Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Intl Airport (TLV) Flights & Flight Status

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international airport in Israel, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It’s known for its tight security, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. But with these pro tips you will learn to embrace its thoroughness.

Getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport

Ben Gurion Airport is located in an eastern suburb of Tel Aviv, but many travellers pass through the airport on their way to various destinations around Israel, including Jerusalem, Be'er Sheva, and Haifa. Your best mode of transportation depends on where you’re going to or coming from, and in my experience, some options are more stressful than others.

Public transportation

Israel does have public transportation, but the infrastructure is not as expansive as in European or American cities. You can catch a train from Ben Gurion Airport’s Yitzhak Navon station to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and many of the surrounding areas, which is a good option if you are departing or arriving during the day.

During Shabbat from Friday at sundown through Saturday at sundown, the trains don’t run. I have flown into Ben Gurion on a Saturday and had to find alternative transportation.

Buses are a more common way of getting around in Israel than trains. Different companies service different areas of the country, so check which one is best for your destination. Many of the buses also don’t run during Shabbat.

If you don’t want to pay for a private cab, the best option is a sherut, which is like a minibus. It’s a very popular way to get to and from Ben Gurion Airport and it’s how I usually prefer to travel because they are available any time of day. For example, I’ve landed at 02:00 and been able to take a sherut to my hotel in Jerusalem without much hassle.

When you arrive, look for the sherut pick-up on Level G outside Arrivals. It’s important to note that you might have to wait while they fill up the seats, so if you’re in a hurry, opt for a cab.

Cabs

There are numerous taxi companies available both at Ben Gurion Airport and around Israel. At the airport, cabs are available outside Arrivals, where a dispatcher will help you hail one.

Do not accept a taxi ride from anyone who approaches you outside the official stand. Fares are based on the meter and there are fixed rates when leaving the airport. It is much pricier to take a cab than it is to take a shuttle or bus, and in my opinion it’s only worth it during Shabbat or if you have a lot of luggage.

Car rentals

If you plan to venture outside of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, it’s great to hire a car. Travellers visiting resorts on the Dead Sea will definitely want their own transportation. I love being able to stop along the way and see different sights, and car hires in Israel are generally affordable.

It’s a good idea to book a car in advance, but all of the hire companies have desks in Arrivals and they are available 24 hours a day. Many of the companies, however, close for Shabbat, which is something to consider when planning your trip.

Passing through immigration and customs

When you arrive in Israel, the immigration officer will not stamp your passport, which I’ve seen confuse some travellers. Instead, they will give you a stamped entry card, which you need to keep with you while in Israel.

Be sure to keep your passport and entry card together during your stay, especially if you are passing through the Occupied Palestinian Territory. While many people arrive with no issues, it’s important to be prepared for the officers to question you more thoroughly than you might be accustomed to at other airports. This is especially true for those with Palestinian origin.

Dealing with airport security

Departing travellers should also be prepared for tight security measures. I find it’s important to arrive earlier than normal due to the extra luggage screening and security questions. Give yourself at least three hours before an international flight, if not more.

At check-in, expect to answer numerous questions, which may feel stressful. It usually takes a few minutes. Questions can focus on where you went in Israel, what you did there, and who you visited. I found it jarring the first time I went through it, but it’s relatively painless and the questions are simple, so try to stay relaxed.

All checked luggage goes through a relatively new automated system, while cabin bags go through a more traditional security screening process. Make sure you remove any sharp objects from your hand luggage, including nail files and small scissors.

Navigating the terminals

Ben Gurion Airport has two terminals, confusingly named Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is home to all domestic flights, as well as budget European airlines like Ryanair. Terminal 3 is larger and is where most international flights depart. There is also a VIP terminal, the Fattal Terminal, which can be accessed for a fairly steep price. The two main terminals are connected by a shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes.

Inside Terminal 3, there is a large Duty Free shop along with a small selection of restaurants, including McDonald’s, and some shopping options. It’s not an expansive international terminal like you might find in Europe, so I recommend bringing your own snacks if you’re picky and doing any souvenir shopping outside of the airport. Terminal 1 is much smaller, although it also has a Duty Free shop and a few fast food spots, including McDonald’s and Burger King.

Those who have done a lot of shopping while in Israel should make sure to stop by one of the VAT refund counters, which you should visit prior to check-in if you have checked luggage. It’s available for any tourist who isn’t an Israeli citizen at both terminals.

Terminal 3 has a nursing room near Duty Free available for mothers. There are also several play areas for kids inside the Departures Hall past security.

Airport lounges at TLV

Terminal 3 has five lounges, including two Dan Lounges open to Priority Pass members. El Al, Israel’s primary airline, operates two lounges, a business class lounge and a first class lounge. Elite flyers on other airlines might be able to access the lounges as well. I’ve been able to use one of the Dan Lounge as a OneWorld Sapphire member when flying British Airways.

Ben Gurion Airport’s lounges tend to be small, crowded, and not that nice, with limited food and drink options. It’s worth checking them out if you have access, but those looking for real luxury will need to pay for the private Fattal Terminal lounge.

On Shabbat, the Dan Lounges are closed. The El Al lounges are open when El Al flights are departing, which can mean they are also closed during Shabbat.

Parking at Ben Gurion Airport

Ben Gurion Airport has both long-term and short-term parking at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Look for long-term car parks on your way into the airport. These don’t have to be booked in advance and are available with outdoors and covered spots. Many of the car parks only allow payment by card. Be sure to hop on the correct shuttle bus as there are different ones for each terminal.

Other airports in Israel

Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport (ETM)

Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport, sometimes called Eilat-Ramon Airport, is the second busiest airport in Israel. It hosts international and domestic flights, and is typically used by passengers visiting the Red Sea region of Israel. The airport is relatively new and has similar security measures to Ben Gurion Airport. The terminal is not very big, but does have a VIP lounge, fast food options, and several shops, including Duty Free.

Haifa Airport (HFA)

Haifa Airport, located in the northern part of Israel, is relatively small and serves as a domestic airport. It can be used by passengers to fly between Haifa and Eilat, while several private and charter flights also fly to Greece from the airport.