Which Tel Aviv Airport is best to fly or closest to City?

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or Sde Dov Airport (SDV)

Quick Jump links to Tel Aviv Airports

The Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Sde Dov Airport (SDV) are the two airports serving Tel Aviv, a city on Israel's Mediterranean coast. Ben Gurion Airport is the main international airport and the busiest in Isreal, located on the outskirts of Lod. Sde Dov Airport serves mainly scheduled domestic flights, it is the largest airport in Tel Aviv after TLV on the outskirts. The airports are well linked to other parts of the city by roads and public transportation services such as rail, buses, shuttles, taxis, car rentals and more. Our aim is to summarize these airports to make your next trip easier.

Ben Gurion Airport Vs. Sde Dov Airport

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Sde Dov Airport (SDV)

    Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Sde Dov Airport (SDV)
Airport Maps Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Map Sde Dov Airport (SDV) Map

Getting To The Airports From The City Centre

Distance from City Centre 28 miles (45 kilometres) to Jerusalem
12 miles (20 kilometres)
1.2 miles (2 kilometres)
Public Transport Operating Hours 24-hours 24-hours
Train

Ben Gurion Airport Train Station is located in Terminal 3 at the lower level.

Fares: $3 - $5

Journey time: 20 minutes

Israel Railways

N/A

Airport Shuttle Services

Free shuttle services are available between the terminals, with a 10-20 minutes frequency.

From Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 is located on Level G, while Terminal1 to Terminal 3 is in front of T1, Gate 4.
N/A
Bus

Egged (Line 5)offers connector shuttle services between the airport, Airport City and El Al Junction.
Kavim (line 13) provides service between the airport, El Al Junction, Shoham and Modi'in and other places like Petah Tikva, Rehovot, Jerusalem, Hadera, Netanya, Ramla, Haifa, Ra'anana Junction, and Ramat Gan Ayalon Mall.
Metropoline also offers bus service between TLV Airport and Be'er Sheva (Beersheba).
Afikim offers 24-hour service between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem, buses depart hourly on the hour.

Fare: $1-$6
Journey time: 46 minutes

http://www.kavim-t.co.il/

http://www.metropoline.com/

http://www.egged.co.il/

Dan bus lines 189 & 289,
Kavim Public Transport Lines 36 & 56,
Egged bus lines 26 & 192, and Afikim
Lin 566 all operate towards the airport from Tel Aviv without a stop at the Sde Dov Airport.

Fare: $1-$3
Journey time: 10 minutes

http://www.dan.co.il/

http://www.kavim-t.co.il/

http://www.metropoline.com/

http://www.egged.co.il/

http://www.afikim-t.co.il/

Taxi Around $40-$50, Journey time: 18 minutes. Around $9-$15, Journey Time: 5 minutes.
Uber

Uber has metered taxis available on demand.

Uber fare estimator

Uber has metered taxis available on demand.

Uber fare estimator

   

Which Airport Is Most Suitable For Me?

How Close to City Centre

The Ben Gurion Airport is 45 km to Jerusalem and 20 km to Tel Aviv's city centre. It is the main international airport serving Tel Aviv and Isreal.

The airport has efficient public transportation services like trains, shuttles, buses, and private taxis as well. It takes about 20 minutes by train and 46 minutes by bus.

All the top airlines operate from this airport and it also has car hire services with great facilities to make your travel experience awesome.

Sde Dov Airport is located 2 km away from the city centre in Tel Aviv. It is mainly used for government flights, private jet landing, scheduled commercial flights and some international flights to Cyprus.

The airport only has taxi and car hire services available. Buses do not stop directly at the airport but they drop 50 metres to and from the airport which is a 7 minutes walking distance.

It is closest to the city centre where all the main top attractions are.

Cost Factor

Ben Gurion Airport is Isreal's main hub for international transportation, this airport serves over 20.8 million passengers annually. It is a more expensive airport with more facilities compared to SDV. It is not too close to the city centre in Tel Aviv.

Flight fares, public transportation, and taxi services are higher than at Sde Dov Airport. But hotel prices are comparable and car hire services are higher at SDV.

Sde Dov Airport is a domestic airport that serves the Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv. SDV is the largest airport in Tel Aviv after Ben Gurion Airport which is located on the outskirts of Lod.

The airport handles private jets, scheduled commercial flights, military, and government flights.

SDV is closer to the city centre where all the attractions are at 2 km, it takes around 10 minutes to get to the city centre by bus.

In terms of general cost, car hire is higher from this airport while hotel prices as slightly the same with SDV. TLV has more facilities; so, if you want to enjoy the airport facilities, you can opt for TLV but if you want to get into Tel Aviv early to do other things, then SDV is the best choice.

