08/02/2016
Embarking on a journey to Jerusalem, a city revered for its incredible blend of religions and cultures, promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're visiting for pilgrimage, history, or simply to soak in its unique atmosphere, your arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) marks the beginning of this adventure. Choosing the right mode of transport from the airport to Jerusalem is crucial for a smooth and comfortable start, and for many, a taxi or pre-booked transfer stands out as the most convenient option. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the various transport choices, focusing on taxi services, their costs, and how to ensure a hassle-free journey to the heart of Jerusalem.
The distance between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem is approximately 55.5 kilometres, a journey that typically takes around one hour and five minutes by car, depending on traffic. This relatively short distance makes direct transport options highly appealing for travellers seeking efficiency and comfort after their flight.
- Taxi from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Jerusalem: Your Direct Route
- Navigating Taxi Apps in Israel
- Beyond the Airport: Taxis from Tel Aviv City to Jerusalem
- Exploring Your Options: Public Transport Alternatives
- Self-Drive: The Flexibility of a Rental Car
- Choosing Your Best Transport Method: A Comparative Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Taxi from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Jerusalem: Your Direct Route
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, taxis offer a direct and comfortable way to reach Jerusalem. You'll find licensed cabs readily available, ensuring a regulated service. However, it's important to understand the pricing structure to avoid any surprises.
Understanding Taxi Fares from TLV
For a standard taxi from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem, the cost is typically around 90 euro. It's crucial to remember that all licensed cabs in Israel are metered. This means the exact fare won't be known until you reach your destination, as it depends on the distance travelled, time of day, and traffic conditions. Additionally, taxi drivers will add a surcharge of 5 shekels when travelling from Ben Gurion Airport to your destination. It's always advisable to confirm with the driver that the meter is active at the start of your journey.
Where to Find Your Cab at Ben Gurion
Finding a taxi at Ben Gurion Airport is straightforward. You can locate cabs on the ground floor at Gate 3 exit, as well as on the second floor at Gate 21 exit. If you prefer not to search for a free cab yourself, a dispatcher service is available at Terminal 3, Level G. This service can assist you in booking a car, ensuring you get a licensed taxi without any fuss.
The Benefits of Pre-Booked Transfers: Kiwitaxi Experience
For those who prefer the certainty of a fixed price and an arranged pick-up, pre-booked transfer services like Kiwitaxi offer an excellent alternative. With such services, you know the price in advance, and it remains fixed regardless of traffic conditions or journey duration. A transfer from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem via a service like Kiwitaxi typically starts from around 107 euro.
The convenience of a pre-booked transfer is unparalleled: your driver picks you up precisely where you are and takes you directly to your desired destination. After booking, you receive a voucher containing all the detailed information you'll need, including driver contacts, the exact meeting point, and the pick-up date and time. For families travelling with children, the option to book a child seat in advance adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Furthermore, services often provide 24/7 English-speaking support, ensuring assistance is always at hand should you need it.
While in Tel Aviv, popular taxi apps like GETT, Lyft, and Juno are widely used for hailing cabs within the city. However, it's important to note that Uber does not currently operate in Tel Aviv. For airport transfers, while these apps might be an option, pre-booking a dedicated transfer service often provides a smoother and more reliable experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local system or arriving late at night.
Beyond the Airport: Taxis from Tel Aviv City to Jerusalem
If you find yourself in Tel Aviv city and wish to travel to Jerusalem by taxi, it's certainly an option, albeit typically the most expensive one. You can hail a taxi from almost anywhere in Tel Aviv. The cost for a taxi from Tel Aviv city to Jerusalem usually hovers around $75 USD (approximately 70 euro), with a journey time of about an hour.
When taking a taxi from the city, it's always wise to agree on a price with the driver before you depart or, alternatively, insist that the driver uses the meter. Be aware that some taxi drivers might charge extra for luggage, additional passengers, or for journeys undertaken during Shabbat (from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening), so clarifying these details beforehand is highly recommended.
Exploring Your Options: Public Transport Alternatives
While taxis and private transfers offer unparalleled convenience, Israel boasts an efficient public transport network that provides more budget-friendly alternatives for getting from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These options are perfect for travellers who have more time and wish to experience local travel.
By Train: Speedy and Scenic
The train service from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has significantly improved with the introduction of the high-speed rail network. This modern service connects Tel Aviv HaHagana Station to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station, with a convenient stop at Ben Gurion Airport.
- From Ben Gurion Airport: A train ticket from the airport to Jerusalem costs around 4 euro. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is almost twice as long as a direct taxi or transfer. Trains depart from the airport every hour from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays. However, be mindful of Shabbat; on Fridays, trains operate only until around 1:00 PM, and on Saturdays, there is typically only one late-night service.
- From Tel Aviv City: The fast train from Tel Aviv HaHagana Station to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon Station is incredibly efficient, taking between 35 and 45 minutes. A one-way ticket costs approximately $5-6 USD (around 4.5-5.5 euro). These modern trains are equipped with air conditioning and USB plugs, ensuring a comfortable journey. Future plans include services to Savidor Central Station in Tel Aviv, potentially adding more convenient city locations.
By Bus: Economical and Frequent
Buses offer another cost-effective way to travel between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, primarily operating from Tel Aviv city terminals.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: From Ben Gurion Airport, a shuttle bus service runs every hour, six days a week. Similar to trains, this service does not operate from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening due to Shabbat.
