Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is 20 km from the center. Options: Israel Railways — fastest, 15 min, ~$5; Egged Bus 5 — budget, 30-45 min, ~$5; Special Service fixed-tariff taxi — 25-35 min, ~$22-30. Note that public transit doesn't run during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).
🚇 Ways into the center
- Israel Railways → Tel Aviv Savidor / HaShalom / HaHagana: 15-20 min, ~$5 (₪16)
- Egged Bus 5 → Tel Aviv Arlozorov: 30-45 min, ~$5 (₪16)
- Egged Bus 445 → Jerusalem: 45-60 min, ~$8 (₪25)
- Sherut (shared minibus) → Tel Aviv center: 30-40 min, ~$8 (₪25-30)
- Fixed-tariff taxi → Tel Aviv: 25-35 min, $22-30 (₪70-100)
- Gett: $24-35 (₪75-115)
🚆 Israel Railways — fastest
Israel Railways is the national rail operator. The Ben Gurion Airport station is below Terminal 3.
Every 30 min daytime; running 05:30-23:30, until 14:00 on Fridays, resuming after 21:00 Saturdays.
- Tel Aviv Savidor (central): 15 min, ~$5 (₪16)
- Tel Aviv HaShalom: 18 min
- HaHagana: 22 min
- Beersheba: 1 h; Jerusalem (Yitzhak Navon): 35 min, ~$8
During Shabbat (Fri ~14:00 to Sat ~21:00) Israel Railways doesn't run. For late-night arrivals during Shabbat, Gett or a fixed-tariff taxi are your only choices.
🚌 Egged Bus 5 — budget
Egged is Israel's main bus operator. Bus 5 runs from TLV to Tel Aviv Arlozorov station.
- Bus 5 → Tel Aviv (Arlozorov): 30-45 min
- Bus 445 → Jerusalem: 45-60 min, ~$8
- Ticket: Rav-Kav card ~$5; cash from the driver is slightly more
- Buy a Rav-Kav at the arrivals-level machine — top up once and use country-wide
Rav-Kav works on Israel's entire public transit — top up once and you're set.
🚖 Special Service Taxi
A 'Special Service' fixed tariff applies between TLV and Tel Aviv — ~$22-30 (₪70-100). Night surcharge adds 25%.
For safety, only use the official rank just outside arrivals. Don't accept 'Taxi?' offers in the hall — often unlicensed.
🚐 Sherut — the unique local option
Sherut is uniquely Israeli — a shared minibus that leaves when full. Crucially, it runs on Shabbat too. Fixed tariff ~$8 (₪25-30) to Tel Aviv.
- Sherut to Tel Aviv: 30-40 min, ~$8 (₪25-30)
- Sherut to Jerusalem: 45-60 min, ~$15 (₪45)
- Pickup zone: Terminal 3 Level 2 — just outside arrivals
📱 Gett — Israel's number-one
Gett is Israel's main rideshare app, hailing official taxis. $24-35 to the center — slightly above the fixed tariff but no language friction.
Uber TLV is limited — local regulation restricts the driver pool. Bolt doesn't operate.
Pickup zone: Terminal 3 Level 2; Doors 22-25.
💡 Tips
- Rav-Kav card ~$4 — works on Israel's entire public transit
- TLV security is rigorous — leave the center 3 hours before departure
- During Shabbat — public transit is off; Sherut, Gett, fixed-tariff taxis still work
- Israel doesn't require ETIAS — Georgian citizens get 90 days visa-free
For a broader European airport transfer comparison see Travel365's airport transfer guide.
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