Airport Delays

Avg Security & Immigration Delays: Average

Avg Flight Arrival Delays: 15 minutes.

Avg Security & Immigration Delays: Low

Avg Flight Arrival Delays: 5 minutes

Flight Fares TLV Airport normally has more expensive flight fares than SDV. SDV airport's domestic flight fares are relatively higher than at TLV.
TLV remains the best to use when flying to Tel Aviv. Choose SDV only when you want to get into Tel Aviv earlier since it is closer to the city centre than TLV.

Hotel Prices Per Day From (01-12-2018 to 02-12-2018) Searched on 20-11-2018

Hotel

Airport Guest House-$135

Sadot, Airport Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel(4-star) -$182

Kfar Maccabiah Hotel and Suites- $184.


Port and Blue TLV Boutique Suites Hotel- $198

Yam Hotel An Atlas Boutique Hotel- $148

The Port Hotel Tel Aviv- $140.


Car Hire Prices Per Week (01-12-2018 to 07-12-2018)

Car Hire

$133.88 - $1896.52

US$185.87 - US$1,599.08

Car Hire Companies

Avis, Budget, Cal Auto, Eldan, Europcar, Hertz, and Shlomo Sixt.

Shlomo Sixt and Cal Auto.

Online car hire Car Hire Keflavik Airport Car Hire Tel Aviv Airport

Airport Facilities

Shopping and Dining James Richardson Sky Pharm, James Richardson - Duty Free, Chocolate, Schmoozy Tapas Bar, Burger Ranch, Frame Chef & Sushi bar, SSP CAMDEN FOOD, CafeCafe, Ranch cafe, Segafredo, Ilan's coffee house, Aroma Espresso bar, La Farina, Vending machines - beverages and sandwiches, RedHot, BEANZ CAFE, Steimatzky Souvenirs, HaZorfim, Michal Negrin,A.L.M, H.Stern Watches, GPS Wemakeit, 019 Mobile, Toys Sakal, Sports Fashion James Richardson, Jack Kuba Lingerie, Victoria's Secret, FOOT LOCKER, The Eighth Note, Steimatzky, Emporium, Erroca, HOODIES, FACTORY 54, Sweets James Richardson, La Bouquet, and more.

N/A

Lounges Dan Lounge,Masada Lounge,Aerohandling - VIP Platinum Club, Arbel Lounge, Laufer Aviation-GHI VIP, and The King David Business Class Lounge. N/A
Wi-Fi Services Free Wi-Fi available at all passenger halls. Free WiFi available.
Transfer in and Around The Airport

Two Terminals

T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. There are free shuttle services to transport travellers from T3-T1.

The airport has two terminals, one passenger terminal, and a military terminal.
Currency Exchange & ATM cash Points

Bank Ha'Poalim has counters scattered around the airports the Arrivals Hall, Greeters Hall, and Departure (Check-In) Hall.

Yahav bank also has counters at Terminal 1, gate 6, and T1 Departure Hall, opposite gate 37. ATM cash points are available at Terminal 3 (Arrivals Hall, 2nd& 3rd floors, and Departure Hall.)

