Tel Aviv Israel Travel Guide
This is the main international airport serving Israel. It sits approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the Tel Aviv city center.
The train is the fastest and most convenient option, connecting Terminal 3 to Tel Aviv stations (Savidor Central, HaShalom, HaHagana) in about 15-20 minutes. Trains operate 24/7 except for Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) and Jewish holidays. Taxis are available 24/7 outside arrivals; fares are regulated (approx. ₪160-200 to Tel Aviv). Shared taxis (sherut) provide fixed routes and can be cheaper.
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Ben Gurion Airport is a modern facility with duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.
Car rental agencies, ATMs, lounges, and information counters are available at the airport.
Highest prices, largest crowds. Book well in advance.
Jewish holidays (Passover, Sukkot) also see elevated prices and demand.
Lower prices in winter (excluding Christmas/New Year) and shoulder seasons (spring/autumn outside holidays).
Israel Railways provides connections between Tel Aviv and major cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba. The service is modern and efficient. Egged & Dan are major bus companies with extensive networks across Israel, including intercity routes from Tel Aviv. Both train and bus services do not operate on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) or Jewish holidays.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's driver's license is required. The minimum age for rental is typically 21-24, sometimes with a young driver surcharge. Roads are well-maintained and signposted in Hebrew, English, and Arabic. Drive on the right side of the road. GPS is useful for navigation. Consider a Smartphone car mount.
Check visa requirements for Jordan well in advance. Crossing procedures can take time.
Check visa requirements for Egypt well in advance. Crossing procedures can take time.
Tel Aviv does not have regular passenger ferry services. While Tel Aviv has a port, it serves mainly as a marina and recreational area. Major cruise ships typically dock at Haifa Port or Ashdod Port, from which day trips to Tel Aviv are possible.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged to departing international tourists at Ben Gurion Airport. Israel applies stringent security procedures. For international flights, arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. The departure process involves initial security questioning, luggage check, check-in, passport control, and then security screening (metal detectors, X-rays). Online check-in is recommended.
No general exit fees or taxes for international tourists at TLV.
Ben Gurion Airport offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and ATMs for departing travelers.
Allocate enough time for security procedures at the airport to avoid stress.
River transportation options are not applicable in Tel Aviv.
If you arrive by cruise ship at Haifa or Ashdod, standard Israeli immigration procedures apply, similar to air travel. From these ports, taxis, buses, or organized tours are available to connect you to Tel Aviv.
Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt have operations in Tel Aviv and at Ben Gurion Airport.
Comprehensive insurance (CDW, TP) is highly recommended and often mandatory.
Utilize DiscoverCars.com for car rental comparisons.
Consider purchasing a Rav-Kav card at the airport upon arrival. This electronic smart card streamlines travel on all public transportation (buses, light rail, trains) across Israel.
