Owais Crawford
Ben Gurion Airport, also known as Tel Aviv Airport, is an international airport in Israel. It is a busy airport with two terminals, offering all the standard facilities and amenities, including a variety of eateries and shops. While there are no dedicated sleeping areas or hotels within the airport, travellers with long layovers or flight delays can find benches in the departure hall near the food court to get some rest. The airport is open 24/7, and travellers can access free WiFi and charging stations throughout the airport. If you prefer a proper bed for the night, nearby hotels such as the Sadot Hotel provide shuttles to the airport.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the arrival area
If you decide to stay at the airport, there are a few options for getting some rest. The baggage claim area has some spaces along the walls where you can sit, but security may not allow you to stay there for an extended period. The public area beyond baggage claim offers more freedom, with rows of chairs that may allow you to lie down if the armrests are liftable. You can also use your luggage as a footrest and a travel pillow for added comfort. Alternatively, head to the eastern side of the arrivals lobby or go up two floors to the departures floor, where cafeterias and benches provide potential resting spots.
Keep in mind that Ben Gurion Airport can be busy, making it challenging to find a quiet place to sleep. If you don't mind the noise, the food court and surrounding benches in the departure hall might be an option. Additionally, the Dan Hotel chain operates VIP lounges (Arbel and Masada) that can be accessed for a fee, providing a more comfortable resting environment.
While sleeping in the arrival area is possible, it may not be the most restful option due to the busy nature of the airport. If you have specific requirements or concerns, consider contacting the airport directly or looking into nearby accommodation options for a more comfortable stay.
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Nearby hotels
While there are no hotels within Ben Gurion Airport itself, there are several options nearby. If you're looking for a place to stay during a layover, you might want to consider a hotel close to the airport. Here are some suggestions for nearby hotels:
Sadot Hotel
The Sadot Hotel is a design hotel located in Be'er Ya'akov, offering a generous buffet breakfast and free parking. It is a perfect option for a layover, and the staff are friendly and accommodating.
Comfy Flat Near TLV Airport
This apartment is located in Lod, 15 miles from Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair and Meir Park. It is a comfortable and well-equipped option for those seeking a good night's rest.
Cozy Flat with Parking
Also located in Lod, this apartment is just 14 miles from the Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair and 15 miles from Shenkin Street. It is well-placed for those seeking a relaxing and cooling space after a long journey.
Rephael House Boutique Hotel
Located within 11 miles of Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair and Meir Park, this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. The staff are great, and the facilities and location are ideal for a short stay.
Domus Metro Hotel
Located in Tel Aviv, 1.6 miles from Banana Beach, this hotel offers accommodations with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace, and a bar. It is clean and welcoming, making it a convenient option for those seeking easy access to the beach.
NYX Hotel
NYX offers modern-style rooms in the heart of Tel Aviv, just 2953 feet from the Shenkin Street shopping area. With free WiFi and a restaurant, it is a centrally located option for those wanting to explore the city.
Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv City Center
This modern hotel is set next to the Azrieli shopping center, offering unique rooms with city views. Its convenient location makes it a good choice for those travelling to and from the airport.
In addition to these options, there are various other accommodations available near Ben Gurion Airport, including bungalows, guest houses, and luxury apartments. If you have a longer layover or prefer to explore, you might consider visiting nearby Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or even the Dead Sea.
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Transport options
There are several transport options available at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international airport. These include:
- Train: The airport train station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3, with a free airport shuttle connecting it to Terminal 1. Trains operate to Tel Aviv throughout the day and night, with more frequent departures during peak travel hours.
- Shuttles: Shuttle services such as SIXT ride offer a smooth and reliable way to get to and from the airport. These services provide fixed rates, flight tracking, and free waiting time for passengers.
- Taxis: Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall, with legally fixed prices to every city. However, drivers may charge extra for more than two passengers and additional luggage.
- Sheruts: Sheruts are a bus-taxi hybrid that provides transportation to and from the airport.
- Car rentals: All of Israel's major car rental companies have locations at Ben Gurion Airport, with reservation desks above the arrivals hall. Cars are available for pickup and drop-off 24/7, and pre-booking is recommended for better prices.
