Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 1: who flies from it and how to reach Terminal 3
What leaves from Terminal 1, what lands there, and what to do at the wrong terminal, based on Israel Airports Authority notices.
Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) handles domestic flights to and from Ramon Airport near Eilat, and departures for some international flights. Every international flight lands at Terminal 3, even if you left from Terminal 1. Some airlines split their flights between the two terminals, so check the terminal by flight number on the flight board or in your airline’s app. If you end up at the wrong terminal, a free Israel Airports Authority shuttle links the two.
What uses Terminal 1 today
Terminal 1 reopened in summer 2026. Under a notice from the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) dated 24 June 2026, domestic flights returned on 28 June and some international departures on 1 July. By 18 October 2026 the IAA had published nothing that changes this split.
| Flight | Departs from | Lands at |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights to Eilat (Ramon Airport) | Terminal 1 | Terminal 1 |
| International flights | Terminal 1 for some flights, Terminal 3 for the rest | Terminal 3 only |
How to check which terminal you need
The IAA lists Arkia and Israir under Terminal 1, and it also says some airlines run flights from both terminals. The airline name alone will not tell you, so go by the flight number.
- Look the flight up on the board
The IAA departures board shows the terminal for every flight. Our Ben Gurion flight board carries the same data, with a terminal column.
- Check your airline’s app
Airlines post terminal changes in the app and in the messages they send before the flight. If the board and the airline disagree, ask the airline.
- Check again on the day
The IAA repeated its advice to confirm the departure terminal in advance in its notice for the autumn holidays in September 2026. One look before you leave saves a trip between terminals.
- Put the terminal in your taxi booking
If you ride with us, add the flight number and terminal to the booking and the driver heads straight there. You can book on our Ben Gurion Airport taxi page.
Getting dropped off at Terminal 1
Our driver drops you at the front of Terminal 1. The gates along the front are numbered, which helps you find your way. The meeting point for groups is between Gates 3 and 4, and the shuttle to Terminal 3 stops opposite Gate 4.
Stopping or waiting on the roadside anywhere at the airport is banned and enforced by cameras. A friend who drives you drops you off and moves on, and anyone collecting passengers waits in the IAA waiting car park.
Inside, international passengers go through the full departure process: security, check-in, passport control, duty free and boarding. The rules for each step are the same as at Terminal 3, and our Terminal 3 departures guide walks through them in order.
At the wrong terminal
A free IAA shuttle runs between the terminals on spacious, accessible buses. According to the IAA it operates in line with the flight schedule.
- From Terminal 3 to Terminal 1
The stop is on Level G of Terminal 3, near Gate 01, beside the stop for the long-term car park.
- From Terminal 1 to Terminal 3
The stop is in front of Terminal 1, opposite Gate 4.
- If you came by train
The airport railway station is at Terminal 3. Passengers flying from Terminal 1 continue from there on the shuttle.
- If you are still in our taxi
If you find out on the way that your flight leaves from the other terminal, tell the driver before you get out and the ride continues straight to the right terminal.
- Every step is still ahead of you
Security, check-in and the rest all wait for you at the right terminal. That is why it pays to check your terminal before you set off and to arrive three hours before an international flight, as the IAA recommends.
Flying to Eilat from Terminal 1
The IAA publishes separate guidelines for domestic flights from Terminal 1.
- When to arrive
Two hours before take-off, and no later than one hour before.
- Valid ID
Visitors fly with their passport. The IAA also accepts Israeli documents such as an identity card or driving licence. Whatever you bring must be valid.
- Friday and Saturday-night flights
Our station closes for Shabbat. For a Friday flight we plan a ride that reaches the airport before Shabbat begins, and for a Saturday-night flight the taxi sets out once Shabbat ends. See taxis before and after Shabbat.
- Plenty of luggage
Tell us how many large suitcases and trolley bags you have when you book. A family with a lot of luggage may need a large taxi.
Services at Terminal 1 listed by the IAA
The IAA lists fewer services for Terminal 1 than for Terminal 3. Here are the ones that concern departing passengers.
- Zone W for carry-on only
Passengers with hand luggage only who checked in online and hold a boarding pass, printed or on the phone, go through security at Zone W. Some airlines do not offer online check-in, and their passengers use the airline’s usual security area.
- Currency exchange and cash
A Bank Hapoalim exchange counter works in the departures hall, in the duty-free area, according to the flight schedule. There is an ATM at the front of the terminal next to Gate 3.
- VAT refund for tourists
For non-Israeli passengers, on goods bought in Israel. Goods packed in your checked bag must be stamped at the refund counter in the departures hall, at check-in Sector A, before you drop the bag.
- SIM cards
The IAA lists a mobile phone counter in the departures hall that sells SIM cards and data packages. It closes before Shabbat.
- Priority for passengers aged 80 and over
At security, check-in, hand-luggage screening and passport control, on showing an ID.
- Assistance
Ask your airline for assistance in advance, then contact its ground-handling company at the airport. Hearing loops are installed at check-in, security, the gates and passport control.
Landing at Terminal 1, or flying back to Israel
Domestic flights from Ramon land at Terminal 1. For passengers landing from Eilat and heading to Tel Aviv, a Ministry of Transport shuttle run by Kavim goes to Arlozorov station in Tel Aviv. According to the IAA it waits at Parking Lot 20, outside Gate 10, in line with the arrivals from Eilat.
Under the IAA notice, every international flight lands at Terminal 3, even if you flew out from Terminal 1. When you book a pickup for your return, give us the flight number of that flight. The driver follows it and arranges where to meet with you by phone or WhatsApp. Our Terminal 3 arrival guide covers the way from the plane to the exit.
Sources, checked on 18 October 2026
- Terminal 1 reopening and the terminal split
IAA notices and updates for Ben Gurion Airport (opens in a new tab)
- Airlines at Terminal 1
- Terminal 1 services and accessibility
Terminal 1 useful information (opens in a new tab) and Terminal 1 accessibility (opens in a new tab)
- Domestic flights
IAA guidelines for domestic flight passengers (opens in a new tab)
- The shuttle between terminals
- Flight board
Questions and answers
Which terminal do flights to Eilat use?
Terminal 1. Since 28 June 2026 domestic flights to Ramon Airport, which serves Eilat, depart from Terminal 1, and flights from Ramon land there too.
I flew out from Terminal 1. Where will I land when I come back?
At Terminal 3. According to the IAA all international flights land there, so if you book a pickup, write Terminal 3 in the booking.
Does the train stop at Terminal 1?
No. The airport railway station is at Terminal 3, and the free shuttle takes you on to the front of Terminal 1, opposite Gate 4.
Can I use the Zone W fast lane at Terminal 1?
Yes. The IAA runs Zone W at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 for passengers with hand luggage only who checked in online.
My airline is on the Terminal 1 list. Does my flight leave from there?
Not necessarily. Some airlines fly from both terminals, so check the flight itself on the board or in the airline’s app.
Can I claim my VAT refund at Terminal 1?
Yes, if you are not an Israeli citizen. Have goods for your checked bag stamped at the refund counter at check-in Sector A before you hand the bag over.
Book on WhatsApp or by phone
Send us where from, where to and when on WhatsApp, and the taxi will be there on time.