Information and Travel Guide for Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)

One of the most secure airports in the world, Ben Gurion International Airport served 13 million passengers in 2011. One of two airports serving the Tel Aviv Area, Ben Gurion primarily handles international traffic via three airlines: El Al, Israiar Airlines, and Arkia Israel Airlines, although many other carriers make connections here. The airport currently maintains four passenger terminals and administrative buildings for EL Al, Israel Airports Authority, and Israel Aerospace Industries. Ben Gurion has three runways, services cargo flights, and offers excellent security and baggage screening.

History

What began as a simple airstrip consisting of four concrete runways in 1936 would launch, in 1946, its first transatlantic route via TWA. Despite a temporary military siege in 1948, the airport resumed operations with passenger traffic steadily increasing between 1948 and the 1960s. The airport was given its current name in 1973 to honor Israel's first Prime Minister, and between the 1970s and 1990s, more additions were added to accommodate increased demand.

Services and Amenities

  • Shopping - Ben Gurion International Airport offers standard shops and duty free shops offering books, newspapers, fashions, gifts, lottery, flowers, mobile phones, drugstore items, music, electronics, sweets, and toys.
  • Hotels - The hotel strip is located near the airport, offering accommodations for travelers.
  • Restaurants - The airport features several coffee shops, restaurants, and VIP lounges.
  • Financial Services - Ben Gurion International Airport has ATMs available inside the terminals as well as banks, currency exchange and VAT refund services.
  • Other Services - VIP and business services, medical clinics, a post office, travel agencies, and many other services are offered.

Parking and Transportation

  • Parking - The airport offers well over 11,000 parking spaces for both short- and long-term parking. Long-term parking is located a distance from the terminal; however, a free shuttle is offered.
  • Car Rentals - Car rentals are available at the airport via Avis, Budget, Hertz, and two other rental car companies.
  • Bus, Taxi, Limo, and Private Shuttle - The airport is served by inner-city bus lines, standard taxis, limousine services, and private shuttles. Schedules, pricing, and arrangements are available at the airport.
  • Shared Taxi - The share taxi (monit sherut) offers limited door-to-door service via shared passenger vans from the airport.
  • Train - Passengers can access Israel Railways through the train station located on the lower level of Terminal 3.

Surrounding Area

Visitors with some time to spare in Tel Aviv can enjoy taking in many interesting sites and attractions. You can visit the Nalagaat Center Theaters, Palmach Museum, the Camel Market, and Old Jaffa's Boardwalk - and those are just a few of the many things to see in Tel Aviv. There are clubs, bars, restaurants, beaches, and even an arts community to enjoy.

The city houses a number of reputable hotels for travelers. For those planning to stay in Tel Aviv for any period of time should plan to spend a minimum of $94 per night on accommodations. Cheaper options may be available by booking through various services online.

Contact Information:

Telephone: +972 (03) 975 5555 or 972 3333 Fax: (0)3 973 1650
Address: Israel Airports Authority, PO Box 137, Ben-Gurion International Airport 70100, Israel
Number of Terminals: 2
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www.ben-gurion-airport.com
Time Zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 20km (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv and 50km (31 miles) west of Jerusalem
IATA airport code: TLV