Private transfers are generally recommended for travellers due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. These transfers are available 24/7 and often provide a hassle-free travel experience.
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Airport facilities
Ben Gurion Airport offers all the standard facilities you would expect from an international airport. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic and low-cost international flights, and Terminal 3 for international flights. A free shuttle service connects the two terminals and the long-term parking area, running every 10 to 20 minutes, 24 hours a day.
The airport has a train station located on the lower level of Terminal 3, with regular trains to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There is also a fast train that goes directly from the airport to Jerusalem Yitzchak Navon train station, which takes around 20 minutes. Taxis are readily available 24 hours a day at both terminals, with a surcharge of NIS 5 added to all trips departing from the airport.
For those with a long layover, there are a variety of shops and eateries, including duty-free options. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, along with mobile charging stations and lockers. Other amenities include a first aid station, ATMs, a police service, a synagogue, a pharmacy, baby changing facilities, smoking areas, and currency exchange.
While there are no dedicated sleeping areas or hotels within the terminals, travellers seeking a place to rest can try the departure hall near the food court, which has benches. The food court itself may also be an option for those unbothered by noise. If you have a longer layover, there are nearby hotels outside the airport, such as the Sadot Hotel, which offers a shuttle service.
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Layover tours
Ben Gurion Airport, also known as Tel Aviv Airport, is located in the city of Lod, 28 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 12 miles southeast of Tel Aviv. It is the country's biggest and busiest airport and is counted among the top five best airports in the Middle East.
If you have a long layover at Ben Gurion Airport, you could consider venturing out to visit nearby Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or even the Dead Sea. However, it is important to remember that Israel has stricter security protocols than other countries, and it is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your connecting flight. Therefore, if your layover is less than 4 hours, it is best to stay within the airport.
Ben Gurion Airport offers all the standard facilities, including a first aid station, ATMs, a police service, a synagogue, a pharmacy, baby-changing facilities, smoking areas, and currency exchange. There is also free WiFi throughout the airport, as well as free recharging stations for electronic devices.
If you wish to leave the airport, there are various transport options available. The airport train station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3, with regular trains to Tel Aviv throughout the day and night. Trains to Jerusalem are also available, but they take about 2 hours, so they are not recommended if you have limited time. Another option is to take a shuttle, taxi, or organized tour.
Organized daily tours are a convenient and time-efficient way to make the most of your layover. These tours can pick you up at the airport, take you to various landmarks, and return you in time for your connecting flight. Private one-day tours are available to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Nazareth, Haifa, Acre, the Sea of Galilee, Caesarea, and other destinations off the beaten path.
If you prefer to stay within the airport, there are no designated sleeping areas or hotels inside the terminals. However, you may be able to find a quiet spot to rest in the departure hall near the food court, where there are benches. The food court itself also offers a place to rest, although it may be noisy. Additionally, the Dan Hotel chain operates VIP lounges in both terminals, offering a relaxing environment with light meals, beverages, and resting areas for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Ben Gurion Airport. The airport is open 24/7, so you can stay overnight if you have an early morning or late-night flight. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas or hotels inside the airport, and it can be challenging to find a quiet place to rest due to the busy nature of the airport. You may be able to find some benches in the departure hall near the food court or use the chairs lining the perimeter. If you don't mind the noise, the food court can also be an option for resting.
Yes, there are hotels near Ben Gurion Airport, but none are directly inside the airport. The Sadot Hotel is one option located a short distance from the airport, and it provides a shuttle service. If you're looking for a place to rest for a few hours before your flight, spending the night in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and then taking a shuttle or taxi to the airport is also an option.
Ben Gurion Airport offers various amenities and facilities to keep you occupied during a layover. The airport has free WiFi, mobile charging stations, ATMs, a first aid station, a police service, a synagogue, a pharmacy, baby changing facilities, smoking areas, currency exchange, and a variety of eateries and shops, including duty-free options. If your layover is longer than four hours, you could consider venturing out of the airport to visit nearby destinations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or the Dead Sea. Organized daily tours are also available, which can pick you up at the airport and take you to popular landmarks before returning you in time for your connecting flight.
