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Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV/LLBG) is Israel's primary international gateway, located about 15 km southeast of Tel Aviv near Lod. Opened in 1936 as Lydda Airport and renamed after David Ben Gurion in 1973, it serves as a hub for El Al, Israir, and Arkia. Terminal 3 handles most international flights, while Terminal 1 is used for low-cost and domestic services.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent travelers know that security questioning can happen before check-in and again at the gate; keep your itinerary, packing, and answers consistent, and use the biometric e-gates if eligible to skip long passport queues.
🚖 Getting There
The Israel Railways train from Terminal 3 is usually the fastest and cheapest way to Tel Aviv (about 15–20 minutes) and also links to Jerusalem and Haifa. Official taxis and ride-hailing apps are available outside arrivals, but expect higher fares and limited public transport from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening due to Shabbat. Shared sherut taxis and buses can be cheaper but are less frequent and may not run on Shabbat.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get between terminals?
A: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are connected by a free shuttle bus; follow signs and allow extra time if connecting.
Q: How early should I arrive for a flight?
A: Three hours before departure is recommended for international flights due to Israel's enhanced security screening and check-in procedures.
Q: Is there a train station at the airport?
A: Yes, Israel Railways operates a station at Terminal 3 with direct trains to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other destinations, though services pause during Shabbat.
Q: What facilities are available?
A: Terminal 3 offers duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and baggage services; Terminal 1 has more limited amenities.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash