How to get from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport to Jaffa Old City
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Israel · Urban & Cultural · Ben Gurion Airport · Jaffa · Jaffa Old City · Lod · Tel Aviv
Getting from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to the atmospheric lanes of Jaffa Old City is quick and straightforward, with fast trains, cheap buses, and door-to-door taxis or private transfers that take 25–60 minutes depending on traffic and connections. This guide walks through each option step-by-step so you can choose the right balance of speed, comfort, and budget.
At A Glance (Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport to Jaffa Old City)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Airport Train (Ben Gurion → Tel Aviv) + Taxi/Bus to Jaffa | ~35–50 minutes total (incl. transfer) | Fast, good value for most travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~₪25–50 per person (train + local transport) » Israel Railways timetable | backup transfers | ||
| 🚌 Airport Bus 445 + Local Bus/Walk | ~60–80 minutes (traffic-dependent) | Cheapest option, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~₪8–15 one-way » check routes | ||
| 🚖 Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door) | ~25–40 minutes direct | Late arrivals, lots of luggage, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~₪140–220 per car » compare private transfers | meet-and-greet taxi | ||
| 🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive | ~30–40 minutes driving | Road trips, onward travel around Israel |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~₪180+/day rental (plus fuel, tolls & parking) » compare car rentals | Tel Aviv scooter/motorbike | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient for Most Travelers: Airport train plus short taxi or bus to Jaffa Old City. Good balance of speed and cost if your flight lands during train operating hours.
- Cheapest: Airport bus 445 and local buses, ideal for backpackers or those traveling light who don’t mind a slower, more local ride.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Taxi or private transfer, especially with kids, lots of luggage, or late-night/very early morning arrivals.
- Best for a Wider Israel Road Trip: Rental car if you’re heading on to the Dead Sea, Galilee or the Negev and just passing through Jaffa for a night or two.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Check current schedules: Train and bus timetables can change; verify times on the official Israel Railways site and the national public transport portal before you travel.
- Prebook private transfers in peak seasons: For late-night arrivals or peak holidays, lock in a car in advance via GetYourGuide airport transfers, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
- Use local taxi apps: In Israel, ride-hailing works mainly via licensed taxi apps. Gett is widely used in Tel Aviv and can be handy for Jaffa transfers if you don’t prebook a car.
- Travel passes & payment: For trains and buses, you can typically pay with a Rav-Kav card or contactless credit card where supported. Machines and kiosks are signposted in English at the airport and major stations.
- Plan for Shabbat & holidays: From Friday evening to Saturday evening, regular trains and many buses stop or run very limited service. In that window, taxis and private transfers are usually the most reliable way into Jaffa.
- Store bags if you arrive early: If you want to explore Tel Aviv or Jaffa before hotel check-in, consider luggage storage around the city via Radical Storage Tel Aviv.
- Book your stay and onward wheels: Browse hotels or apartments near Jaffa and central Tel Aviv on Booking.com Tel Aviv, and compare car rentals via Booking.com Car Rental or scooters/motorbikes on BikesBooking.
🚆 Option #1 — Airport Train + Taxi/Bus to Jaffa (Fast & Good Value)
Fast Good value Schedule-dependent
- Overview: Take the Israel Railways train from Ben Gurion Airport Station (beneath Terminal 3) to one of the Tel Aviv stations (usually Tel Aviv HaHagana or Tel Aviv HaShalom), then continue by taxi, bus or light rail to Jaffa Old City.
- How to book (with price): Trains from the airport to Tel Aviv cost around ₪13–18 one-way for adults. You can check schedules and fares on the official Israel Railways website. A taxi or local bus from central Tel Aviv to Jaffa adds roughly ₪10–40 depending on mode and time of day.
- Pros: Fast and frequent in daytime; avoids city-center road traffic; clear English signage; inexpensive compared with taxis.
- Cons: Not ideal late at night or on Shabbat/major Jewish holidays; requires at least one change to reach Jaffa; some walking with luggage inside large stations.
Step-by-step: Airport Train to Jaffa Old City
- After exiting customs in Terminal 3, follow signs for Trains / Israel Railways. The station is on the lower level beneath the terminal.
