How to get to Ben Gurion Airport

Getting to Ben Gurion Airport from Jerusalem is a bit complicated, though heading in the other direction is so easy with sherut.

I, the author, have got there in two different ways until now.

Anyway, you’ll have to arrive at Central Bus Station first.

Jerusalem Central Bus Station
Jerusalem Central Bus Station: 20 mins by tram from the city center of Jerusalem.

However, I took this transportation in 2012, already over five years ago. Please check the latest information to make sure.

1. How to get Central Bus Station in Jerusalem

From Old City to Central Bus Station: Tram

  • 20 mins from [City Hall] near Jaffa Gate to [Central Bus Station]: 6.6 NIS (2012).
Jerusalem tram stop at City Hall
Tram stop at City Hall, Jerusalem. You can choose English on the vending machine.

You may come across ticket inspectors while you are on the tram.

Tram in West Jerusalem
Tram in West Jerusalem.

Make sure you have an appropriate ticket before riding on.

2-A. From Central Bus Station to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (Plan A)

2-A-1. Central Bus Station to Tel Aviv Bus Station (bus)

  • 1 hour from Central Bus Station by Egged Bus: 22 NIS (2011)

This bus doesn’t pass the airport but stops at Tel Aviv Bus Station.

2-A-2. HaHagana Station to Ben Gurion Airport (train)

Once arriving at the Tel Aviv bus station, walk to HaHagana train station 400m west.

  • One stop to Ben Gurion station, 14 NIS（2011）
Tel Aviv HaHagana station
Tel Aviv HaHagana train station

You can buy a ticket from a vending machine.

Train ticket to Ben Gurion Airport

There is a security control before entering the platform.

2-B. From Central Bus Station to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (Plan B)

2-B-1. From Central Bus Station to suburb of Ben Gurion Airport (bus)

  • When you ask for the bus to Ben Gurion Airport at the ticket counter, they might sell a ticket for a bus that goes through a bus stop near the airport. one hour, 24 NIS (2012).
Jerusalem Central Bus Station gates
Check carefully from which gate the bus would depart.

Because the bus stop is on a boulevard and it’s hard to recognize, ask the driver to tell you when the bus is reaching the stop to get off.

2-B-2. From the bus stop to Ben Gurion Airport (local bus)

  • 15 mins with a no.5 local bus which stops in front of arrival floor of the airport: 5.5 NIS (2012)
Tel Aviv bus stop to change buses from Jerusalem
The bus stop where you get off the bus from Jerusalem

There is a security control at the airport entrance, as usual.

3. Taxi from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport

Though I’ve never taken a taxi to Ben Gurion Airport, a taxi driver offered me once 200 NIS for one way.

I didn’t take it because it was too expensive for one person, but if you are in a group, it can be a choice.

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