An ATM cash point is available at the main terminal's arrivals hall.
Important phone numbers TLV Airport: +972 (0)3 9723344, 9755555; Police: 03-9715444 / 03-9750998. SDV Airport: +972 (0)3 6984500; Lost & Found: 050-9753507.
Major Operating Airlines Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mediterranee, Air Moldova, Air Serbia, Air Sinai, Alitalia, ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, American Airlines, Arkia, Astra Airlines, Atlas Global, Austrian Airlines, Azerbijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Blue Bird Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bul Air, Bulgaria Air, Bulgarian Air Charter, CATHAY PACIFIC, CORENDON AIRLINE EUROPE, Corendon Airlines, Corendon Dutch Airlines, Corsair, Croatia Airlines, CYPRUS AIRWAYS, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dniproavia, Donavia Airlines, EasyJet, EasyJet Switzerland, EL AL, Israel-Airlines, Enter Air Poland, Ethiopian Airlines, Europe Airpost, Finnair, Free Bird Airlines, Georgian Airways, Germania Fluggesellschaft MBH, Germanwings, Hainan Airlines, Hermes Airlines, Iberia, Israir, Jet2, JetairFly, K.L.M, Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Meridiana Fly SPA, Mistral Air, Monarch Airlines, Neos, Niki, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Onurair, Orenburg Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Rossiya Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Siberia Airlines, Small Planet Airlines, Small Planet Airlines Polska, Sun Express, Swiss INTL Airlines, Tailwind Airlines, Tandem Aero, Tarom - Romanin Air Transport, Thai Airways, Thomsonfly, Transavia France, Travel Service Budapest, Travel Service Polska, Travel Service Slovakia, TUIfly, Turkish Airlines, TUS Airways, Ukraine International Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, VIM Airlines, Vueling Airlines, Wizz Air, Wizz Air Ukraine, Wow air, XL Airways France, Yakutia Airlines, and YAN AIR. Arkia, Ayit AviationmChim-Nir, EL-ROM, FNA Aviation, Harakia Hashvi'I, Israir, Lahak-Spirit Aviation, Moonair, Ofek, and Tamir Airways.
Major Connecting Destinations Istanbul (Atatürk), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Moscow (Sheremetyevo), New York (JFK), Rome (Fiumicino), London (Heathrow), Bucharest, Newark, Amsterdam, Kiev (Boryspil), Frankfurt, Larnaca, Antalya, Zurich, Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen), Madrid, Prague, London (Luton), Spain Barcelona, Warsaw (Chopin), Greece Athens, Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Heraklion, Brussels, Berlin (Schoenfeld), Milan (Malpensa), Rhodes, Toronto (Pearson), Paris (Orly), Russia Moscow (Domodedovo), Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Hong Kong, Sofia, Berlin (Tegel), Tbilisi, Geneva, Amman (Queen Alia), Addis Ababa, San Francisco, Burgas, Beijing (Capital), Belgrade, Odessa, St. Petersburg, Los Angeles, Varna, Batumi, Mumbai, and more. Eilat-Hozman, Larnaca, Rosh Pina, Paphos, and many more.
Tourist Info Centres Tourist info centres for Daka90, Eshet Tours Bon Tour, Seshir situated at the Greeters Hall, East Gallery, Level 2. N/A.
Official website http://www.iaa.gov.il/en-US/airports/ bengurion/Pages/default.aspx http://www.iaa.gov.il/en-US/airports/ sdedov/Pages/default.aspx

TEL AVIV AIRPORTS


Which airport is closest to central Tel Aviv?

Sde Dov Airport (SDV) is the closest to central Tel Aviv, it is the secondary and main hub for scheduled domestic flights serving Tel Aviv, Isreal's capital. It is 1.2 miles from the central Tel Aviv making it the closest of the two airports and using the fast Damri shuttle services will get you to the city centre in 10 minutes. Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international airport serving Tel Aviv and the busiest in Isreal, located on the outskirts of Lod, it is 28 miles to Jerusalem and 12 miles to the city centre. You will be in central Tel Aviv from the airport using the fast Ben Gurion Airport Train in 20 minutes.

Distance to Central Tel Aviv:
Sde Dov Airport: 1.2 miles / 2 km to Tel Aviv & 45 miles / 73.1km to Jerusalem
Ben Gurion Airport: 12 miles / 20 km to Tel Aviv & 28 miles / 45 km to Jerusalem

Sde Dov Airport to Central Tel Aviv Journey Times:
By Bus: 10 minutes
By Taxi: 5 minutes

Ben Gurion Airport to Central Tel Aviv Journey Times:
By Train: 20 minutes
By Bus: 46 minutes
By Taxi: 18 minutes

What is the best airport to fly into in Tel Aviv?

Sde Dov (SDV) is the best airport to fly into in Tel Aviv because it is very close to the city centre and all its top attractions but farther from Jerusalem. The airport is the largest in Tel Aviv and is served by low budget airlines such as Arkia, Ayit Aviation Chim-Nir, EL-ROM, FNA Aviation, Harakia Hashvi'I, Israir, Lahak-Spirit Aviation, and many more with flights to limited destinations within the country. It is suitable for business travellers or for vacation, just 10 minutes away from the city centre by Dan bus lines 189 & 289 and 5 minutes by taxi. Although, Sde Dov is the largest airport in Tel Aviv, it has just two terminals one for passenger and the other for military use so it still sees less queues and crowds compared to Ben Gurion. This means you will experience fewer queues and flight delays with fast journey time to central Tel Aviv.

TLV (Ben Gurion) is farther from central Tel Aviv and closer to Jerusalem, with top airlines like Air Canada,Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Royal Dutch Airlines, K.L.M, Lufthansa German Airlines, United Airlines, and many more operating from the airport. But it has fast transport services that can get you to the main attractions in Tel Aviv such as Old Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Azrieli Center, Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv, and Gordon Beach in 50 minutes for $4-$7 and Jerusalem 90 minutes for $13. Ben Gurion has two operational terminals T1 and T3. T2 is an old terminal to be converted for low-cost carriers, while T4 is used only for ceremonial and emergency purposes, and security at the airport is higher so expect more flight delays, queues and crowds at the airport. Moving around the airport with plenty of luggage is also stressful.

Is Sde Doov airport better than TLV?

