Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is Israel’s main international gateway and the busiest and largest airport in the country. It is located near the city of Lod, about 15 km southeast of Tel Aviv.
The airport is operated by the Israel Airports Authority and includes modern facilities, security infrastructure, and a total capacity well into tens of millions of passengers. It is known for its strict security procedures and a very high safety record.
In 2024, TLV handled around 14 million passengers, much lower than usual due to regional conflicts. Still, it remains one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.
Major Airlines - El Al
Tel Aviv is a hub for El Al, Israel’s flag carrier. The airline flies to over 50 destinations and operates more than 1300 flights in a typical month.
Other Israeli airlines with a strong presence include Israir and Arkia, particularly on domestic or regional routes, though both airlines also offer dozens of direct flights to destinations in Europe.
A very wide range of international carriers operate into TLV, covering Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. However, note that many airlines have suspended or delayed the resumption of their flights due to the regional war and instability. Big airlines include Aegean Airlines, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, KLM, SWISS, and others.
Tel Aviv is also popular with low-cost flights, especially to European cities. The main LCC airline serving it is Wizz Air, which flies around 500 times per month, linking the Israeli capital with 19 destinations.
To see an exhaustive list of airlines at TLV and their routes, click here.
Terminal Layout and Gates
Ben Gurion Airport has 2 terminals:
Terminal 3: This is the major terminal handling most international and full-service airline traffic. It has four concourses (B, C, D, E) with a total of 40 gates.
Terminal 1: Serves low-cost carriers and domestic flights (e.g., to Eilat). Terminal 1 is connected to Terminal 3 by a free shuttle bus every ~15 minutes.
A free airport shuttle connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 every 15 minutes.
If Ben Gurion Airport is your destination, check out the best things to do in Tel Aviv.
Connecting Flights and Transit at TLV
As part of Israel’s security policy, every passenger on a departing flight must undergo security screening, even if they are arriving from a previous international flight. This is a mandatory procedure for every flight.
If you only have carry-on luggage and already have your second boarding pass, you can use the dedicated lane for expedited security screening in area W. The transit desk is located at the end of the connector on Level 2 (before going down on the right side).
Flights booked under separate reservations are not eligible for transit and require that you exit the terminal and re-enter, like a standard departing passenger.
The minimum connection time at Ben Gurion Airport is 3 hours, owing to the tight security at the airport.
Nevertheless, Ben Gurion Airport has an airside transit area where you can remain during a layover. In most cases, you do not need a visa, as long as you don’t leave the transit area and your layover is not longer than 24 hours.
In other cases, for example, if you need to leave the airport, or your layover is longer than 24 hours, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel (ETA-IL). Visa-exempt nationalities do not.
All transfers happen within Terminal 3. Moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 is not airside, and standard airport procedures apply.
WiFi and other services
Free Wi-Fi is available across both terminals. Use the network “Free_TLV_WiFi”, it’s not password-protected. After you connect, your browser should automatically open the welcome page. Follow the on-screen procedures to get access to the internet. The wifi is not limited in time or usage.
Other passenger services at TLV include:
ATMs are available in both Arrivals and Departures.
Currency exchange by Bank Hapoalim in both Arrivals and Departures.
VAT-refund counters (Milgam): Located in the Duty Free Hall, near the entrance of Concourse E.
Medical clinic: One in the West Gallery of the Greeters Hall near Gate 21 and another in the Duty Free Area in Departures.
Synagogues in Terminal 3. One in the Greeters Hall and one in the Duty Free Area. The prayer room for Muslims and Christians is in Concourse E.
Playrooms for children in Concourses B, C, and D.
Mother-and-child rooms with access from the duty-free mall.
Animal Service Area in Concourse E, near an accessible toilet.
Luggage Storage: in Terminal 3 on the G floor and in Concourse B (Duty Free area). Prices depend on size and duration.
There’s also a Central Garden located outside Terminal 3 - a pleasant landscaped space.
Lounges at Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion Airport has three lounges, all in Terminal 3:
Dan Lounge: open to various airline customers, as well as day-pass users. Located in Concourse C and open 24/7.
Arbel Lounge: Located in the Eastern Gallery of Terminal 3. Open 24/7.
King David Lounge: Designated for El Al first and business class travellers and for club members. Located in Concourse D of Terminal 3, in the Departures Hall.
