Roberta Aguirre
Tel Aviv Yafo Airport, officially known as Ben Gurion International Airport, is the main gateway to Israel. It is situated 15 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. The airport features two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic and low-cost international flights and Terminal 3 catering to international flights. Ben Gurion Airport is known for its efficiency and security, offering round-the-clock arrivals and departures to destinations worldwide. With its convenient location and modern facilities, the airport provides a seamless travel experience for passengers visiting Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ben Gurion Airport |
| Location | 15 km / 9 miles to the southeast of Tel Aviv |
| Alternate Names | Tel Aviv-Lod International Airport, Lod International Airport |
| Year of Name Change to Ben Gurion Airport | 1973 |
| Yearly Passengers | 9 million international passengers and 500,000 domestic passengers |
| Parking Spaces | Approximately 20,000 |
| Transport Options | Car, bus, train, taxi |
| Train Travel Time to Tel Aviv | 18-20 minutes |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Airlines | El Al Israel Airlines, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, etc. |
| Amenities | Restaurants, coffee shops, baby care area, children's playroom, duty-free stores, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Ben Gurion Airport
The airport is served by numerous world airlines, including El Al Israel Airlines, which handles around 40% of all flights. Daily services are offered to many European and American cities, including London, Paris, New York, and Miami. The airport operates 24 hours a day, with round-the-clock arrivals and departures. In 2006, Ben Gurion International Airport ranked first among 40 European airports and 8th out of 77 airports worldwide in a survey conducted by Airports Council International to determine the most customer-friendly airport.
The airport is located at the junction of the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv metropolitan areas. The head office of El Al, the Civil Aviation Authority, Challenge Airlines IL, and Israel Aerospace Industries are all located at or near the airport. Construction began in late 2021 on a new interchange that will provide additional access to the airport from Highway 1, reducing the travel distance from Tel Aviv and other points north and west of the airport.
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Transport to and from the airport
Tel Aviv Yafo airport, also known as Ben Gurion International Airport, is located around 15 km from Tel Aviv. The airport is accessible by car, train, taxi, or public bus.
By Car
The airport is located on Highway 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. In late 2021, construction began on a new interchange that will provide additional access to the airport from Highway 1. The airport has approximately 20,000 parking spaces for short and long-term parking. Long-term parking is situated several kilometres from the terminal and is accessible via a free shuttle bus. Car rental is available at the airport from various companies, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
By Train
The train is a popular option for travellers heading to Tel Aviv, with a journey time of around 15-18 minutes. The train station is located in the lower level of Terminal 3 and is accessible to wheelchair users. Tickets can be purchased with cash, credit card, Rav Kav, or via different apps. The train does not operate at night, on Saturdays, or on Jewish holidays.
By Taxi
Taxi stands are located outside the arrivals building. It is recommended to use the official taxi rank and avoid scammers who may approach you in the arrivals hall. A ride to Tel Aviv will cost around $40-50, with higher prices on Saturdays and holidays.
By Bus
Public buses are also available from the airport to various destinations.
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The airport's history
Tel Aviv Yafo Airport, commonly known as Ben Gurion International Airport, is the biggest and busiest airport in Israel. It is located on Highway 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv and 45 kilometres northwest of Jerusalem.
The airport was built in 1936 in Palestine and was initially known as Wilhelma Airport. In 1948, the Israelis changed the official name to "Tel Aviv-Lod International Airport", and flights resumed that year after the airport was captured by the Israel Defense Forces in Operation Danny. In 1952, the airport was handling 100,000 passengers a month, and by the mid-1960s, 14 international airlines were landing at the airport.
In 1973, the airport was renamed Ben Gurion International Airport in honour of Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, who died that year. The airport has been a target of Palestinian attacks, but strict security precautions have been adopted to ensure the safety of departing flights.