Sde Dov Airport is better because its close proximity to the city centre and its top attractions with shorter transfer times. Though it is larger than Ben Gurion, it is still easier navigate than Ben Gurion which sees more crowds and queues. At Sde Dov, you will experience see fewer crowds, queues, and flight delays, just 10 minutes away from the central Tel Aviv. So, if you are a business traveller, student, or tourist this is a faster way of flying into Tel Aviv on a budget with fast transfers.

Which airport is closest to top attractions in Tel Aviv, Isreal?

Sde Dov is closest to the top attractions in Tel Aviv such as Old Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Azrieli Center, Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv, Gordon Beach and many more. Sde Dov is farther to Jerusalem at 73.1km, which is another major tourist attraction in the country but Ben Gurion is closer just 45km away. It takes 7 minutes using the Dan bus from the airport at $2 to the attractions in Tel Aviv and 71 minutes to Jerusalem.

How much does it cost from Sde Dov or Ben Gurion to Central Tel Aviv?

From Sde Dov Airport by:
Bus (Dan lines 189 & 289): $1-$3 http://www.dan.co.il/ Buses run every 15 minutes daily.
Taxi: $9-$15 - http://www.kastel.co.il/ Available 24/7.

From Ben Gurion Airport by:
Train (Airport Train): $3 - $5 http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Pages/Homepage.aspx Trains run every half hour between 05.35 and 09.35.
Bus (Egged Line 5): $1-$6 - http://www.egged.co.il/ Bus run daily from 05:20-23:55.
Taxi: $40-$50 - http://www.beniservice.com/ Available 24/7.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

How much are Hotels at Sde Dov and Ben Gurion Airports?

Hotel prices can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, the demand for rooms, and which hotel you book but the prices below will give you a rough idea and you can do further research and hotel booking at https://www.tripindicator.com/hotel.html

Sde Dov Airport Hotels: From $140 per night
Ben Gurion Airport Hotels: From $135 per night

How much does car hire cost at Sde Dov or Ben Gurion Airports?

All of the airports mentioned offer competitive prices and a range of cars to suit your needs. Prices are based on the type of car, driver age, length of hire, and demand but you can get a rough idea for each airport below.

Sde Dov Airport Car Rental:
Budget Cars: (Hyundai I10, Fiat Panda, Citroen C1, etc.) $60.54 per day
Intermediate Cars: (Honda Civic, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Corolla, etc.) $78.70 per day
Luxury Cars: (Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 Series, etc.) $444.53 per day
Compare prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-hire/tel-aviv-airport.html

Ben Gurion Airport Car Rental:
Budget Cars: (Hyundai I10, Fiat Panda, Citroen C1, etc.) $60.54 per day
Intermediate Cars: (Honda Civic, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Corolla, etc.) $78.70 per day
Luxury Cars: (Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 Series, etc.) $444.53 per day
Compare Prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-hire/tel-aviv-airport.html

What Is The Main Airport In Tel Aviv?

KBen Gurion International Airport (TLV) is the main international airport of Israel and Tel Aviv. It is the busiest airport in the country and is located 20 km (12 mi) on the outskirt of Lod, to the southeast of Tel Aviv.

What Things To Do In Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv is an old city nicknamed the “white city”, because of its white Bauhaus architectural buildings. There are a lot of things to see in the city for free without spending a shekel (Isreal's currency). The following include; Beaches, Tel Aviv-Jaffa Promenade, Hayarkon Park, Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv Port, Carmel Market, Levinsky Market, Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fairm, Neve Tzedek and historic train station (Tachana), Bauhaus Architecture, Free Walking Tours, Tel Aviv Greeters, Culture Square, Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv Rollers, Tel Aviv University's Botanical Gardens, Rabin Square, Ben-Gurion House and many more.

Is Uber Available In Tel Aviv?

Uber operates only its licensed metered taxi services, it stopped its ride-sharing operations due to an agreement to halt it. It is available throughout the country.

What Is There To Do In Tel Aviv For Kids?

UKids are not left out of the enjoyment and sights to see in Tel Aviv, parents can also enjoy these 7 Things in Tel Aviv with their kids such as, Bike riding (Rent a Bike), The Beach, Old City Jaffa Walking Tour, Sarona Market, Carmel Market (the Shuk), Mini Israel Park, Yarkon Park and many more.

How Much Is Bus From Tel Aviv To Jerusalem?

For travellers who have a layover of more than 4 hours, you can decide to see Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to enjoy your time. The 405 or 480 bus runs every 10-20 minutes from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem daily at $5 for a one-way fare or $10 for a return fare.

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Sde Dov Airport (SDV) Terminal Maps

For Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/tlv-ben-gurion-airpor-terminal-map.html

For Sde Dov Airport (SDV) Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/sdv-sde-dov-airport-terminal-map.html

 

Top Tel Aviv Attractions Tickets

Top Tours & Tickets