Dining Options at TLV
Terminal 3 has a broad selection of cafés, restaurants, and kosher food options.
Some popular places include:
La Farina: Serves sandwiches, breads, and other similar foods in the Reception Hall on Level G.
La Farina al Taglio: Located in the Food Court, and offers Italian-style focaccias, pasta, pizzas, and more.
Bayern Market: Two locations, at the entrance of Concourse C and in the Food Court. Offers German food, notably sausages and schnitzels.
RedHot Grill House: An Israeli grill restaurant in the Food Court.
Marrone Rosso: Located in the Reception Hall on Level G, and offers sandwiches, salads, pastries, ice cream, cold and hot drinks.
Moses: A meat restaurant with table service in the Duty-free hall, at the entrance to Extension E.
Chooka: Asian cuisine from the Far East in the Food Court.
In addition, there are fast-food chains like McDonald’s and several cafes, such as Tatti, Cafe Cafe, and Beanz Cafe.
Тerminal 1 also has cafés and places to grab quick snacks, too, for example:
Ilan’s for Italian coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
Cafe Cafe
Burger King
McDonald’s
Transport to and from the airport
Ben Gurion is well-connected to Israel’s transport network. Most modes of transport depart/arrive at T3. A free terminal shuttle runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 every 15 minutes.
Ben Gurion Airport Train Station is on the lower level of Terminal 3. You can take a train to key destinations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Modi’in, and elsewhere.
The fastest way from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem is to take the fast direct train to Jerusalem Yitzchak Navon train station. Similarly, the quickest way to Tel Aviv is via the direct train to Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station.
Public buses are also a popular transport option. They stop at Terminal 3, connecting to Tel Aviv and other cities. These include:
Egged Route 5 is a shuttle between Airport City, El Al Junction, and Ben-Gurion Airport. At the last stop, you can connect to other Egged routes. The bus stop is on Level 2 (Public Transport), at Terminal 3.
Egged Route 485: Goes to El-Al Junction on Highway 40.
Metropoline: Service to Be’er Sheva from Level 2 of T3.
Kavim bus #445: Serves Tel Aviv. Departs from Exit 21 on Level 2 of T3.
Licensed taxis queue along the sidewalk across from Exit 03 in Terminal 3 and at the exit from the domestic flights’ Welcome Hall in Terminal 1. All taxis use meters only. The approximate fare between TLV and Tel Aviv is 120-150 ILS (~35-45 USD), and between the airport and Jerusalem, it is around 300 ILS (~90 USD). A surcharge of 5 ILS is added to the fares if leaving from the airport. Fares are more expensive during the night and considerably higher during Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall).
Car rental desks are on the first floor in the Arrivals Hall. After you receive your rental car keys, take the free shuttle to the Pardes Parking Lot, where you can pick up your vehicle. Rental Car Companies at TLV include Avis, Budget, Cal Auto, Eldan, Europcar, Hertz, and Shlomo Sixt.
Parking at TLV
Official short- and long-term parking at Ben Gurion Airport is available, managed by the Israel Airports Authority:
- Short-term (Terminal 3): First hour 22 ILS, then 6 ILS per 15 minutes up to a daily max of 135 ILS in the Peak season (15 June – 31 October) or 100 ILS outside of it. Parking for longer than 24 hours is not allowed here. This parking lot is divided into two complexes:
Orchard parking lot in the eastern building
Vineyard parking lot in the western building
- Long-term: Connected to T3 via a free shuttle. Covered and uncovered options are available. Uncovered is 50 ILS per day, while covered is 90 ILS per day. The available lots are:
Lot 15: the main one.
Lots 21 and 22: in the East Operating Area.
Lots 26 and 28: in the West Operating Area.
Terminal 1 parking: Can be used for both short-term and long-term parking. The first hour costs 20 ILS, with each additional hour 5 ILS more. The daily max is 50 ILS. Payment is only by credit/debit card.
Hotels near Ben Gurion Airport
There are no hotels within or near the airport. The closest accommodation options are around a 20-minute drive away. Few offer shuttle services, but it’s not impossible to find.
For example, the Sadot an Atlas Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel about 18 km away from the terminals and will organize a complimentary transfer upon request with a confirmed reservation.
A popular layover hotel, suitable for missed connections, very early flights, or late arrivals, is the Star Guest House, about a 20-minute drive from TLV.
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
