For most travelers, the train is the quickest and most convenient option. You can also take a bus, taxi, private transfer, or rental car. The best choice depends on what time you arrive, where you are staying, how much luggage you have, and whether you land during Shabbat or a Jewish holiday.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv.
Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv: Quick Guide
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is located roughly 20 km from central Tel Aviv.
Here are the main options:
| Transport | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Around 10–20 minutes to Tel Aviv stations | Most travelers |
| Bus 445 | Around 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic | Travelers staying near its central Tel Aviv route |
| Taxi | Around 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic | Late arrivals, luggage, groups and Shabbat |
| Private transfer | Around 20–40 minutes | Door-to-door convenience |
| Rental car | Around 20–40 minutes | Travelers continuing outside Tel Aviv |
Travel times can change considerably during rush hour.
1. Train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
For most visitors, taking the train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv is the easiest option.
The airport railway station is located directly at Terminal 3, on the lower level. Signs inside the airport point toward the train station, so it is easy to find after leaving the arrivals area.
Trains connect Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv in around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on which station you use.
Israel Railways Official Website
Which Tel Aviv train station should you choose?
Tel Aviv has several main railway stations:
Tel Aviv HaHagana
The first major Tel Aviv station when traveling from the airport. It is useful for southern and central Tel Aviv and for onward connections by bus or taxi.
Tel Aviv HaShalom
Located beside the Azrieli area and convenient for central Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv Savidor Center
A major transport hub with connections to buses and other parts of Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv University
Useful if you are heading toward northern Tel Aviv.
Your accommodation may not be within walking distance of a railway station, so you may still need a short bus or taxi ride after getting off the train.
How much is the train from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv?
The airport train is relatively inexpensive compared with taking a taxi.
Train fares can change, so it is best to check the current price through Israel Railways before traveling.
You can buy a ticket at the airport station. Travelers can also use Israel’s public transport payment systems, including Rav-Kav and supported mobile payment apps.
How often do trains run?
There are frequent trains between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv during normal operating hours.
Schedules change depending on the day, time and holidays, so check the Israel Railways website or app for your exact arrival date.
One important thing to remember: trains do not operate during Shabbat and certain Jewish holidays.
More on that below.
2. Bus from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
Another public transport option is Bus 445, which connects Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv.
The bus leaves from Terminal 3 and travels through parts of central Tel Aviv, including areas around major streets such as Dizengoff, Ben Yehuda, HaYarkon and Burgashov.
This can make the bus convenient if your accommodation is close to its route.
The journey generally takes longer than the train and can be affected by Tel Aviv traffic. If you’re arriving during rush hour, allow extra time.
Bus 445 does not operate during Shabbat.
Because routes and schedules sometimes change, check a current journey planner such as the national public transport service or Moovit before leaving the airport.
For more information about public transportation, visit Moovit.
Train or Bus from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
If both are operating, the train is usually the simpler choice.
It is faster, avoids road traffic and runs directly from the airport to several Tel Aviv railway stations.
The bus can make more sense if one of its stops is very close to where you are staying. In that case, you may avoid having to transfer from a Tel Aviv railway station to another bus or taxi.
A good rule is:
Choose the train for speed. Choose Bus 445 if its route takes you closer to your accommodation.
3. Taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
A taxi is the easiest door-to-door option from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv.
Licensed taxis are available at Ben Gurion Airport 24 hours a day. At Terminal 3, follow the airport signs for the official taxi service after leaving the arrivals hall.
The journey into Tel Aviv usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes, but traffic can make it longer, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hour.
Airport taxi fares are regulated and rides use the official fare system. The total price depends on factors such as the destination, travel time and when you travel.
A taxi can be particularly useful if:
- you arrive late at night;
- you land during Shabbat;
- you have several bags;
- you are traveling with children;
- you are sharing the cost with other travelers;
- your accommodation is not close to a train station.
Use the official airport taxi service rather than accepting unsolicited rides from drivers inside the terminal.
4. How to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv on Shabbat
This is one of the most important things to know before arriving in Israel.
Shabbat begins on Friday and ends on Saturday evening. Public transportation starts shutting down before Shabbat begins and resumes after it ends. Operating times change throughout the year because sunset times change.
During Shabbat, regular trains and most public buses between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv do not operate.
If your flight lands during this period, the simplest option is usually a taxi or pre-booked private transfer.
Is there a sherut from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
You may see older travel guides recommending a sherut, or shared taxi, between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv.
However, travelers should not rely on a regular airport sherut service to Tel Aviv today. Some older information online is no longer accurate.
If you are arriving during Shabbat, plan on using a taxi or arranging a transfer rather than expecting to find a shared airport shuttle to central Tel Aviv.
5. Private Transfer
A private transfer is another option if you prefer to organize transportation before landing.
A driver can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation in Tel Aviv.
This is usually more expensive than public transportation, but it can be useful for families, groups or travelers arriving with a lot of luggage.
It can also make arrival easier if your flight lands during Shabbat or late at night.
6. Renting a Car at Ben Gurion Airport
Several car rental companies operate at Ben Gurion Airport.
However, if you are spending your trip mainly in Tel Aviv, you probably do not need to rent a car just to get from the airport to the city.
