Getting to Jerusalem

Most tourists will choose to arrive by air at Ben Gurion International Airport. The airport serves both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and is connected to Jerusalem by taxis and a frequent bus service. Overland travel by bus is also possible, and there are several coach operators that offer services to Egypt and Jordan. Nevertheless, the current political instability means that road travel between neighbouring countries is occasionally unsafe and one should remain up-to-date with travel warnings prior to embarking on a journey.

By car

Israel has an excellent road network and due to the country’s compact size, travelling by car can be a good way to enjoy the varied landscapes. However, as traffic congestion is a frequently encountered problem, motorists are advised to plan traffic delays into their schedule. Traffic drives on the right and the legal age for driving is 18 years.

Arriving from Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion International Airport, follow Highway One to Jerusalem. If you’re coming from the north Israel’s only motorway, the Ayalon Highway, connects Haifa with Tel Aviv. Connections from the east are possible along the Yeriho Road from Jericho, the Dead Sea and Qumran. As the road approaches Jerusalem, it divides into two for the different approaches for East and West Jerusalem.

By rail

The rail service between Jerusalem and the coast was suspended in 1998, but reinstated in 2005. The train departs from Malcha Station near the big Jerusalem Mall almost every hour, and its first stop is at the Biblical Zoo. It then travels on to Tel Aviv, arriving at Tel Aviv Hashalom Station in 1 hour, 30 minutes. Further stops include Shemesh, Ramla, Lod, Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, Rosh Ha'ayin and Kfar Saba.

By bus

The Egged National Bus service (website: www.egged.co.il) provides a good network of buses to all regions of the country. Services depart from Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station on Jaffa Road in West Jerusalem, though there are no services on the Sabbath (from around 15:00 on Friday to 19:00 on Saturday).

Services also run from Jerusalem to Egypt and Jordan. These services depart from a number of tour operators around the city, though travelling to Jordan by bus involves crossing the West Bank, and is therefore not recommended during times of unrest.

By air

Ben Gurion International Airport is the principal gateway to Israel and is located 15 miles to the southeast of the city of Tel Aviv, near Lod. The airport is served by most major airlines and daily flights are available to many European and American cities including London, Paris, New York and Miami. The airport is also the main arrival point for tourists to Jerusalem, which is 29 miles to the west of Ben Gurion International. Transfers to the city are possible by taxi, bus and shared taxis known as sheruts (sherutim).

Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Jerusalem’s nearest airport is the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), situated 29 miles to the west of the city. There is a small airport near the city, but this was closed to the public in 2000, and is now only used for military purposes. Ben Gurion is well connected to major cities around the world, with flights to European capitals taking 3 to 5 hours, and flights to US destinations averaging at 10 hours.

There are three terminals at Ben Gurion, and the airport handles millions of passengers every year, with most international carriers serving the airport. Currently, international flights arrive at Terminal 3, while Terminal 2 deals with domestic flights. Terminal 1 is undergoing renovations, and will deal with domestic flights in the future.

Facilities include numerous cash machines, banks and moneychangers across the two operational terminals as well as a post office and a left luggage facility. Eating and drinking services are excellent, with cafés and restaurants throughout, while shopping includes well-stocked duty-free stores and a shopping mall. Further conveniences include two business lounges, a lost property office, a 24-hour emergency clinic and a nursery.

Jerusalem airport transportation

Buses operated by the Egged National Bus service run to Jerusalem every 25 to 45 minutes. Buses depart from outside the airport arrivals building, just opposite car park number one. The bus numbers for Jerusalem are 405, 423, 945 and 947, and tickets can be purchased onboard. Buses arrive at Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station on Jaffa Road in west Jerusalem, with journeys taking approximately 45 minutes.

Taxis are situated to the right of the Arrivals Hall, while the Nesher Company runs a sherut, or shared taxi service, between the airport and Jerusalem. A fixed rate is charged per passenger and this can work out considerably more economical than a conventional taxi.

Those who have arranged car rental in advance can reach Jerusalem or Tel Aviv by following route number 1 upon leaving the airport grounds.