Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated
Ben Gurion Airport sits about 50 km from Jerusalem by road, and Israel’s high-speed rail link has made the journey faster than ever — around 22 minutes to Jerusalem’s underground Yitzhak Navon station when the line is running. If you arrive on Shabbat, the calculus changes entirely. Here is the honest comparison across every realistic option.
At a glance
| Option | Duration | Typical cost | Frequency | Shabbat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express train (A1 line) | ~22–30 min | ₪30–40 (~$8–11) | Every 30 min (weekdays) | No |
| Intercity bus (485) | 50–70 min | ₪25–35 (~$7–10) | Frequent (24h except Shabbat) | No |
| Shared taxi (sherut) | 45–70 min | ₪100–140/person | 24 h (less frequent at night) | Yes |
| Private taxi / transfer | 30–50 min | ₪300–450 (~$82–123) | On demand | Yes |
| Rental car (drive) | ~40–55 min | Fuel + rental | Anytime | Yes |
The A1 express train runs from the airport terminal to Yitzhak Navon station (Jerusalem city centre, underground) in roughly 22–30 minutes, stopping also at Yad Kennedy and Malha. It does NOT run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon through Saturday night). The Bus 485 departs from the arrivals hall bus terminal; it runs every 20–30 minutes during the day, hourly overnight, and stops completely for Shabbat. On Shabbat or late at night, your reliable options are a pre-booked transfer, a private taxi, or a sherut (shared taxi) — all available 24/7 but at higher cost. Always verify train and bus schedules directly before travel.
Which should you choose?
- • Arriving on a weekday with light luggage: the A1 express train — fastest, cheapest, no traffic risk; alight at Yitzhak Navon underground station (city centre) or Jerusalem Malha (south).
- • Budget traveller, any weekday: Bus 485 runs 24 hours (not on Shabbat) from the airport bus terminal for roughly ₪25–35; slower but the cheapest option.
- • Arriving on Shabbat or with family and luggage: a pre-booked private transfer offers a fixed price, a waiting driver, and runs any day or hour — well worth it compared to hunting for a taxi at 2am.
- • Small group (3–4 people): a shared sherut runs around the clock and splits costs — roughly comparable to a private taxi once you divide the fare.
Keep planning
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem? +
The express train (A1 line) — about 22 to 30 minutes to Yitzhak Navon underground station in the city centre, running every 30 minutes on weekdays. It does not run on Shabbat.
How much is a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem? +
A standard metered taxi runs roughly ₪300–450 (about $82–123) depending on the hour and luggage. A pre-booked private transfer costs similarly but offers a fixed price and a waiting driver — worth the certainty if you arrive late or with lots of luggage.
How do I get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem on Shabbat? +
The train and the 485 bus both stop for Shabbat (from Friday afternoon to Saturday night). On Shabbat your options are a pre-booked private transfer, a metered taxi from the taxi rank, or a sherut (shared taxi) — all operate 24/7 at higher fares than weekday public transport.
What is the Ben Gurion Airport express train? +
The A1 line is a high-speed rail link connecting Ben Gurion Airport terminal to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station (underground, city centre) in about 22–30 minutes. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays; check Israel Railways (rail.co.il) for current timetables and Shabbat closures.
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated