Air Travel to Israel
Most of the international airlines operate flights to Israel. El Al operates many direct flights from the United States, Europe, the Far East, and Africa.
Other Israeli airlines such as Arkia and Israir operate flights from central locations in Europe. Please note that these airlines do not operate during Shabbat. There are no direct flights to Israel from distant locations such as Australia, or from countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel. It is therefore a good idea to reserve a connecting flight from these places, or to arrive in Europe and then purchase a ticket to Israel.
Most international flights land at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located near the town of Lod - approximately a 30 minute drive from Tel Aviv and 50 minutes from Jerusalem (outside rush hours). Ben Gurion airport has recently opened a new, modern terminal with a large variety of duty-free shops, restaurants and coffeehouses. Some flights from Europe also land at Sde Dov in north Tel Aviv or at Ovda Airport near Eilat.
From Ben Gurion Airport
Israel has a convenient and reasonably priced public transportation system. Options for getting to and from Ben Gurion Airport include: private car/van services; railway; taxi; rented car and limousine. For details regarding transportation depots and general airport information, please use the following contact details:
Israel Airport Authority
Telephone: +972 3-975-5555
Website: http://www.iaa.gov.il/en-US/airports/bengurion/Transportation/Pages/default.aspx
Airport Transfers
In addition to the on-demand taxis at the airport, special airport transfers are also available on a pre-arranged basis.
Arrival Assistance & Transfer
The Conference Planner will arrange upon request, private transfers from the airport to the selected Conference hotels.
Our representative will be waiting for you on the right side of the Arrival Hall (near 'Swarovski' counter), holding a sign with your name. Transfer to Jerusalem takes approximately 45 min.
Rate (up to 2 people): $180
Departure Transfer
Our representative will meet you in your hotel lobby four hours prior your departure flight and will escort you to Ben Gurion international airport.
Rate (up to 2 people): $160
VIP Arrival Assistance & Transfer
The service operates from the plane. You will be greeted on landing at the end of the jetway. A representative will escort you all the way through passport control, luggage collection, directly to the awaiting car transfer and then on to your hotel. On return, a VIP vehicle will drive you back to Ben Gurion international airport.
Rates (up to 2 people): $250 for arrival / $170 for departure
Reservations for above assistance and transfers are to be made online, together with conference registration and hotel booking.
Exact flight and hotel details are to be provided at time of booking.
Confirmation will be sent on receipt of payment.
Taxis from Ben Gurion Airport
Taxis are readily available at the airport 24 hours/day for a private or shared service.
Taxis can be found right outside the arrival hall of the airport.
Taxi services are regulated and the Taxi companies at Ben Gurion operate under permission.
Private-taxi (called “special”) and shared-taxi services (called “sherut”) are available.
Taxi drivers are required by law to use the meter on all trips. Unless you know the accepted rates, do not be tempted to set a price beforehand. For long trips, the driver must charge passengers according to the Ministry of Transport price list posted in all taxis.
A 25% surcharge for night trips is in effect from 9:01pm until 5:29am (from 4pm on Fridays and holiday eves). Trips out of Ben Gurion Airport are charged an additional NIS 5.00, and passengers pay approximately NIS 3.00 for each suitcase. Passengers who request use of Road 6 (a toll road) will pay an extra NIS 11.00.
Passengers are advised to request a receipt at the end of the journey.
Other means of transport from Ben Gurion Airport
The train station is located on Level S of the Landside Building, adjacent to the Arrivals Hall. For your information, there is no direct route between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem.
Public transportation services are located in the three-storey bridge on the second floor, next to Gates 21 and 23.
The car rental companies’ counters are located on the first floor of the East Gallery in the Greeters' Hall. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Transportation within Israel
Israel is a small country, and it is therefore easy to get from one place to another in a relatively short time. Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price.
Israel Railways operates convenient, inexpensive train service. It is also possible to travel by taxi, but this is more expensive, particularly for inter-city trips. It’s therefore preferable to use shared service taxis.
Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips. The Egged bus company operates most of the intercity bus lines, as well as the local service in most of the large cities and towns.
The fare for all bus lines is reasonable, the buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned, and there is regular, frequent service. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver. Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays. Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening.
Egged provides intercity public bus service throughout the country. Passengers can obtain information about the various bus lines on the Egged website or by phoning the computerized customer service and information center. Each central bus station has an information booth and electronic boards displaying the departure times and destinations.
Egged Customer Service and Information: + 972 3 694 8888 or *2800
Egged Website