- At the ticket machines or counter, select a ticket to Tel Aviv HaHagana or Tel Aviv HaShalom (both work; HaHagana is slightly closer to Jaffa). Pay by cash, card or load a Rav-Kav card.
- Board the next westbound train toward Tel Aviv. Trains usually run every 20–30 minutes in daytime; check exact times on Israel Railways.
- At your chosen Tel Aviv station, follow signs to the exit. From there, either:
- Use the Gett taxi app or the taxi rank to ride directly to Jaffa Old City, or
- Take a local bus/light rail toward Jaffa (check routes in apps like Google Maps or Moovit).
- Ask to be dropped near landmarks such as the Clock Tower or Old Jaffa Port, both easy walking gateways into the Old City lanes.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Train Station & Tel Aviv Terminals)
- From Arrivals (Terminal 3) to the train: Follow blue Train signs down to Level -1. Escalators and elevators connect arrivals and the train concourse, and ticket machines have English-language menus.
- From Airport Terminal 1: Most international flights use Terminal 3, but if you land at Terminal 1 on a low-cost carrier, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 3, then follow signs to the train.
- From Tel Aviv HaHagana / HaShalom to Jaffa: Outside the station, use the Gett app or taxi rank for a quick ride, or follow signage to nearby bus stops or light rail platforms heading toward Jaffa.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Airport Bus 445 + Local Bus/Walk (Cheapest)
Very low cost No train change Slower, traffic-dependent
- Overview: Bus route 445 runs from Ben Gurion Airport into Tel Aviv, stopping near major hubs. From there you can connect to a local bus or walk along the seafront south into Jaffa, depending on where you get off.
- How to book (with price): Tickets are typically around ₪8–10 one-way. Use a Rav-Kav card, contactless payment (where available), or buy a paper ticket if still offered. For route details and any updates, see the national bus information portal.
- Pros: Cheapest way into Tel Aviv; no need to change inside the airport; good for budget travelers with small bags.
- Cons: Subject to traffic; can be crowded at peak times; you’ll still need a local bus/walk to reach Jaffa Old City.
Step-by-step: Bus 445 + Local Bus/Walk
- On arrival at Terminal 3, follow signs for Buses on Level 2 (departures level). Look for the stop serving line 445 toward Tel Aviv.
- Tap your Rav-Kav/contactless card or buy a ticket from the driver, then ride toward central Tel Aviv (stops vary; check your mapping app for the best one for Jaffa).
- Alight at a stop near the beachfront or central Tel Aviv (for example, along Ben Yehuda or Allenby streets) depending on where your next bus/walking route begins.
- Transfer to a local bus heading to Jaffa Old City / Clock Tower area, or enjoy a 20–30 minute walk along the coast toward Jaffa if your luggage is light.
- Use Google Maps or Moovit for real-time bus options and walking directions through the Old City alleys once you reach the Clock Tower area.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops)
- Airport bus bays: From arrivals, go up to Level 2 and follow the Bus icons outside. Electronic boards list routes and next departures; look for 445 to Tel Aviv.
- Tickets and info: If you need help, the public transport information counter at the airport can advise. You can also plan routes in advance via Bus.gov.il.
- Last stretch to Jaffa: Once in Tel Aviv, taxis are plentiful if you want to skip the last bus/walk, or you can use the Gett taxi app for a metered ride to Jaffa Old City.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi or Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Door-to-door 24/7 Higher cost
- Overview: Take a licensed taxi directly from the airport taxi rank, prebook a car with meet-and-greet, or order via a taxi app like Gett. You’ll be dropped at your hotel or near Jaffa’s Clock Tower/Old Port with no changes needed.
- How to book (with price): Official taxis from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv/Jaffa typically cost around ₪140–220 depending on time, traffic and surcharges. You can:
- Use the official taxi line outside arrivals (follow Taxi signs).
- Prebook a fixed-fare transfer on GetYourGuide or arrange a pickup with Welcome Pickups Tel Aviv.
- Compare longer-distance private rides (e.g. via Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or beyond) on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Easiest option with luggage or kids; runs 24/7 including Shabbat; driver meets you at arrivals if prebooked.
- Cons: Most expensive per person if you are solo; fares can increase late at night or on weekends/holidays.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer
- Before you fly, decide whether to prebook (for a named driver and fixed fare) or simply use the official taxi line on arrival.
