The unstable security situation in Jerusalem means that it is not possible to arrive by air in the city, with the nearest international airport being situated just outside Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion International Airport offers flights to dozens of international cities and there are frequent bus links from the terminals to the Holy City. Once in Jerusalem, visitors can navigate their way around on foot, while longer distances can be covered by bus, train or taxi.

Jerusalem’s domestic airport, Atarot Airport, is no longer in operation due to current security concerns; therefore, most international visitors enter the city via Tel Aviv’s airport, Ben Gurion International Airport.

Ben Gurion Airport is situated nine miles southeast of Tel Aviv and is Israel’s primary air hub, managing over 11 million passengers a year. Named after Israel’s first prime minister, the airport hosts several international airlines and is the main headquarters of national carrier El Al Israel Airlines.

Facilities at the four-terminal airport include restaurants and shops, a post office, money exchange counters, disabled persons’ amenities and parking. A new VIP terminal is currently under construction. Parking is situated near Terminal 3 and consists of both long-term and short-term options.

Transport options from Ben Gurion Airport are fairly straight-forward. Passengers can take a train from the airport to Tel Aviv, a 15-minute journey. As yet, there is no direct rail link between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus to the city, from where there are connecting bus services to Jerusalem.

Visitors looking for greater convenience can make use of the shared taxis (sherut), which are available from the minibus terminals, situated at the nearby Airport City industrial park. The minibus terminal can be reached by shuttle, with services running between the terminals frequently. Private taxis are also available for the journey into Tel Aviv. The airport is situated about 50 miles from Jerusalem.

Arriving and departing passengers can expect lengthy security measures at the airport, often including baggage searches and questioning. The sometime intrusive measures are in place for your own security and visitors are advised to cooperate.

Once in Jerusalem, there are several transport options for getting around, with the most prevalent being buses. The central bus station is situated on Jaffa road, from where you can take buses to any destination in the city as well as nationwide. The bus station is surprisingly well-organised and efficient, with platforms being well signposted.

Alternatively, visitors can use the city’s train services, with Jerusalem Malcha Train Station being the main rail hub. The station is relatively new, with amenities reflecting this. The rail network within the city is limited and services to Tel Aviv are yet to be resumed. Currently there is no metro service available in the city, but plans to develop a light railway system are in place.

Taxis are easy to find in all parts of the city, but visitors should be careful they are not extortionately overcharged should they not be familiar with their route.