Jerusalem: By Air

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By Air

Jerusalem's tiny domestic airport has been closed since October 2000. Most visitors entering Israel fly into Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv, which is 50 km (31 mi) and a 35-minute drive west of Jerusalem.

Taking the bus from the airport to Jerusalem has become a more tedious experience since the opening of Terminal 3 in November 2004. You need to board the Egged local shuttle for a 10-minute ride to the Airport City commercial complex, and wait there for the Jerusalem-bound bus (number 947, and occasionally 423 or 943). It runs to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station approximately every 30 minutes during the day, a little less frequently in the evening. The cost is NIS 20, payable on the shuttle. You need Israeli currency, but not exact change. There is no bus service from Friday afternoon to Saturday night, or on Jewish religious holidays.

Eight- or ten-seat sherut taxis (limo-vans) depart when they fill up and drop passengers off at any Jerusalem address for NIS 45. To get to Ben Gurion Airport from Jerusalem the same way, call Nesher to book a place, preferably a day in advance. A "special" taxi (as opposed to a shared sherut) should cost about NIS 190, and NIS 230 after 9 PM and on Saturday and holidays.

Contacts

Ben Gurion International Airport (*6663 or 03/975-5555. www.iaa.gov.il). Egged (03/694-8888. www.egged.co.il/Eng). Nesher (02/625-3233 or 02/623-1231).