Ben Gurion Airport has consistently ranked highly in surveys of customer satisfaction and is considered one of the best airports in the Middle East. It has three runways and four terminals and is a hub for several airlines, including El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Sundor. The airport is easily accessible by car, public bus, and train, with a journey time of around 18 minutes from Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station.
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Facilities and amenities
Tel Aviv Yafo Airport, also known as Ben Gurion International Airport, is located on Hulhulé Island near the capital city of Malé. It is a premier aviation hub, offering modern facilities and unparalleled services to travellers visiting for both leisure and business.
Tel Aviv Yafo Airport has separate terminals for domestic and international flights, ensuring efficient navigation for travellers. The airport provides various facilities to maximise passenger comfort and convenience.
Transportation
The airport is conveniently located near Highway 1, the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway, and Highway 40. It is accessible by car, public bus, or taxi. Israel Railways operates a train service from the airport to several destinations in the country, with the train station located in the lower level of Terminal 3. A popular transportation option is the share taxi van, known as a monit sherut in Hebrew, which travels to Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba.
The airport also offers approximately 20,000 parking spaces for short and long-term parking. Long-term parking spaces are situated several kilometres from the terminal and are accessible via a free shuttle bus.
Dining and Shopping
The airport offers a variety of dining options, ranging from quick snacks to restaurants serving international and local cuisine. Duty-free outlets feature a selection of international and local brands for passengers' shopping needs.
Business Services
Business lounges and meeting spaces provide a comfortable environment for both work and relaxation. The airport also offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the facility, enabling passengers to stay connected and coordinate their travel plans.
Additional Amenities
Other amenities include water stations and the availability of bottled water to stay hydrated in the tropical climate. Premium lounges are also available for passengers to relax and enhance their comfort, especially during layovers.
The airport has strict security measures in place, with mandatory security screenings and compliance with liquid restrictions. It is recommended to arrive early, especially for check-in, which typically begins 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights.
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Tel Aviv as a tourist destination
Tel Aviv is a modern metropolis with a diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts community. The city boasts UNESCO-recognised Bauhaus architecture, sandy Mediterranean beaches, and a buzzing cultural scene. Known as the 'Mediterranean Capital of Cool' by the New York Times, Tel Aviv is a youthful city with a unique pulse.
Getting There
Tel Aviv is served by Ben Gurion International Airport, located on Highway 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. The airport is accessible by car, public bus, or train. Israel Railways operates a train service from the airport's lower level to several parts of the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The journey to Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station takes about 18 minutes. The airport also has a variety of car rental options, including Avis, Budget, Eldan, Tamir Rental, Thrifty, Hertz, and Shlomo Sixt. However, renting a car is not recommended for getting around Tel Aviv as parking is hard to come by. Instead, the Gett app, which is widely used in Israel, can be used to call taxis.
Where to Stay
Popular choices among travellers include the Hilton and the Royal Beach for their proximity to the beach and central location.
What to Do
Tel Aviv has something for everyone, from clubs and bars to historic museums and a bustling market. The Haaretz Museum, the historic Independence Hall Museum, the Carmel Market, and Old Jaffa's boardwalk are all popular destinations. The city is also known for its UNESCO-designated Bauhaus architecture, earning it the nickname "The White City." For those looking to explore the country of Israel beyond Tel Aviv, there are wineries in the Golan Heights in the north and the Judean Hills.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Tel Aviv is called Ben Gurion International Airport.
Ben Gurion Airport is situated approximately 15 km away from the city centre of Tel Aviv.
You can get to Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion Airport by train, which takes about 18-20 minutes. You can also take a taxi, bus, or private shuttle.
With checked luggage, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before your flight. Without checked luggage, 1.5-2 hours is plenty of time.
Tel Aviv, also known as the White City, is a vibrant place with mesmerising sights, including glimmering beaches and colourful markets. You can explore the city's architectural history by visiting the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Neve Tzedek Quarter, HaBima Square, or the Eretz Israel Museum.
