🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Israel
✈️ Flying to Israel
Main Airport
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) - Israel's main international gateway, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (20km from Tel Aviv, 50km from Jerusalem). Modern, efficient, with extensive security screening. Plan to arrive 3 hours before international flights.
Other International Airports:
- Ramon Airport (ETM) - Near Eilat in southern Israel, serving Red Sea resort area
- Haifa Airport (HFA) - Small airport with limited flights, mainly domestic
💡 Insider Tip
Ben Gurion has extensive security interviews both entering and leaving. Answer honestly, stay calm. If you have Arab country stamps in passport, expect more questions. Allow extra time.
🚆 From Ben Gurion Airport
To Tel Aviv
Train: Direct trains to Tel Aviv HaHagana and Tel Aviv Savidor Central stations. Journey time: 15-20 minutes. Ticket: ₪13.50 (~€3.50). Runs every 20-30 minutes, 24/7 except Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).
Sherut (Shared Taxi): Shared vans to Tel Aviv. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: ₪30-40 (~€8-10). Depart when full.
Taxi: Fixed-price taxis available. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: ₪150-180 (~€40-48).
To Jerusalem
Train: Direct trains to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station. Journey time: 30 minutes. Ticket: ₪24 (~€6.40). Fast and scenic route through hills.
Sherut: Shared taxis to Jerusalem. Cost: ₪60-70 (~€16-19). Journey time: 45-60 minutes.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Land Borders—Jordan (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Jordan River Crossing, Arava/Yitzhak Rabin Crossing). Egypt (Taba border crossing near Eilat). Check current political situation and opening hours before attempting. Security procedures lengthy.
Ferry from Cyprus—Seasonal service from Limassol to Haifa. Around 18 hours. Alternative to flying but infrequent. Check Salamis Lines or Vari Shipping.
Palestinian Territories—Checkpoints between Israel and West Bank. Security procedures variable. Check current situation. Gaza border closed to tourists.
Most visitors arrive by air to Ben Gurion—most straightforward option. Land borders depend heavily on political situation.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for tourism. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, EU citizens can enter for up to 90 days (some countries get 3 months).
Entry stamp now on separate paper, not in passport—makes subsequent travel to Arab countries easier. Israeli officials aware of this sensitivity. Check your specific passport's requirements.
Check visa requirements for Israel →🚗 Getting Around Israel
Trains (Israel Railways)
Efficient train network connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, and coastal cities. Modern, air-conditioned, comfortable. No service Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Book via Israel Railways app or website. rail.co.il
Buses (Egged & Dan)
Extensive bus network covering entire country. Egged operates most intercity and Jerusalem routes. Dan operates Tel Aviv metro area. No service during Shabbat except Haifa. Get Rav-Kav card for payment (cash not accepted on most buses).
Sherut (Shared Taxis)
Shared vans running fixed routes, especially on Shabbat when public transport stops. Depart when full. Slightly more expensive than buses but faster. Essential for Friday evening/Saturday travel.
🎫 Travel Card Tip
Get a Rav-Kav card immediately—essential for all public transport. Available at train stations, central bus stations, some kiosks. Load with credit, tap on/off. Can't use cash on most buses/trains.
🚋 Local Transportation
Tel Aviv
Extensive bus network (Dan operator), shared bikes and scooters everywhere. Light rail under construction. Walking-friendly city, especially along beach. Gett and Yango apps for taxis/rides.
Jerusalem
Light rail connecting city center with Mount Herzl and neighborhoods. Single line, easy to use. Extensive bus network (Egged). Old City mostly pedestrian. Walking essential for exploring.
Tickets & Passes
- Single bus: ₪5.90 with Rav-Kav (~€1.60)
- 90-minute transfer: Free transfers within 90 minutes
- Daily ticket: Varies by city, around ₪13-20 (~€3.50-5.40)
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring Dead Sea, Golan Heights, Galilee, and southern desert. Cities have good public transport. Driving in Jerusalem stressful—avoid if staying in city.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Aggressive driving common—stay alert
- GPS essential—Hebrew signage can confuse
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-90 km/h (rural roads), 110-120 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies at Ben Gurion and cities
- Cannot drive rental cars into Palestinian territories
⚠️ Important Note
Car rental agreements usually prohibit driving into West Bank or Gaza. Check insurance coverage. GPS apps (Waze, Google Maps) work excellently in Israel—use them.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Israel
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Rav-Kav card: Cheaper fares than single tickets, essential for public transport
- Sherut on Shabbat: Only option when buses/trains stop, but expensive
- Book trains early: No dynamic pricing but avoid Friday rush
- Avoid airport taxis: Take train or sherut when possible
- Rent cars from city locations: Often cheaper than airport pickup