Ben Gurion Airport Guide: Terminals, Security & Lounges (2026)

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) handles virtually all international arrivals and departures to Israel. Understanding the layout, security process, and current lounge situation will make your journey significantly smoother — especially given a major change that took effect in January 2026.

Terminal overview: T3 vs Terminal 1

Ben Gurion has two active passenger terminals. Terminal 3 is the main international hub, opened in 2004 and expanded with a new west wing in 2024. It handles all major international airlines plus El Al domestic connections. Terminal 3 has three concourses (C, D, and E) accessible from a central departures hall, each with gates at both ends.

Terminal 1, to the north of the campus, handles domestic Israeli flights and a small number of low-cost European carriers (including some Wizz Air and Ryanair routes). If you are flying budget from a European city, confirm your terminal before arriving — the two are not adjacent and a free shuttle bus runs between them.

Arrivals: what to expect

International flights land into Terminal 3 arrivals (Level 1). After landing, the process runs:

1. Passport control: Israeli citizens use e-gates; foreign nationals queue at manned booths. Have your ETA-IL or visa documentation ready — see the visa guide if you are unsure whether you need one.
2. Baggage reclaim: carousels are in the main arrivals hall; the belt number is displayed on overhead screens once your flight lands.
3. Customs: most visitors walk through the green channel. Red channel is for those with goods to declare (above duty-free allowances, cash over $20,000, or regulated items).
4. Arrivals hall: car rental desks are on the ground floor of the arrivals hall (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, Eldan). ATMs, a currency exchange counter, a pharmacy, and a convenience store are all in the same hall.
5. Onward transport: train station is accessible via a direct link below the arrivals hall. Taxi rank and transfer pick-up area are at the exit of the hall. For full options, see the airport transfers guide.

Departures: timeline and process

Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight.

Stage 1 — pre-check security interview (before check-in)

Ben Gurion operates a distinctive two-stage security system. Before you reach the check-in desk, you pass through a security interview at the terminal entrance. An agent will ask where you are going, why you are visiting, where you stayed, and who you know in Israel. The interview is fast for most travellers — under five minutes — but can extend to 30–60 minutes for additional screening. See the FAQ below for the typical questions.

Have your hotel booking confirmation, your onward itinerary, and your passport ready. Inconsistent or vague answers are the main trigger for extended screening; a well-prepared, direct response makes the process quick.

Stage 2 — check-in and standard security

After the interview, proceed to your airline’s check-in desk in the Terminal 3 departures hall. Standard international security follows: remove laptops and liquids, pass through the scanner. The process is thorough but efficient. Departure gates are in Concourses C, D, and E beyond security.

Airport lounges in 2026 — important update

Priority Pass is no longer accepted at Ben Gurion Airport as of 1 January 2026. The Dan Lounge, which was the main Priority Pass lounge, closed permanently on 31 December 2025. Travellers planning to use Priority Pass access should be aware that the old arrangement no longer exists.

The current lounge options:

Aspire Lounge (Swissport) — located in Concourse E, this is now the primary independent lounge for non-El Al passengers. Access is via Elta credit cards, Max Platinum cards, and select Israeli bank premium cards. Lounge charges are also available; verify current access conditions directly with the operator before your trip, as the access program continues to evolve.

Jetex Executive Terminal — Concourse C. Primarily marketed to private aviation and premium business travellers. American Express Platinum cardholders may access this lounge; confirm eligibility with your card issuer before travel.

King David Lounge (El Al) — Terminal 3 Concourse D. Renovated and reopened in March 2025. Available to El Al business and first class passengers, El Al Matmid Platinum members, and LoungeKey cardholders. Solid food and drinks selection; quiet seating separate from the main departures floor.

Duty-free and shopping

The main duty-free is operated by James Richardson across a large footprint in the Terminal 3 departures hall airside. Genuine savings are found on:

• Alcohol: local Israeli wines, whisky, and spirits are well priced. Take home a bottle of Golan Heights Winery or Yatir — both export less than they should.
• Cosmetics and skincare: perfumes and major brands are discounted meaningfully versus high-street prices.
• Tobacco: standard duty-free discounts apply.
• Electronics: minimal savings compared to retail — not worth prioritising here.

There is also a James Richardson arrivals store before passport control, stocked with alcohol, tobacco, and confectionery. This is a convenient option if you want duty-free on the way in rather than carrying bottles through your trip.

VAT refund desk: Tourists who made qualifying city purchases (₪400+ per receipt at participating stores) can claim Israel’s 17% VAT back before departing. The Global Blue, Planet, and TaxFree Israel counters are in the Terminal 3 departures hall before the security checkpoint. Arrive 30 minutes earlier than usual if you have forms to process. See the Israel VAT refund guide for the full process.

Terminal facilities

• Wi-Fi: free throughout Terminal 3 departures and arrivals; connect to the airport network and accept the terms page.
• ATMs: landside (arrivals) and airside (departures) both have ATMs. Use a card with low foreign-transaction fees — the airport exchange counters carry a spread.
• Currency exchange: counters in arrivals and departures. For the best rates, use an ATM or exchange at your bank before departure.
• Kosher food: multiple options airside in the departures hall, including a kosher dairy café and a kosher meat restaurant. Halal and vegetarian options are also available.
• Prayer rooms: a prayer room for all faiths is available in the Terminal 3 departures hall. Direction-of-prayer indicators are provided. Separate facilities for different faiths are signposted.
• Pharmacy: landside in the arrivals hall and in the departure hall airside.
• Left luggage / storage: a storage service is available in the arrivals hall on Level 1 for travellers transiting or waiting for early check-in.
• Showers: available in the King David Lounge (El Al lounge access required). Public showers are not currently a feature of the main terminal.

Getting to and from the city

For detailed route comparisons, Shabbat schedules, and prices to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Eilat, see the Ben Gurion Airport transfers guide and our transportation overview. If you have a few hours between flights, see the Tel Aviv layover guide for what’s reachable on 4, 6, 8 or 24 hours. Key options:

• Train: fastest and cheapest — Tel Aviv in ~20 min, Jerusalem in ~30 min. No Shabbat service.
• Private transfer: fixed price, driver waits for you, Shabbat-friendly.
• Taxi: metered via Gett app rank at arrivals.
• 485 bus: serves Jerusalem 24h except Shabbat.
• Sherut: shared minibus, around the clock including Shabbat.

Before you fly: a quick checklist

• ETA-IL pre-travel authorisation (most nationalities require this; apply 72h before flying)
• Travel insurance (required for some visa categories; highly recommended for all)
• eSIM or SIM card (avoid roaming charges — activate before or on arrival)
• Airport transfer pre-booked if arriving on Shabbat or late at night
• Rav-Kav transit card — buy at the Public Transportation Information Center in arrivals before boarding the train
• Hotel or accommodation confirmation for the security interview