fares and schedules can change, so check current information for your arrival date.

• Choose the train if you arrive while it is operating, are traveling relatively light and do not mind completing the journey from Yitzhak Navon 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 tracking, luggage assistance or a larger vehicle is important to you.
• Consider renting a car if Jerusalem is only the beginning of a wider road trip. A rental car is usually unnecessary if you plan to remain in central Jerusalem for several days.

💡My recommendation: For one or two travelers arriving while trains are running, the train is usually the best combination of speed and price. For families, groups, travelers with several suitcases and anyone arriving during Shabbat or a holiday, arranging door-to-door transportation in advance is generally the more practical choice.

The direct train is normally the fastest and least expensive way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem. It avoids traffic on Highway 1 and reaches Jerusalem-Yitzhak Navon Station in approximately 26-30 minutes. Check the Israel Railways journey planner for current departure times, fares and service updates on your travel date.

Ben Gurion Airport railway station is located below Terminal 3. After leaving 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. It operates around the clock at intervals of approximately 15 minutes.

A one-way train ticket to Jerusalem generally costs approximately 20-30 ILS, but you should check the current fare for your travel date. A single paper ticket can normally be purchased from a ticket machine or ticket counter at the station.

If you intend to continue using buses or light rail in Jerusalem, an anonymous Rav-Kav card or a supported mobile-payment app may be more convenient. Public transportation payments in Israel can be made using a Rav-Kav, supported apps and, on some services, credit cards. Review the current options through the National Public Transportation Authority.

The train terminates at Jerusalem-Yitzhak Navon Station, beside Jerusalem Central Bus Station and the light-rail stop on Jaffa Road. The station is deep underground, so allow a few additional minutes to reach street level.

From there, you can continue to your accommodation by light rail, local bus or taxi. Check how far it is from the station before choosing the train, as Jerusalem covers a large area and you may still need an additional local journey.

• Usually the fastest option when trains are operating.
• Considerably cheaper than a taxi or private transfer.
• Not affected by road traffic.
• Modern trains with space for standard luggage.
• Direct service with no train changes required.

• Trains do not operate during Shabbat or most Jewish holidays.
• Departure times and service frequency vary by day.
• Maintenance or operational disruptions can affect the schedule.
• You may need additional transportation from Yitzhak Navon Station to your accommodation.
• Reaching street level can take time and may be inconvenient with several suitcases, young children or mobility limitations.

👉 Planning to use trains, buses or light rail elsewhere in Israel? These practical tips for getting around Israel explain how to pay, which transportation apps to use and what visitors should know about public transportation.

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

At Terminal 3, the official on-demand taxi queue is located on the arrivals level, on the ground floor 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 is the official airport taxi operator. 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 and take it to the official taxi queue, where an usher assigns an available driver.

You do not have to download the app to use the kiosks. However, the app can make it easier to follow the ride, access customer service and use digital payment options.

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

💡Can you use Uber at Ben Gurion Airport? Uber does not currently operate in Israel, so you cannot request a ride after landing. Find out which services you can use instead in Is Uber Available in Israel?

An official airport taxi to Jerusalem often costs around 300-360 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 determined by the meter. It can vary according to:

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

Whether you order through the Gett app or an airport self-service kiosk, the fare is calculated by the taxi meter. Keep your ride code and receipt, as they may be useful if you need customer support or leave something in the vehicle.

• Direct service to your exact destination.
• No advance reservation 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.
• Heavy traffic can increase both the journey time and final fare.
• Queues may be long during peak arrival hours or when several flights land at around the same time.
• A standard taxi may not accommodate a large group or several full-size suitcases.

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

👉 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.

After booking, you provide your flight details and destination. The driver monitors the flight, meets you at the agreed location, assists with your luggage and takes you directly to your accommodation in Jerusalem.

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 rather than a metered fare.
• Passengers who need an accessible or specially configured vehicle.

The private option may cost more, but it removes uncertainty about taxi availability, luggage capacity and the final fare. This can be especially valuable after a long flight or when public transportation is not operating.

Bus 485 once provided a regular direct connection to Jerusalem, but as of July 2026 its timetable is extremely limited and should not be considered dependable. It departures from Terminal 3, Level 2, Exit 21.

If a departure matches your arrival, the journey to the area around Jerusalem Central Bus Station takes approximately 55-60 minutes and is relatively inexpensive. However, you will probably need onward transportation to reach your final destination.

Do not plan your journey around Line 485 without checking live information shortly before traveling. For most visitors, the train is a much more practical option.

No. The former Nesher shared taxi service between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem is no longer operating.

For many years, this service allowed passengers to share a minibus and receive a drop-off at their accommodation. Older websites and travel forums may still recommend it, but visitors should not expect to find a sherut to Jerusalem after landing.

👉 For more information about sherut services in Israel, see my dedicated guide: Are Shared Taxis Still Available in Israel?

Renting a car gives you flexibility if Jerusalem is the first stop on a longer independent trip. Major international and Israeli rental companies operate at Ben Gurion Airport, and advance booking is strongly recommended.

A rental car can be useful if you plan to continue to the Dead Sea, Galilee, Negev or destinations with limited public transportation. It is less attractive if you will spend several days in central Jerusalem, where traffic, narrow streets and limited or expensive parking can make a car more inconvenient than helpful.

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

Public trains and most buses do not operate from Friday evening through Saturday, or during most Jewish holidays. Exact suspension and resumption times vary according to the season and the specific date.

During these periods, the practical choices from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem are usually:

• An official airport taxi.
• A private transfer arranged in advance.
• A rental car, provided that the rental desk and collection service are operating.

Taxi availability can be reduced when demand is high, and metered fares are generally higher during nights, weekends and holidays. Booking a private transfer in advance provides greater certainty, especially for families, groups and travelers arriving with substantial luggage.

Plan your transportation carefully and especially from Friday evening through Saturday. Check whether your arrival coincides with Shabbat or a Jewish holiday before choosing your route.

👉 This dedicated guide explains all the practical options for traveling from Ben Gurion Airport on Shabbat.

• Check Your Arrival Date and Time: Confirm whether your flight lands during normal weekday service, late at night, on Shabbat or during a Jewish holiday. Remember that 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 again shortly before departure rather than relying on an old screenshot or timetable.
• Keep Your Exact Address Available: Save your hotel or apartment address on your phone, preferably in both English and Hebrew if possible. This is useful for taxi drivers and for planning the final trip from Yitzhak Navon Station.
• Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Luggage: Do not assume that every taxi will accommodate four passengers and four large suitcases. When booking a transfer, specify the number of passengers, full-size suitcases, carry-on bags, strollers and mobility equipment.
• Allow for Traffic: The road journey usually takes around 45-60 minutes, but it can be significantly longer during weekday rush hours, before Shabbat or holidays, and following unexpected road disruptions.
• Stay Connected: Mobile internet makes it much easier to check schedules, contact your driver and navigate from the station. Purchase an eSIM before or shortly after arrival.

📱 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 more advice about terminals, passport control, transportation and essential services, see these Ben Gurion Airport arrival tips for first-time travelers.

For most weekday arrivals, the train offers the best combination of speed and price. An official airport taxi provides flexible door-to-door transportation without advance booking, while a private transfer offers the greatest certainty and convenience.

Whichever option you choose, consider the complete journey to your accommodation – not only the headline travel time to Jerusalem. 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 Jerusalem and receive a suitable vehicle, flight monitoring and a confirmed quote in advance.

• Jerusalem Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Jerusalem
• Shopping in Jerusalem
• The Best Museums in Jerusalem
• Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

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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