---
iata: TLV
name: Ben Gurion International Airport
city: Tel Aviv
country: Israel
lastUpdated: '2026-08-31'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/'
sources:
  - 'https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/'
  - 'https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/airports/ben-gurion/notifications-and-updates/'
  - 'https://ravkavonline.co.il/en/public-transport-in-israel'
  - 'https://www.tlvflights.com/en/magazine/airport-lounges/'
quickFacts:
  - >-
    Terminal 3 handles all international arrivals; T1 resumed domestic (28 Jun
    2026) and some international departures (1 Jul 2026)
  - El Al is the dominant hub carrier with dedicated premium lounges
  - >-
    No Priority Pass lounges after Dan Lounge closure (31 Dec 2025);
    Aspire/Jetex are card/paid options
  - Thorough security questioning—plan 3 hours for international departures
  - 'Train to Tel Aviv: ~15–20 min, ₪11.50 single (no Shabbat service)'
  - Taxis and sherut vans operate 24/7 including Shabbat
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3 hours early
    detail: >-
      Lines move but questioning is mandatory and unpredictable for all
      passengers.
    summary: Plan for full security questioning plus screening.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: Confirm T1 vs T3 before you arrive
    detail: >-
      T1 handles Ramon domestic and some LCC international departures; all
      international arrivals still clear through T3. Free shuttle links
      terminals.
    summary: Some airlines use both terminals—check the IAA flight board.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Eat before security or in T3 airside
    detail: Kosher rules apply; many travelers stock up landside or use lounge access.
    summary: Limited airside options; pre-security has more variety.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Do not count on Priority Pass
    detail: >-
      Dan Lounge closed 31 Dec 2025. Aspire (Concourse E) and Jetex (Concourse
      C) for Israeli Amex / paid entry—not Priority Pass or most US cards.
    summary: El Al status still unlocks King David / Top Platinum lounges.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: El Al King David Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - El Al business/first
      - Matmid Platinum
    bestFor:
      - El Al passengers
      - Long layovers
    summary: >-
      Solid for El Al premium flyers; renovated spaces with strong food and
      comfort.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 3
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Buffet
      - Quiet zones
  - name: El Al Top Platinum Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - El Al Top Platinum
    bestFor:
      - Top-tier El Al elites
    summary: >-
      Exclusive post-renovation upgrade; best for highest-status passengers
      only.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 3
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Workstations
      - Premium buffet
  - name: Aspire Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - >-
        Israeli Amex Platinum/Centurion / paid entry (not Priority Pass; US Amex
        usually no free entry)
    bestFor:
      - Paid access seekers
    summary: >-
      Terminal 3 Concourse E lounge replacing part of the post-Dan landscape;
      Priority Pass is not accepted at TLV.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal 3
    amenities:
      - WiFi
      - Charging
      - Snacks
  - name: Jetex Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - >-
        Israeli Amex Platinum/Centurion (not US/international Amex); eligible
        premium airline tickets; paid walk-up (~$100)
    bestFor:
      - Israeli Amex cardholders
      - Paid access
    summary: >-
      Terminal 3 Concourse C lounge in the post-Dan landscape; Priority Pass is
      not accepted. US Amex Platinum does not unlock free entry.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal 3
    amenities:
      - Buffet
      - Bar
      - Work areas
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Airport convenience stores
    zone: landside
    price: 8-12 ILS for 500ml
    summary: Cheapest reliable bottled water option before or after security.
    location: Landside near check-in and airside post-security
    terminal: Terminal 3
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: refill
    name: Water fountains
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: Free refill spots scattered throughout T3; bring your own bottle.
    location: Near gates in departures hall and airside concourses
    terminal: Terminal 3
  - kind: free
    name: Lounge water stations
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: >-
      Unlimited free water for lounge access holders; best quality filtered
      option.
    location: Inside El Al lounges
    terminal: Terminal 3
    isBestQuality: true
airportistScore: 7.2
slug: tlv
region: Middle East
---
> Markdown for [/airports/tlv](/airports/tlv). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/tlv)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/tlv/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
Tel Aviv, Israel · Middle East
Efficient hub with strong transport but strict security and limited lounge options create clear tradeoffs.
## Airportist Score

**7.2 / 10**
- Comfort: 6.8
- Navigation: 7.5
- Food: 6.5
- Transport: 8.2
- Disruption resilience: 7.0

## At a glance

- Passengers: 22M
- Terminals: 2 active (T3 primary)
- Typical security: 45 min
- On-time: 78%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- Train connections to Tel Aviv
- El Al premium experience
- 24/7 transport options

## Watch out for

- Mandatory security questioning delays
- No Priority Pass lounges
- Shabbat transport gaps
- Limited airside dining

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/tlv/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/tlv/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/tlv/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/tlv/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/tlv/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/tlv/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/tlv/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/tlv/reviews.md)