Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv
Israel Railways trains run from the station under Terminal 3 to Tel Aviv's main stations in about 15–20 minutes. Trains do not run on Shabbat, when a taxi or shared taxi is the alternative.
Best for most people: Train. The train is cheap, quick and avoids the often heavy traffic on Highway 1, except from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Israel Railways from Ben Gurion Airport station (Terminal 3) to Tel Aviv HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor Center or University | about 15–20 min | every 20–30 min | about ₪10 | most of the day and night Sunday–Thursday; no service on Shabbat and holidays | Pay with a Rav-Kav card or by contactless at the gates where available. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside Terminal 3 Arrivals | about 20–40 min | about ₪150–200 by meter | 24 h | Fares are higher at night and on Shabbat. | |
| ride-hailing Taxi apps such as Gett and Yango that dispatch licensed taxis | about 20–40 min | similar to a metered taxi | 24 h | Private ride-sharing like Uber is limited to licensed taxis. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- Check Shabbat times: trains stop on Friday afternoon and restart on Saturday night.
- Savidor Center and HaShalom are best for central and north Tel Aviv; HaHagana for the south.
- Ask taxi drivers to use the meter or use a taxi app with an upfront price.
- Check your airline and the airport's official updates before travel, as schedules can change at short notice.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv?
A metered taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to central Tel Aviv usually costs about ₪150 to ₪200, depending on your destination and the time. Fares are higher at night and on Shabbat and holidays. Take a taxi from the official rank outside Terminal 3 and make sure the meter is running.
Does the train run on Saturday?
No. Israel Railways does not run on Shabbat, from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, or on major Jewish holidays. During those times your options are a taxi, a taxi app, a pre-booked transfer or a shared taxi where available. Check the exact times for your travel date in advance.
How long does it take to get to Tel Aviv?
The train from the airport to Tel Aviv's main stations takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From there you can walk, take a bus or a short taxi ride to your hotel. A taxi from the airport takes about 20 minutes with clear roads, but heavy traffic on Highway 1 can double that.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Train tickets can be paid with a Rav-Kav card loaded at machines by card, and contactless bank cards are accepted at many station gates. Most taxis accept cards, and taxi apps charge your card automatically. Keeping a small amount of shekels in cash is still useful.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.