Tel Aviv has buses, trains, light rail, taxis, bicycles and plenty of areas that are easy to explore on foot. Parking in central Tel Aviv can also be difficult and expensive.
A rental car makes more sense if Tel Aviv is only the first stop on a longer road trip.
How to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Abraham Tel Aviv
If you’re staying at Abraham Tel Aviv, there are a few easy ways to reach the hostel by public transport. You can take the train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv HaHagana Station, then continue by bus, walk to the hostel, or take a short taxi ride. Another option is to take the train to Tel Aviv Savidor Center and continue by light rail. Abraham Tel Aviv is located right next to Allenby light rail station, making the final part of the journey especially convenient.
Airport to Central Tel Aviv
There isn’t one single point that defines the Tel Aviv city center. The city is spread along the Mediterranean coast, and popular areas include Rothschild Boulevard, Florentin, Neve Tzedek, Carmel Market, Dizengoff and the beachfront.
If you’re staying in central Tel Aviv, you generally have two easy choices:
Take the train into Tel Aviv and continue by local transport or taxi, or take a taxi directly from the airport to your accommodation.
Before choosing a Tel Aviv railway station, enter the address of your accommodation into a journey planner. The geographically closest railway station is not always the easiest one for the final part of your journey.
Getting from Ben Gurion Airport to Abraham Tel Aviv
If you’re staying at Abraham Tel Aviv, the hostel is located at 21 Levontin Street, close to Rothschild Boulevard and within easy reach of Florentin, Levinsky Market, Neve Tzedek and other central Tel Aviv neighborhoods.
If public transport is operating, you can take the train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv HaHagana and continue the short remaining journey by local transport or taxi.
If you are arriving late, during Shabbat, or with a lot of luggage, taking a taxi directly from the airport to Abraham Tel Aviv may be more convenient.
Once you arrive, much of central Tel Aviv can be explored on foot or by public transportation.
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, Abraham Tel Aviv offers both private and shared rooms in a central location, along with common spaces where travelers can meet, relax and plan the next part of their trip.
Getting from Tel Aviv Back to Ben Gurion Airport
The same options work in the opposite direction.
When trains are operating, you can take a direct Israel Railways service from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport.
Leave plenty of extra time before your flight. Tel Aviv traffic can be unpredictable if you are traveling by road, and train schedules may change on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
Also check which terminal your flight departs from before heading to the airport.
Ben Gurion Airport has Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and the airport operates a free internal shuttle between them.
Useful Tips Before Leaving Ben Gurion Airport
A little planning can make your arrival much easier.
Check the train or bus schedule using your actual arrival date, especially if you’re landing on Friday, Saturday or around a Jewish holiday.
Keep in mind that getting through passport control and collecting your luggage can take time, so don’t plan your onward journey based only on the scheduled landing time.
If you arrive at Terminal 1 and need a service located at Terminal 3, there is a free airport shuttle between the terminals.
And if you’re taking a taxi, follow the signs to the official airport taxi service rather than arranging a ride with someone approaching passengers inside the terminal.
Read our article on how to visit Tel Aviv through impactful places >>
What Is the Best Way to Get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
For most travelers, the train is the best way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv. It is fast, straightforward and avoids traffic.
A taxi is usually the easiest alternative if public transportation is not operating or if you want to travel directly to your accommodation.
In short:
During normal public transport hours: take the train.
If Bus 445 stops near your accommodation: the bus can also be convenient.
During Shabbat or late arrivals: take an official taxi or arrange a private transfer.
Traveling with several people or lots of luggage: a taxi may be worth the extra cost.
Whichever option you choose, Ben Gurion Airport is close enough to Tel Aviv that you can usually be in the city not long after leaving the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ben Gurion Airport from Tel Aviv?
Ben Gurion Airport is roughly 20 km from central Tel Aviv. The exact distance depends on where in the city you are staying.
How long does it take to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
The train reaches the first Tel Aviv railway station in around 10–15 minutes. Traveling farther into the city takes a little longer. A taxi typically takes around 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and your destination.
Is there a direct train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
Yes. Direct trains connect Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv railway stations during normal railway operating hours.
Where is the train station at Ben Gurion Airport?
The Ben Gurion Airport railway station is located at the lower level of Terminal 3.
Does the train from Ben Gurion Airport run at night?
Train service operates late and, on some routes and days, overnight. The exact timetable changes, so always check Israel Railways for your arrival date.
Does the train from Ben Gurion Airport run on Shabbat?
No. Regular train service does not operate during Shabbat. Service stops before Shabbat begins on Friday and resumes after Shabbat ends on Saturday evening.
Can I take a bus from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
Yes. Bus 445 connects Terminal 3 with several areas of central Tel Aviv when regular public transportation is operating.
Can I take a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv on Shabbat?
Yes. Licensed taxis from Ben Gurion Airport operate 24 hours a day, including during Shabbat.
What is the easiest way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv with luggage?
If you have one manageable suitcase, the train is usually straightforward. With several bags, children or a group, a taxi or private transfer may be more convenient.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?
Public transportation is generally much cheaper than taking a taxi. The train is usually the best combination of price, speed and convenience when it is operating.
