Airport location, terminals and transportation
Ben Gurion Airport or Tel Aviv International Airport is considered the main airport of Israel. It was built in 1936. The airport is located 14 kilometres from the centre of Tel Aviv. The main passenger aviation hub of the country was named in honour of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. This airport heads the list of the world's safest air terminals, which have the highest level of protection against a terrorist threat. The airport comprises 3 runways and 3 operating terminals, which are Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminals 1 and 3 are connected to each other by a free public shuttle bus. The annual passenger traffic amounts to more than 17 million people.
The airport is linked to the city by bus, taxi and rail services. The railway station is positioned next to Terminal 3. Scheduled buses depart from the second level of Terminal 3 to various destinations. The licensed taxi stands are placed on the first and second levels, along the sidewalks. The taxi service works round the clock.
Rental offices, how to find them, where to return car
The following international car rental companies operate at Ben Gurion Airport: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Shlomo Sixt. Besides, the airport features several regional vehicle hire companies. These are Eldan and Cal Auto International.
The clients of Avis, Budget, Cal Auto International, and Eldan hire vehicles at the car rental desk on the first level of the terminal. The customers of Avis, Cal Auto International and Eldan collect their rental vehicles at the Pardes Parking Lot. The clients of Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Shlomo Sixt pick up their leased cars at the Orchard Parking Lot (the first floor). The cars are returned to the parking lot near the UPS building. The customers of Hertz return the rental vehicles to the Pardes Parking Lot in Terminal 3. A shuttle runs regularly from Terminals 1 and 3 to the car-pick up and return location. The companies operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In Eldan agency in Terminal 3, one can rent a car from such firms as Alamo, National and Enterprise. Budget agency offers vehicle rental services of TUIfly.
Long-term and short-term parking, hotels nearby
There are several short-term and long-term parking lots at Ben Gurion Airport. These include short-term car parks near Terminal 3; long-term car park 15 and a long-term car park next to Terminal 3; a car park beside Terminal 1 (short-term/long-term); a special car park for picking up arriving passengers (car park 18), where parking is free of charge for up to 15 minutes. A free shuttle transports passengers between the central long-term car park and Terminal 3 of the airport. It departs from the terminal, from level G, Gate 1.
The nearest hotels to the airport are situated within 7-8 kilometres. They are the Link Hotel and Hub (6.5 kilometres) and the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel and Suites (8 kilometres). The following hotels are also nestled not far from the airport: the Hotel Prima Link (10 kilometres) and the Hotel Crowne Plaza (12 kilometres).