Flights to Jerusalem: The Complete Guide

Flights to Jerusalem: The Complete Guide

Jerusalem does not have its own active international airport. To visit, you must fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion is the primary gateway for all international travel to Israel and is located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Jerusalem. While the defunct Atarot Airport exists within city limits, it has not seen commercial traffic in decades. When searching for flights to Jerusalem, use the TLV airport code. Modern infrastructure makes the transit from the airport to the city center fast, often taking less than 45 minutes by train or car.

Which airport should you fly into?

There are two main options for air travel into the region, though one is significantly more practical for Jerusalem travelers.

• Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV): Located in Lod, near Tel Aviv. This is the busiest airport in the country. It handles almost all international long-haul and short-haul flights. It is 45km from Jerusalem.
• Ramon Airport (ETM): Located in the far south near Eilat. It serves some low-cost European carriers but is roughly 300km from Jerusalem. Only choose this if you are starting a southern desert itinerary first.

Best time to book flights to Jerusalem

Timing your booking is the most effective way to secure the cheapest flights to Jerusalem. Generally, the sweet spot for international bookings is 5 to 7 months in advance for peak seasons. If you are traveling from Europe, booking 8 to 12 weeks out often yields the lowest fares.

Data suggests that booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday can occasionally save you 10-15% compared to weekend bookings. Avoid booking during the three weeks leading up to major religious holidays (Passover, Sukkot, and Easter/Christmas), as prices surge and availability drops.

Cheapest months to fly to Jerusalem

The most affordable time to fly is during the "shoulder" and "off-peak" seasons.

• January and February: These are the coldest months. While you may encounter rain, flight prices are at their annual lowest.
• Late October and November: After the Jewish High Holidays conclude, prices drop significantly before the December holiday rush.
• May and June: Just before the summer heat and school vacations begin, you can find competitive rates.

Peak pricing occurs in April (Passover), August (Summer holidays), and late September/October (High Holidays). If your dates are flexible, aim for mid-week departures in February to find the cheapest flights to Jerusalem.

Direct flights vs connecting flights

Choosing between direct and connecting flights depends on your departure city and budget.

Direct Flights Major hubs like New York (JFK/EWR), London (LHR/LTN), Paris (CDG), and Dubai (DXB) offer daily direct service to TLV. Direct flights save 4 to 10 hours of travel time but usually carry a 20-30% price premium.

Connecting Flights For the cheapest flights to Jerusalem, look for connections through major European or Middle Eastern hubs. Common stopover cities include Istanbul, Athens, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Low-cost carriers often use these hubs to undercut the prices of legacy airlines. If you are flying from the US West Coast or Australia, a connection is mandatory as no direct routes currently exist for those distances.

Best airlines flying to Jerusalem

Several major carriers service Ben Gurion Airport daily. Most offer a range of cabin classes from basic economy to first class.

• El Al: Israel’s national carrier with the most extensive network of direct flights to North America and Europe.
• United Airlines: Operates multiple daily non-stop flights from major US hubs like Newark and San Francisco.
• Delta Air Lines: Provides consistent direct service from New York-JFK and seasonal routes from other US cities.
• Ryanair / Wizz Air: These low-cost carriers offer the cheapest flights to Jerusalem from various European cities, though they often fly into Terminal 1 rather than the main Terminal 3.
• Lufthansa / Turkish Airlines: Popular choices for connecting flights, offering high frequency and competitive pricing through their respective hubs.

Getting from the airport to the city center

Once you land at TLV, you have several reliable options to reach Jerusalem.

• Train: The high-speed rail is the most efficient method. The station is located on Level S of Terminal 3. It runs directly to the Jerusalem – Yitzhak Navon Station. The trip takes about 25 minutes. Cost: ~18 ILS ($5 USD). Note that trains do not run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon through Saturday evening).
• Bus (Line 485): Provides hourly service between the airport and various points in Jerusalem, including the Central Bus Station. Cost: ~16 ILS ($4.50 USD).
• Taxi: Available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. Use the official taxi stand to ensure regulated pricing. Cost: 250–350 ILS ($65–$95 USD), depending on the time of day and luggage.
• Nesher Sherut: A shared van service that drops you at your specific hotel or residence. They wait until the van is full before departing. Cost: ~65–80 ILS ($18–$22 USD) per person.
• Private Rideshare: Apps like Gett are widely used in Israel. Uber operates but primarily functions as a taxi-hailing service.

Flight duration from major cities

Estimated flight times for direct routes to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):

• New York (JFK/EWR): 10 hours 30 minutes
• London (LHR/LTN): 5 hours
• Los Angeles (LAX): 14 hours 30 minutes (Often requires a stop)
• Dubai (DXB): 3 hours 15 minutes
• Paris (CDG): 4 hours 45 minutes
• Berlin (BER): 4 hours 15 minutes

Tips for finding cheap flights to Jerusalem

1. Use Incognito Mode: Travel sites often track your cookies and may increase prices if you search for the same route repeatedly.
2. Fly into Terminal 1: If flying from Europe, check if your airline uses Terminal 1. Low-cost carriers use this terminal to keep airport fees—and your ticket price—lower.
3. Monitor "Open Jaw" Tickets: If you plan on visiting other nearby countries, check "multi-city" tickets. Flying into Amman (Jordan) and out of Tel Aviv (or vice versa) can sometimes be cheaper than a standard round trip.
4. Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or the Oerno app to set alerts for your specific dates. You will receive a notification the moment the price drops.
5. Avoid Shabbat Travel: Many local transportation options stop on Friday afternoon and Saturday. While flights still land, getting to Jerusalem becomes more expensive as you will be limited to private taxis or pre-arranged transfers. Booking your arrival for a Sunday-Thursday often simplifies the logistics.