Tel Aviv · Israel
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Ben Gurion Airport is Israel's primary international gateway, located approximately 20 kilometres south-east of central Tel Aviv. The airport operates through two active passenger terminals: Terminal 3 handles the majority of international flights, while Terminal 1 serves low-cost international and domestic routes. A complimentary shuttle bus service connects the two terminals.
Terminals
- Terminal 3
- Primary international terminal handling major airlines, main passport control, baggage reclaim, and train access.
- Terminal 1
- Handles low-cost international departures and domestic flights to Eilat.
Arriving
Arriving international passengers pass through passport control, collect baggage in the main hall, process through customs, and enter the public arrivals concourse on Level G of Terminal 3.
- Disembark and follow the main walkway towards the central hub of Terminal 3.
- Proceed through passport control; visitors receive a printed blue entry card slip instead of a physical passport stamp.
- Take the central ramp down to the baggage reclaim hall to collect checked luggage.
- Select either the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (goods to declare) at customs.
- Exit into the main arrivals hall on Level G, where ground transport and railway access are located.
Getting to the city
Train
Israel Railways Train
Trains depart directly from Level S beneath Terminal 3. Note that trains do not operate during Shabbat (Friday late afternoon to Saturday evening).
- Time:
- roughly 15-25 minutes to central Tel Aviv stations
- Typical cost:
- typically 15-25 ILS
Taxi
Licensed Taxi
Official metered taxis operate from designated ranks outside Level G of Terminal 3. Surcharges apply for night travel, weekends, and extra luggage.
- Time:
- roughly 20-40 minutes depending on traffic
- Typical cost:
- typically 130-200 ILS
Taxi
Shared Taxi (Monit Sherut)
Shared minibuses run 24 hours a day, including during Shabbat, departing from outside the arrivals hall once full.
- Time:
- roughly 30-45 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically 35-50 ILS
Bus
Public Bus
Regional public buses connect the airport with nearby transit hubs, requiring a transfer to reach central Tel Aviv.
- Time:
- roughly 45-60 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically 10-15 ILS
Connections & transfers
Transfers between terminals are supported by a free shuttle bus service running continuously between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1.
- Shuttle bus stops are clearly marked outside the ground level of both terminals.
- Passengers transferring from international to domestic flights must claim luggage and clear customs before changing terminals.
- Allow a minimum of 3 hours for self-transfers or inter-terminal connections.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout all public areas of Terminals 1 and 3.
- Connect to the official airport network from your device Wi-Fi settings.
- Accept the terms of service on the browser portal page to establish a connection.
- No SMS verification or local phone number is required.
Money, cards & tipping
Currency exchange counters and ATMs dispensing Israeli New Shekels (ILS) are located across both terminals.
- ATMs accepting international bank cards are situated in both arrival and departure halls.
- Currency exchange desks operate in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Israel for public transport, taxis, and goods.
Food & drink
A range of dining options, including cafes, fast-food outlets, and bakeries, operate in both terminals.
- Food outlets are located in both the public arrivals area and airside departure concourses.
- Most food outlets within the terminal are certified Kosher.
- Selected coffee shops and snack outlets operate 24 hours a day.
Lounges & rest
Executive lounges are available in Terminal 3 for premium class passengers and lounge membership holders.
- Dan Lounges are located in departure concourses B and C.
- Access is provided to eligible business class passengers, airline status members, and major card networks.
- Pay-per-entry access is subject to capacity and availability.
Airport hotels
There are no hotel facilities attached directly inside the passenger terminals, but options exist nearby.
- Hotels are located within a 10 to 15-minute taxi ride in adjacent commercial districts such as Airport City.
- Central Tel Aviv offers broad accommodation options accessible within 20 to 30 minutes via train or taxi.
- Travellers with long layovers should book accommodation prior to arrival.
Baggage & customs
Baggage reclaim carousels, short-term luggage storage, and lost property services are provided in Terminal 3.
- Luggage storage options are available on Level G of Terminal 3.
- Luggage trolleys are located free of charge near all baggage carousels and check-in areas.
- Report missing or damaged luggage immediately at your airline ground handler desk in the reclaim hall.
Family & accessibility
Family facilities including baby care rooms and play spaces are provided in Terminal 3.
- Baby nursing rooms equipped with changing tables are situated near primary restroom facilities.
- A children's play area is located in the central airside departure area of Terminal 3.
- Pushchairs can be used up to the aircraft gate upon departure.
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs & Currency Exchange
- Luggage Storage
- First Aid Station
- Prayer Rooms
- Car Rental Desks
- Taxi Services
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 100 (Police), 101 (Ambulance). First aid station on Terminal 3 Level G.
- For medical assistance inside the terminal, notify airport staff or visit the first aid station on Level G.
- Police services maintain an operational office on Level G of Terminal 3.
- Contact your embassy in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem if your passport is lost or stolen.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Ben Gurion Airport (official)Official airport source
- Israel Population and Immigration AuthorityGovernment source
- Israel Tax Authority - CustomsGovernment source
- Israel Railways Official PortalOfficial transit source
- Israel Ministry of HealthGovernment source
Guide last reviewed November 5, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
Browse eSIM plansPlan the rest of the trip
Get a personalized day-by-day trip plan built around how you travel, delivered as a PDF you can use offline.
Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.