- If prebooking, reserve online with providers such as GetYourGuide transfers, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Share your flight number so they can monitor delays.
- On arrival, follow signs to Taxi. If you prebooked, your confirmation will show the exact meeting point (often just outside arrivals); otherwise, join the official taxi line outside Terminal 3.
- Give your driver the destination as Jaffa Old City and, if you have one, the exact address of your hotel or apartment (many streets in Jaffa are narrow, so drivers may drop you nearby).
- Pay by meter or at the agreed fixed fare. Tipping is optional but rounding up is common if service is good.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Rank)
- Taxi rank at Terminal 3: After customs, exit to the arrivals hall and follow Taxi signs outside to the official taxi stand, managed by a dispatcher.
- Using Gett or similar apps: Connect to airport Wi‑Fi, open your taxi app and set pickup point to Ben Gurion Terminal 3 arrivals. Confirm car type and fare estimate before requesting.
- Drop-off in Jaffa: Ask your driver to stop at the Clock Tower, Old Jaffa Port or your specific hotel — all are central for exploring the Old City.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car / Self-Drive (For Road Trips)
Flexible Good for onward travel Parking can be tricky
- Overview: Pick up a rental car at Ben Gurion Airport and drive yourself to Jaffa Old City via Highway 1/Route 20. This is most useful if you’re continuing on to other parts of Israel and want maximum flexibility.
- How to book (with price): Day rentals from the airport often start around ₪180–250 for a small car, excluding fuel, tolls and parking. Compare offers on Booking.com Car Rental. For two-wheeled exploring later in your trip, you can also rent scooters or motorbikes in Tel Aviv via BikesBooking.
- Pros: Total schedule freedom; convenient if you’re visiting multiple destinations in one day; easier to carry bulky luggage or gear.
- Cons: City driving and parking near Jaffa can be stressful and costly; not necessary if you’re staying only in Tel Aviv/Jaffa.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive from Ben Gurion to Jaffa
- After picking up your bags, follow signs for Car Rental in Terminal 3 and complete pickup formalities with your chosen company.
- Use your GPS or a navigation app to set your destination as Old Jaffa Clock Tower or your specific accommodation.
- Drive west on Highway 1 toward Tel Aviv, then follow signs to Route 20 (Ayalon) and exit toward Jaffa/Yafo or the seafront.
- Once near Jaffa, follow signs for public parking lots around the Old City or the port; streets inside the Old City are narrow and often unsuitable for non-local traffic.
- Park and continue on foot into Jaffa Old City, where everything is within a few minutes’ walk.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Car Rentals)
- Car rental desks: Major international and local rental companies have desks in or near Terminal 3; follow Car Rental signs from arrivals.
- Returning later: When your trip ends, you can return the car to the airport and switch back to train/bus or taxi for onward travel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport to Jaffa Old City)
How long does it take to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jaffa Old City?
Most journeys take 25–50 minutes depending on mode and traffic. A direct taxi or private transfer can be as quick as 25–35 minutes in light traffic, while train-plus-taxi usually takes around 35–50 minutes including waiting and walking time. Buses are slower, often 60 minutes or more.
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Jaffa?
The cheapest options are bus 445 plus a local bus/walk, or a train into Tel Aviv followed by a local bus, with total fares often under ₪20 per person. These options are great if you’re not in a rush and are comfortable navigating public transport with your luggage.
Is there a direct train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jaffa?
No. Trains from Ben Gurion Airport stop at Tel Aviv’s main stations such as HaHagana and HaShalom but do not continue directly into Jaffa. You’ll need to change to a taxi, bus or light rail for the final section to Jaffa Old City.
Do trains and buses run at night and on Shabbat?
Overnight service is limited, and from Friday evening to Saturday evening (Shabbat), regular trains and many buses do not run or have very reduced service. In this period, the most reliable options are usually taxis or prebooked private transfers.
Is it easy to find my way in Jaffa Old City?
Yes, but expect narrow lanes and stairs. Taxis can usually drop you close to landmarks like the Clock Tower or Old Port, from where it’s a short walk to most guesthouses, galleries and viewpoints. If you’re worried about navigating with luggage, consider booking a stay just outside the tightest Old City streets.