Everyone has their own life priorities in every aspect of life. For example, some people love hitchhiking, some prefer traveling by water, and others opt for bicycles. However, in the beautiful country of Israel, you can only arrive by plane. There’s no other choice. Maybe someday in the future, land routes will open up, but for now, it is what it is.
However, from Ben-Gurion Airport, you have various transportation options to reach any corner of the country. Let’s consider the options and suggest the best one in our opinion.
There is a direct train to Haifa if that's where you need to go. The train ride takes about 1.5 hours. If your destination is another city in the north, you'll need to transfer either to another train or a bus. Moreover, people traveling from the airport usually have luggage with them. The only advantage is that it will be more cost-effective than taking a taxi or booking an individual transfer. The ticket price is approximately 60 shekels, depending on your destination.
Also, you can take a train to Tel Aviv, specifically to Tel Aviv-HaHagana station. This station is where the railway and central bus station are located side by side. From there, you can choose your mode of transport to your final destination. The train ride from the airport to these stations takes about 20 minutes and costs around 5 shekels.
The railway station at the airport is located on the lower level of the third terminal. If you arrive at that terminal, all you need to do is retrieve your luggage, find the elevators, go down with your luggage, purchase a ticket, wait for the train according to the schedule, load your luggage, and you're on your way! If you arrive at a different terminal, you'll need to exit to the street, take shuttle number 5, go to the third terminal, and follow the same process.
It's important to note that all signs and indicators at the airport are in three languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
Shared taxis are another option. They go directly from the airport to Tel Aviv. The major advantage is that they make stops on demand. However, there is no fixed schedule. The taxi will wait until 10 passengers are on board. The issue of luggage may arise as it might not all fit. The cost of the ride is approximately 12 shekels, and the journey takes 30-40 minutes. Payment is made in cash in shekels directly to the driver. This is the local currency. Drivers typically speak Hebrew and often also English. Russian-speaking drivers in public transport are rare. Most drivers are native Israelis who have undergone special training for passenger safety.
The bus is the most economical form of public transportation. There is a special green shuttle bus, number 5, that runs from the airport. Tickets need to be purchased at the ticket counter. The bus stops at the third terminal, near exits 21 and 23. So, if you arrive at the first terminal, you'll need to make your way there. Typically, there is enough space for all passengers' luggage on this bus. However, this bus will only take you from the airport to the Airport City transfer station. Here, you'll need to unload your luggage and switch to buses heading to the city, such as 268, 249, 423, 930, 947, 950, depending on your destination.
It's important to know that during Shabbat, from 2 PM on Friday until 8 PM on Saturday, there is no public transportation in Israel! That includes trains, buses, and minibusses.
And one more thing! Israeli bus drivers are a special breed: polite, friendly, knowledgeable about passenger safety, BUT they drive the buses in a way that can leave passengers breathless! And the way they maneuver their buses through tight turns on narrow streets is a whole different story. The key in an Israeli bus is to hold on tightly and never let go of the handrails!
Taxis are available regardless of Shabbat. How to get a taxi? Your SIM card will stop working when you exit the airport. You'll need to change your SIM card right at the airport. But you'll also need an app to order a taxi. This option is not very convenient for most tourists. You can order a taxi through the dispatch service at the airport or on the GetTaxi website. It's important to note that taxis in Israel can be quite expensive. The price depends not only on the distance of the trip but also on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. Prices from the airport start at around 100 shekels and can go higher.
What we definitely do not recommend is getting into cars with individuals offering taxis in the arrival area. They are just like anywhere else in the world - they charge exorbitant prices, and comfort is questionable.
Car rental without a driver is available at Ben-Gurion Airport. Of course, you can rent a car in advance from your home country. However, we recommend doing this only if you are an experienced driver, as each country has its own driving peculiarities. In Israel, for example, there are numerous roundabouts, streets are mostly narrow, many are one-way, all signs are in Hebrew and Arabic, and drivers may stop in the middle of the road to chat with a friend they spot in another car or even on the sidewalk. And this includes bus drivers as well. It's quite common here.
From all of the above, the conclusion is clear: the best way to leave the airport is with an individual transfer. This service can be booked in advance, and many websites offer it. The key is to ensure that you choose reliable, reputable companies. We offer our customers a high-quality service. The customer can choose the car they like. All our drivers speak Hebrew, English, and Russian. We meet you at the airport at any time of day or night. Your driver will be in touch with you from the moment of your arrival, waiting for you while you complete all formalities and collect your luggage. They will assist you in loading your luggage and safely transport you to your destination, always adhering to high safety standards. Furthermore, the driver may provide a brief tour, sharing insights about what you see along the way. All prices are listed on our website for your convenience.
Enjoy your stay in our beautiful and warm country!
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