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Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Layover Guide (TLV)

What are you looking for in TLV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tel Aviv Airport (TLV), also known as Ben Gurion Airport, is Israel’s main international gateway. It’s located about 20 km (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv. The airport officially opened in 1936. Tel Aviv is Israel’s second-largest city and a major cultural and economic hub. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, Mediterranean beaches, and rich history, offering a mix of modern living and ancient charm for both residents and visitors.

Can you leave Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit TLV during layover after immigration clearance. Most travelers enjoy visa-free entry or an ETA-IL for up to 90 days; some nationalities require a prior visa or e-visa. Always verify entry requirements in advance. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Jaffa Explore winding alleys of Old Jaffa, an ancient port city boasting art galleries, a vibrant flea market, and panoramic Mediterranean vistas. A serene historical escape amid Tel Aviv’s modern hustle. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv HaHagana Station + taxi (~10 min).)
• Carmel Market Immerse yourself in Tel Aviv’s largest open-air market, where colorful stalls overflow with fresh produce, spices, and street food. Vibrant local atmosphere, perfect for sampling Israeli delicacies and cultural immersion. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + bus 18 (~30 min).)
• Tel Aviv Beaches Relax on Tel Aviv’s golden shores, where sunbathers and surfers converge. Stroll along the scenic promenade, enjoy beachfront cafés, and soak up Mediterranean sunshine in a lively, laid-back coastal atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + short taxi (~10 min).)
• Rothschild Boulevard Discover Bauhaus architecture lining Rothschild Boulevard, a UNESCO heritage icon. Sip coffee at chic sidewalk cafés, explore Independence Hall, and wander leafy boulevards buzzing with local entrepreneurs and nightlife options. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + walk (~15 min).)
• Tel Aviv Museum of Art Browse Tel Aviv Museum of Art’s diverse collections, from classical masterpieces to contemporary installations. Marvel at Israeli and international artists, sculpture gardens, and rotating exhibitions that showcase vibrant creative innovation. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + bus 10 (~20 min).)
• Neve Tzedek Wander Neve Tzedek’s narrow streets, dotted with picturesque boutiques, art galleries, and quaint cafés. Experience Tel Aviv’s oldest neighborhood, blending bohemian flair with elegant architecture and a relaxed, village-like ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + bus 19 (~20 min).)
• Sarona Market Indulge at Sarona Market, a renovated Templar colony turned gourmet food hall. Discover international cuisines, artisanal coffee, craft breweries, and boutique shops amidst sleek industrial-chic surroundings and open communal seating. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + bus 10 (~20 min).)
• Rabin Square Visit Rabin Square, the city’s central public plaza, known for its political significance and gatherings. Admire the memorial for Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, fountains, and surrounding government buildings and sculptures. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or train to Tel Aviv Savidor + walk (~10 min).)

Things to Do in Tel Aviv Airport (TLV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 3 features El Al’s King David Lounge and two Dan Lounges (Concourses B and C). All offer comfortable seating, complimentary kosher snacks, hot and cold beverages, free high-speed Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, flight monitors, and charging stations. Priority Pass and pay-at-door access options are available. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The on-site Fattal Hotel, directly above Terminal 3, offers sound-insulated rooms with private bathrooms, workspaces, and 24/7 dining. Nearby the airport, several budget and business hotels provide free shuttle service. Early check-in, luggage storage, and wake-up calls help transit passengers maximize rest during layovers or overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 3 includes quiet zones with padded recliners, pod chairs, and day-beds in Concourse C. Charging points and reading lights enhance comfort. Showers are available in both Dan Lounges (fee applies). For brief stops, open seating areas near gates offer padded benches and limited privacy screens for power-nap convenience.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi (“BGFREE”) is available throughout terminals, with no time limit or password required. Simply connect and accept terms to access fast, secure internet for browsing, messaging, or streaming. Coverage extends to customs halls, shops, and lounges, ensuring uninterrupted service from arrival through departure.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple kiosks in the arrivals hall sell local SIM cards from providers like Cellcom, Partner, and Pelephone, offering prepaid data and call plans. eSIM packages are available online for instant activation. Top-up vouchers are sold in newsstands. All networks provide 4G/LTE and growing 5G coverage across Israel. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis queue outside Arrivals A and B. Prepaid counters inside Arrivals offer flat-rate fares to major cities. Standard sedans carry up to four passengers; larger vans and wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be arranged. Shared “Sherut” minibuses run from early morning until late night, offering budget transport to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Train: Ben Gurion Airport railway station sits beneath Terminal 3, with direct Israel Railways service to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Modi’in and beyond. Trains depart every 15–30 minutes from early morning to late evening. The trip to Tel Aviv’s central stations takes around 15 minutes. (more info)

Bus: Egged and Kavim buses depart from stops outside Arrivals A and B, connecting to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and regional hubs. Key routes include 445 (Tel Aviv) and 947 (Jerusalem). On Shabbat, special shared shuttle buses operate. Tickets bought onboard or via Rav-Kav cards. (more info)

Shuttle: A free inter-terminal shuttle bus runs between Terminal 1 (former Kasach) and Terminal 3 every 15 minutes. Private hotel shuttles serve major Tel Aviv and airport hotels; schedules vary. On weekends and holidays, shuttle services replace train routes under the Sherut license, offering shared transportation to city centers.

Car rentals: The Car Rental Center adjacent to Terminal 3 hosts major brands: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Eldan, and Shlomo Sixt. Counters in Arrivals handle reservations, insurance, and upgrades. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Return lanes at terminal curbside guide to drop-off bays, with staff assistance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking (P1–P3) lies within walking distance of Terminal 3; rates billed by the hour. Long-term lots (P10–P15) are served by a free shuttle bus every 10 minutes. Valet service and electric-vehicle charging stations are available. Early-bird and weekly discount rates apply for extended stays.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A manned left-luggage office operates 24/7 in Arrivals A, offering hourly and daily rates. Automated lockers near baggage claim accommodate small to large bags. Both services accept cash and card payments, with security seals provided. Baggage wrapping and porter assistance are also available for additional fees. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks