What is the cheapest way from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?

The Israel Railways train from the station on Level S of Terminal 3: 13.50 ₪ for a single, about 11–20 minutes to Tel Aviv's central stations (HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor Center, University). Buy at the machines by the gates with a card or cash.

Does the train from Ben Gurion Airport run on Shabbat?

No. Trains stop from Friday afternoon — a couple of hours before sundown — until Saturday after nightfall, and on Jewish holidays. In that window there's no cheap public option, since the airport sherut shared taxis were discontinued in 2026, so a taxi (about 150–200 ₪) is the only realistic choice.

Where is the train station at Ben Gurion Airport?

It's on Level S, the lower level inside Terminal 3. Follow the 'Trains' signs down from arrivals — there's no shuttle bus and no walk outside, the platforms are within the terminal building.

Do I need a Rav-Kav card for the train?

Not for a single trip — you can buy a one-ride ticket at the vending machines or ticket office by the gates with a credit card or cash. A reusable Rav-Kav is only worth it if you'll keep riding Tel Aviv's trains, buses and light rail during your stay.

How much is a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?

About 150–200 ₪ by day (roughly $40–55), around 25% more at night. Gett is the official airport taxi. It's more than ten times the train fare — worth it mainly for late-night or Shabbat arrivals when the train isn't running.

What is the best way from TLV to downtown Tel Aviv?

For budget travelers the best way is the cheapest one: the Israel Railways train from Terminal 3 — 13.50 ₪, about 11–20 minutes to a central Tel Aviv station. The exception is Shabbat and Jewish holidays, when no train runs and a taxi is the only option.

How do you get from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to downtown Tel Aviv — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) into downtown Tel Aviv is the Israel Railways train from the station on Level S inside Terminal 3, which reaches Tel Aviv's four central stations — HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor Center and University — in about 11–20 minutes for a 13.50 ₪ single ticket. Buy it at the machines by the gates (cards or cash); you don't need a Rav-Kav for one trip. The one catch: no trains run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday nightfall) or Jewish holidays, and in that window your only option is a taxi at about 150–200 ₪ — more than ten times the fare.

How to find it

AIRPORTBen Gurion Airport
01From arrivals in Terminal 3, follow the 'Trains' signs down to the railway station on Level S — it is inside the terminal, so there is no shuttle bus or walk outside.
02Buy a single ticket to Tel Aviv (13.50 ₪) at the machines or ticket office by the gates — cards and cash accepted. There is one ticket for any of the Tel Aviv stops; the price is the same.
03Tap through the gate to the platform and board any northbound train (towards Tel Aviv, Herzliya or Nahariya). Daytime and evening trains run about every 30 minutes, roughly hourly late at night.
04Ride about 11–20 minutes to one of Tel Aviv's four central stations: HaHagana (south, nearest Florentin), HaShalom (by the Azrieli towers), Savidor Center / Arlozorov (the main hub) or University (north). Get off at whichever is closest to where you're staying.
CITY CENTRETel Aviv

Ticket

Israel Railways single ticket, Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv

Where to buy: At the vending machines or the staffed ticket office by the gates in the station on Level S of Terminal 3. A reusable Rav-Kav smartcard can be bought and loaded at the same machines.

How to pay: The machines and office take credit cards and cash. Buy a single ride (no need for a Rav-Kav for one trip), then tap the ticket or card at the gate to reach the platform.

Local's trick: All four Tel Aviv stops are central, so don't just get off at the first one — pick the station nearest your accommodation (HaHagana for the south and Florentin, Savidor Center / Arlozorov for the middle, University for the north) and you may skip a taxi or bus at the other end entirely.

Trap to avoid: The big trap is timing, not the ticket: no trains run on Shabbat — from Friday afternoon (a couple of hours before sundown) until Saturday after nightfall — or on Jewish holidays. In that window there is no cheap public option (the airport sherut shared taxis were discontinued in 2026), so a taxi at about 150–200 ₪ — over ten times the fare — is your only choice. If you can, avoid landing then; otherwise budget for the taxi. Gett is the official airport taxi; ignore anyone touting a ride inside arrivals.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?: The Israel Railways train from the station on Level S of Terminal 3: 13.50 ₪ for a single, about 11–20 minutes to Tel Aviv's central stations (HaHagana, HaShalom, Savidor Center, University). Buy at the machines by the gates with a card or cash.
Does the train from Ben Gurion Airport run on Shabbat?: No. Trains stop from Friday afternoon — a couple of hours before sundown — until Saturday after nightfall, and on Jewish holidays. In that window there's no cheap public option, since the airport sherut shared taxis were discontinued in 2026, so a taxi (about 150–200 ₪) is the only realistic choice.
Where is the train station at Ben Gurion Airport?: It's on Level S, the lower level inside Terminal 3. Follow the 'Trains' signs down from arrivals — there's no shuttle bus and no walk outside, the platforms are within the terminal building.
Do I need a Rav-Kav card for the train?: Not for a single trip — you can buy a one-ride ticket at the vending machines or ticket office by the gates with a credit card or cash. A reusable Rav-Kav is only worth it if you'll keep riding Tel Aviv's trains, buses and light rail during your stay.
How much is a taxi from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv?: About 150–200 ₪ by day (roughly $40–55), around 25% more at night. Gett is the official airport taxi. It's more than ten times the train fare — worth it mainly for late-night or Shabbat arrivals when the train isn't running.
What is the best way from TLV to downtown Tel Aviv?: For budget travelers the best way is the cheapest one: the Israel Railways train from Terminal 3 — 13.50 ₪, about 11–20 minutes to a central Tel Aviv station. The exception is Shabbat and Jewish holidays, when no train runs and a taxi is the only option.

Last verified: Jul 5, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.