- Public Buses from Tel Aviv City: Buses to Jerusalem depart from Tel Aviv-Yafo Arlozorov Bus Terminal (also known as Terminal 2000) and from the new Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. A one-way ticket costs around $5 USD (approximately 4.5 euro), and children under the age of five travel free.
- The number 480 bus leaves from Tel Aviv-Yafo Arlozorov Terminal 2000 every 10 minutes, from just before 6 AM until midnight. Times vary on Friday and Saturday due to Shabbat, with buses stopping early afternoon on Friday and resuming after 6 PM on Saturday evening.
- Alternatively, the 405 bus departs every 20 minutes from the central bus station from Sunday to Thursday, with fewer services on Friday and Saturday.
For a truly local and sociable travel experience, consider a sherut. These are minibus-style, shared vehicles that can transport you from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. They typically depart from outside the central bus station and cost around $5-6 USD (approximately 4.5-5.5 euro) for a one-way trip. This is a fixed fare, so even if you disembark at an earlier location, you will still pay the full amount.
You might have to wait a short while for the minibus to depart, as drivers usually only leave when the vehicle is completely full (around 10-12 people). However, sheruts are highly popular with locals, so you typically won't have to wait very long before embarking on your journey.
Self-Drive: The Flexibility of a Rental Car
Renting a private car provides the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to immerse yourself in Israel's diverse culture and explore at your own pace. Several reputable car hire companies, including Avis and Hertz, have offices in Tel Aviv (e.g., along HaYarkon Street by the beach) and at Ben Gurion International Airport.
The fastest driving route to Jerusalem is via Highway 1, with a journey time of around one hour. Along this route, you can enjoy amazing views of the Judean Mountains. Alternatively, consider the scenic Route 431, which allows for detours to places like Modiin, Emmaus Nicopolis, and the picturesque Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve. This option is perfect for those who want to combine their transfer with some sightseeing or culinary explorations, such as a Carmel Market tasting tour in Tel Aviv followed by a Machane Yehuda market tour in Jerusalem.
Choosing Your Best Transport Method: A Comparative Overview
To help you decide, here’s a comparative table summarising the main transport options from Tel Aviv (airport or city) to Jerusalem:
| Method | Approx. Cost | Approx. Duration | Convenience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi (Metered) | €90 + ₪5 | 1 hr 5 min | High | Direct, readily available, metered fare, airport surcharge. |
| Pre-booked Transfer (e.g., Kiwitaxi) | From €107 | 1 hr 5 min | Very High | Fixed price, pre-arranged pick-up, child seats available, 24/7 support. |
| Airport Train | €4 | 1 hr 40 min | Medium | Economical, frequent (except Shabbat), longer journey. |
| City Train (High-speed) | €4.5-5.5 | 35-45 min | High | Fastest public option from city, modern trains, comfortable. |
| City Bus (e.g., 480/405) | €4.5 | Approx. 1 hr 30 min | Medium | Very economical, frequent (except Shabbat), multiple departure points. |
| Sherut (Shared Minibus) | €4.5-5.5 | Approx. 1 hr 15 min (plus wait) | Medium | Economical, fixed fare, wait for full vehicle, social experience. |
| Private Rental Car | Variable | Approx. 1 hr | Highest | Maximum flexibility, explore at your own pace, parking considerations. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a taxi from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem?
A standard metered taxi from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem typically costs around 90 euro, plus a 5 shekel airport surcharge. For a pre-booked private transfer service, prices generally start from around 107 euro, offering a fixed fare known in advance.
Can I book a taxi in advance from TLV to Jerusalem?
Yes, you can absolutely book a private transfer in advance from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem. Services like Kiwitaxi allow you to pre-arrange your pick-up, ensuring a fixed price, a designated meeting point, and the option to add extras like child seats. This offers significant peace of mind upon arrival.
Are taxis metered in Israel?
Yes, all licensed taxis in Israel are required to use a meter. It's always advisable to ensure the driver turns on the meter at the beginning of your journey. If you're taking a taxi from the airport, there will be an additional 5 shekel surcharge.
What are the alternatives to a taxi for getting to Jerusalem?
Several excellent public transport alternatives are available. You can take a train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem (approx. 4 euro, 1 hr 40 min), or a high-speed train from Tel Aviv city (approx. 4.5-5.5 euro, 35-45 min). Public buses are also an option from Tel Aviv city (approx. 4.5 euro). Additionally, shared minibuses known as 'sheruts' offer a cost-effective and social way to travel between the cities.
Is Uber available in Tel Aviv?
No, Uber does not currently operate in Tel Aviv. However, other local taxi apps such as GETT, Lyft, and Juno are widely used for hailing taxis within the city.
What is a Sherut?
A sherut is a popular form of shared taxi or minibus in Israel. It operates on fixed routes, often connecting major cities or specific destinations like airport to city. Sheruts typically depart when full (around 10-12 passengers) and offer a fixed, economical fare. They are a great way to travel if you're not in a hurry and want a local experience.
Conclusion
Getting from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to the ancient city of Jerusalem is a straightforward process with a variety of transport options to suit every budget and preference. While a direct taxi or a pre-booked transfer offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience, especially after a long flight, the efficient public transport network provides excellent, more economical alternatives. Whether you opt for the speedy high-speed train, the reliable bus service, or the unique experience of a sherut, planning your journey in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your exploration of Jerusalem's incredible blend of history, culture, and spirituality. Choose the method that best aligns with your travel style and prepare to be captivated by the Holy City.
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