How to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv

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 20-25 km (12-15 miles) from central Tel Aviv. 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, a pre-booked private transfer and Bus 445. Renting a car is another possibility, while there is currently no dedicated sherut service between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv. Travelers arriving during Shabbat may also be able to use limited free weekend Line 711.

Quick answer: For most travelers arriving while trains are operating, the direct train is normally the fastest and least expensive option. 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 entering Tel Aviv. Train times end at the selected Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv 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 445 if keeping the cost low is your priority and your accommodation is close to one of its stops.
• Consider weekend Line 711 if you arrive during Shabbat, its limited timetable matches your flight and one of its Tel Aviv stops is convenient.
• Rent a car if Tel Aviv is only the beginning of a wider road trip. A car is usually unnecessary if you plan to remain in central Tel Aviv for several days.

💡My recommendation: For one or two travelers arriving while trains are running, the train normally offers the best combination of speed and price. For families, groups, travelers with 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 fastest and least expensive way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv. It avoids road congestion and serves four railway stations across the city.

The journey takes approximately 11 minutes to Tel Aviv-HaHagana and up to around 30 minutes to Tel Aviv-University, depending on the train and time of day. 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.

A one-way train ticket from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv generally costs approximately 10-15 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 airport station. Payment can generally be made by credit card or cash at the machine.

If you intend to continue using trains, buses or the Tel Aviv light rail during your stay, an anonymous Rav-Kav card or a supported mobile-payment app may be more convenient. For all the current options refer to the National Public Transportation Authority.

None of Tel Aviv’s railway stations is directly beside the beach. Travelers staying near the promenade, Jaffa, Neve Tzedek or the western side of the city center will normally need an additional bus, taxi or other connection.

👉 Not sure which neighborhood will suit you best? Compare the city’s main accommodation areas and recommended hotels in my guide to Where to Stay in Tel Aviv.

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

• Trains do not operate during Shabbat or most Jewish holidays.
• Departure times and frequency vary by day and time.
• Some late-night trains serve only selected Tel Aviv 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.

👉 Once you reach the city, these practical tips for Getting Around Tel Aviv explain how to use buses, the light rail, taxis, bicycles and other local transportation.

An official airport taxi provides direct transportation from the terminal to your hotel, apartment or other address in Tel Aviv. It is convenient for travelers with luggage and is generally available when trains and regular 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 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. 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, using the app may make it easier to track your journey, access customer service and use 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 services are available instead in Is Uber Available in Israel?

An official airport taxi to Tel Aviv often costs approximately 150-230 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 Tel Aviv
• 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 order 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 Tel Aviv.

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 may cost more than public transportation, but it removes uncertainty about vehicle size, pickup arrangements and the final price. This can be especially valuable after a long flight or when public transportation is not operating.

Bus 445 provides a direct connection between Terminal 3 and central Tel Aviv. It can be useful for budget-conscious travelers whose accommodation is close to one of its stops.

The journey normally takes approximately 40-70 minutes, depending on traffic and your chosen stop. Service frequency varies, but departures are commonly scheduled approximately once per hour.

Bus 445 departs from the public transportation level of Terminal 3, on Level 2 near Exit 21. If your flight arrives at Terminal 1, take the airport’s free internal shuttle to Terminal 3 before joining the bus.

The route serves a number of useful areas and streets, normally including stops near:

• HaRakevet Street
• Menachem Begin Road
• Bograshov Street
• Ben Yehuda Street
• HaYarkon Street
• Dizengoff Street
• Tel Aviv Port and Reading Terminal

Routes and stops can change. Enter your hotel address into a current public transportation journey planner before deciding whether Bus 445 can bring you close enough to your accommodation.

The fare depends on the current distance band and your destination within Tel Aviv. It generally falls within approximately 8-15 ILS per passenger, but you should check the current fare 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 service from the airport to several central Tel Aviv streets.
• Low fare compared with a taxi or private transfer.
• May bring you closer to some beachfront hotels than the train.
• No transfer is needed if your accommodation is beside the route.

• The journey is slower than the train.
• Road traffic can cause significant delays.
• Service is much less frequent than the train.
• It does not operate during the main Shabbat shutdown.
• Space for luggage may be limited when the bus is crowded.
• You may still need to walk or take another connection to your hotel.

No. There is currently no scheduled shared shuttle service between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv.

Some older travel resources use the terms sherut, shared taxi, shared shuttle and airport shuttle interchangeably. This can create the misleading impression that travelers can join a regular shared minibus to Tel Aviv after landing.

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

Renting a car gives you flexibility if Tel Aviv is only 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 Galilee, Dead Sea, Negev or destinations with limited public transportation. It is much less attractive if you will spend several days in central Tel Aviv, where traffic, limited parking and hotel parking charges can make a car more inconvenient than helpful.

Tel Aviv is relatively compact and offers buses, light rail, taxis, bicycle lanes and extensive walking routes. If you intend to explore the city first and travel elsewhere later, it may be easier to collect a rental car only when leaving Tel Aviv.

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

Regular Israel Railways services and Bus 445 do not operate during the main Shabbat period, 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.

During Shabbat, the main options between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv are:

• Limited free weekend Line 711
• An official airport taxi
• A private transfer booked in advance
• A rental car, provided the rental company and collection service are operating

Line 711 is part of the Na’im Besofash weekend transportation network operated with the support of Tel Aviv and other participating municipalities.

The service provides a limited free connection between Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 1 and Tel Aviv during selected Friday and Saturday hours.

Important details include:

• The airport stop is at Terminal 1.
• Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must take the free internal airport shuttle to Terminal 1.
• The journey is free.
• Departures are infrequent and may be separated by approximately two to three hours.
• The Tel Aviv route normally serves HaRakevet Street, Rothschild Boulevard, Habima Square, Dizengoff Center and the Tel Aviv Museum area.
• It is not a door-to-door service.
• The schedule should always be checked before relying on it.

Check the current route and operating information through the official Na’im Besofash service page.

Line 711 is a useful budget option if its timetable and stops suit your arrival. It is not dependable for every flight, hotel or arrival time.

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 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. 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 shortly before leaving the airport instead of relying on an old screenshot or timetable.
• Confirm your arrival terminal: The train and Bus 445 depart from Terminal 3, while weekend Line 711 serves Terminal 1.
• Keep your exact 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 fast train to Tel Aviv may still require another bus or taxi to reach your hotel. Compare total travel time rather than only the airport-to-station time.
• 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: A road journey may take around 20-40 minutes under normal conditions but considerably longer during weekday rush hours, 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 train provides the best combination of speed and price.

An official airport taxi offers flexible door-to-door transportation without advance booking, while a private transfer provides the greatest certainty and convenience. Bus 445 can be useful if your accommodation is close to its route, while limited free Line 711 provides an additional option during selected Shabbat hours.

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

• Where to Stay in Tel Aviv
• Getting Around Tel Aviv
• The Best Beaches in Tel Aviv
• Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Tips
• The Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

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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