Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated
Ben Gurion Airport is about 20 km from central Tel Aviv, and the train makes it a genuinely quick trip — around 20 minutes to Tel Aviv HaShalom or HaHagana stations on a normal weekday. The catch is Shabbat, when the train stops and your options narrow to taxis and pre-booked transfers. Here is the honest rundown.
At a glance
| Option | Duration | Typical cost | Frequency | Shabbat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Israel Railways) | ~20–25 min | ₪18–25 (~$5–7) | Every 15–30 min | No |
| Intercity bus | 30–50 min | ₪18–25 (~$5–7) | Regular | No |
| Shared taxi (sherut) | 30–45 min | ₪80–100/person | 24 h | Yes |
| Private taxi / transfer | 25–45 min | ₪150–260 (~$41–71) | On demand | Yes |
| Rental car (drive) | ~25–35 min | Fuel + rental | Anytime | Yes |
The train from Ben Gurion Airport runs directly to Tel Aviv HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor/Central and University stations — the full chain of city stations — every 15–30 minutes during the day. It does NOT run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday night). The terminal has a sherut (shared taxi) area in arrivals; standard sherut fares to Tel Aviv are fixed, but check current rates at the desk. Metered taxis are also available at the taxi rank — expect ₪150–260 depending on destination, hour and luggage surcharges. Always verify train schedules at rail.co.il before travel.
Which should you choose?
- • Arriving on a weekday: the train — about 20 minutes to HaShalom or HaHagana stations, cheap and immune to coastal motorway traffic jams. Connects to the Tel Aviv Light Rail for onward travel.
- • On a tight budget: the intercity bus costs the same as the train and is a fine alternative if there is no direct train slot.
- • Arriving on Shabbat or at night with luggage: a pre-booked private transfer — fixed price, waiting driver, no surge pricing. Alternatively a sherut (shared taxi) runs 24/7 but fills up and can involve a wait.
- • Planning to explore outside Tel Aviv: a rental car from the airport terminal is the most flexible option if you will drive during your trip.
Keep planning
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv? +
The train is the fastest and cheapest option on weekdays — about 20 minutes to Tel Aviv HaShalom or HaHagana stations for roughly ₪18–25. On Shabbat the train stops, so use a sherut (shared taxi), a pre-booked private transfer, or a metered taxi.
How long does the train from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv take? +
About 20 to 25 minutes to Tel Aviv HaShalom station. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes during the day and connect to the Tel Aviv Light Rail at several stations for onward travel across the city.
How much is a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv? +
A metered taxi typically costs ₪150–260 (about $41–71) depending on your destination in the city, the hour, and luggage. A pre-booked private transfer offers a fixed fare and a waiting driver — comparable in cost, with less uncertainty on arrival.
Does the Ben Gurion Airport train run on Shabbat? +
No. Israel Railways service stops from Friday afternoon to Saturday night. On Shabbat, use a sherut (shared taxi from the arrivals sherut area), a pre-booked transfer, or a metered taxi.
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated