Tel Aviv Flights

Looking for amazing deals on cheap Tel Aviv flights? Well, you've found the right place. Whether a charter flight, first class seating or good old economy class, lastminute.com has a great deal for you. So, book your cheap Tel Aviv flight today with lastminute.com.

Flying from all major UK airports on all major airlines, we have loads of discounted flights to Tel Aviv, so simply use our search box below to book the cheapest available Tel Aviv flight.

Search flights

It is hard to believe that this vivacious, sophisticated Mediterranean city has not yet celebrated its first centenary. Born out of the sands, the modern metropolis of Tel Aviv was founded in 1909, when a small group of Jewish families moved from the overcrowded, insanitary and hostile Arab town of Jaffa to a selected desert spot where the construction of Tel Aviv began. Since then, the city has sprung up beside the Mediterranean coast at a dizzying speed its first-generation residents are as old as the city itself. Younger generations compare their hometown grandly to New York. The ceaseless energy and enterprise, the lively avenues, big squares and buzzing nightlife all excuse this exaggerated comparison. However, the noisy, extrovert way of life, the miles of utilitarian modern apartments and the warm humid climate with temperatures up to of 34C (94F) in the summer (when humidity also tends to peak) and 20C (68F) in the winter all place Tel Aviv firmly in its East Mediterranean setting.

The initial impression of many visitors upon arrival is that Tel Aviv is brash, soulless and hedonistic. Outlying areas on the approach roads in particular seem tacky and drab, however, those who are willing to explore further than their first impressions cannot fail to be moved by the idealism that has created this largest Jewish city ever to exist. In a short time, Tel Aviv has absorbed tens of thousands of refugees from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America and turned them into free citizens in their own homeland thousands of new immigrants settle here every year.

In fact, Tel Aviv is named after the Hebrew title of Theodor Herzls inspirational Zionist novel Altneuland (Old New Land). The Hebrew, Tel Aviv, combines the ideas of antiquitiy (tel, an ancient site) and radiant newness (aviv, springtime). Tel Avivs astonishing diversity is shown in the array of distinct neighbourhoods merging together but also in these extremes of old and new. The elderly relaxing on the beach promenade and chatting in a multitude of languages, next to the younger generation shouting in Hebrew and playing beach sports on the sand; the high culture and the noisy discos; the modern shopping malls and the packed street market.

The sheer dynamism and determination of the place makes Tel Aviv seem vastly bigger than it really is. In fact, the city is smaller in area than Haifa or Jerusalem, but over one-third of Israels population live in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. For round-the-clock entertainment and sheer vigour, there is nowhere in Israel like it the city offers an abundance of bars, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife within walking distance from one another.

Above all, Tel Aviv is a beach city. A broad expanse of fine sand extends more than 10km (6 miles) along the seashore. City residents pour onto the beach for air, space and relaxation every weekend and at any opportunity during the day. Its wide promenade is a magnificent sight and runs for miles all the way from the port in north Tel Aviv to the old quarter of Jaffa which, incidentally, has ceased to be a hostile Arab town and has become a popular waterside dining and leisure district of Tel Aviv.

With its art galleries, flea market, antique shops and restaurants, Jaffa is a pleasant place to stroll and relax. Although mentioned several times in the Bible and developed as Jerusalems principal seaport during Temple times, Jaffa gives little sense of its long history. Only a small section of Old Jaffa remains today, its lanes and stairways cleaned up and restored beyond recognition and the squalid centre replaced by a park. In any case, most of the town was built after Napoleans destructive raid in 1799. Thus, the oldest port in the world (with all its trade long ago moved to Tel Aviv or Haifa) has become a mere district in the most modern city in the world. The unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv-Jaffa has been recognised by UNESCO, which in July, 2003, proclaimed 'The White City' a World Cultural Heritage site.

As well as having a multitude of attractions of its own, Tel Aviv is well-placed as a base for day trips to Jerusalem and Caesarea, while even the Dead Sea and the Galilee are within a two-hour drive of the city.

Tel Aviv Tourist Office

Address: 69 Ibn Gavirol St, Tel Aviv

Phone: +972 (0) 3521 8500

  • Tel Aviv Museum of Art
    The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is Israel's largest museum devoted to Israeli and Jewish fine arts. It also houses paintings by other famous artists including Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.

Airport Guide

Ben Gurion International Airport

Airport Information

Country

Israel

Address

Israel Airports Authority, PO Box 137, Ben-Gurion International Airport 70100, Israel

Country Code

972

Telephone

(0)3 975 5555

Fax

(0)3 973 1650

E-mail

telmas@iaa.gov.il or avia@iaa.gov.il

Website

www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Airports/BenGurion

Location

The airport is located 20km (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv and 50km (31 miles) west of Jerusalem

Time Zone

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)

Number of Terminals

2

Airport News

The long-awaited international passenger Terminal 3 opened in November 2004. The new terminal is now the main getaway for international passengers arriving in Israel. The ultra modern US$1-billion facility was built to service 16 million passengers a year.

Transfer between Terminals

A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals and the long-term car park daily 24 hours.

Driving Directions

The airport lies on Route no.1, which links Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Car Parking

There are short-term car parks at the entrances to both terminals. Long-term car park is at a remote location and is clearly signposted. There is an automated service with information on parking and the shuttle service, in English (tel: (0)3 972 3339).

Car Hire

Avis, Budget, Eldan, Europcar and Hertz are all represented at the airport, with desks situated in the reception hall and open daily 24 hours.

Public Transport

Road: Taxi: Taxis are located near the airport reception hall. Hadar Lod Taxis (tel: (0)3 971 1103) operates to all destinations. Nesher Tours (tel: (0)2 625 7227) runs a shared taxi service between the airport and Jerusalem. Amal (tel: (0)4 866 2324) runs a shared taxis service between the airport and Haifa. Bus: Buses run to Jerusalem and Haifa on routes nos. 423, 945 and 947; buses are operated by the Egged Co-operative (tel: (0)3 694 8888) and stops are located in the central piazza of the airport opposite car park 1. Bus no.475 to Tel Aviv goes to the central bus station. Other destinations include Petah Tikva, Ramla, Lod and Shoham. Bus no.222 goes to North Tel Aviv railway station before stopping at all hotels along Hayarkon Street. Bus stops are located outside Terminal 1, opposite entrance gate 7. In the new terminal, buses and taxis are located at level 2, gates 21, 23 and 24. Rail: There is a new train service linking the airport and Tel Aviv, operating from 0300 to midnight. The train journey takes about 15 minutes.

Information and Help Desks

Information counters are situated in the main hall and in the Departures hall; there is an automated service in English for flight information (tel: (0)3 972 3344) and information on check in, parking and transport (tel: (0)3 972 3388). Ground stewards are on hand in the terminal building to offer assistance and information. The Israeli Government Tourist Office operates a 24-hour information desk, which is located in the Arrivals hall (tel: (0)3 9715555).

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Facilities include 24-hour banks, ATMs, foreign currency exchange and a post office. Eating and drinking: There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and juice shops throughout the airport. Shopping: Duty-free shops are located in the Departures area of Terminal 1 and in Terminal 3. There is also a shopping mall in the new Terminal 3. Luggage: A 24-hour left-luggage service is available on the first floor of the parking lot building (tel: (0)3 971 2130). Lost property is handled by the Airport Police (tel: (0)3 971 5444). Other facilities: Emergency first aid clinics operate 24 hours. There is also a nursery and a synagogue.

Conference and Business Facilities

Passengers with Israel’s El Al airline can use the King David Lounge (tel: (0)3 971 6892), which provides Internet stations and newspapers, while business-class passengers with all other airlines have access to the Jet Set Club Lounge (tel: (0)3 973 1659), for a small charge; the lounge is equipped with fax and Internet access, and is open 24 hours.

Disabled Facilities

Facilities at the airport include accessible telephones and toilets, raised pedestrian crossings, ramps and lifts. Lifts and vehicle transportation to the aircraft are available for disabled passengers, who should contact their airline in advance with any special assistance requirements. Disabled parking is available.

Airport Hotels

There are no hotels at the airport. The nearest is the Avia Hotel (tel: (0)3 539 3333), which is a short drive away. Hotel reservations can be made at the tourist information desk in Arrivals and a free shuttle can be provided.

City

Tel Aviv

Full Airport Name

Ben-Gurion International Airport

Tell us about Tel Aviv in your own free blog at lastminuteliving.com

Travel the world with lastminute.com, find exclusive deals on hotels, flights, holidays, restaurants, theatre, spa breaks and more.

  • "lastminute.com", "lastminute" and the colour magenta are all trade marks owned by Last Minute Network Limited and/or its group companies.