Many Russian tourists flying to Israel consider Jerusalem the ultimate goal of their journey. Which airport is closest to this holy city? And which is the most comfortable harbor?
It will be useful to clarify the issue of how to get from the airport to Jerusalem. If you have a late arrival or early departure, it would be wise to spend the night in the air harbor. And what hotels are on its territory or near it? We will also touch on this issue in our article.
Jerusalem Atarot Airport
Many travel guides in Israel write that the holy city does not have its own air hub. Say, Ben Gurion Airport accepts all tourists and pilgrims. But this is only partly true. Indeed, all international flights land in Ben Gurion, which is considered Tel Aviv's air harbor. But closest to Jerusalem is Atarot Airport. In fact, it is already in the city, on the northern outskirts. This airport has another name - Kalandia. The airport was named after the area (moshav Atarot). This, incidentally, is the country's oldest air harbor. It was built by the British in 1918, when they owned Palestine.
Why, then, Atarot, which is located almost in the city limits, does not accept flights from abroad? Maybe because it's morally obsolete? Not at all. The Israeli government has invested a lot in modernizing this airport. The thing is different. Atarot is located in the occupied territories of Israel. Therefore, the international community does not recognize it as part of the country. And since the small territory of Israel makes domestic flights unprofitable, Atarot exists only "to maintain prestige." From there, liners will start except in African countries, in cities such as Bulawayo, Gweru, Bumi Hills, Mahenye, Masvingo, etc.
How to get to Israel from Russia
Meets travelers traveling to Jerusalem at the Jewish Hero David Ben-Gurion Airport. The fact that the main air harbor of Israel belongs to the former capital - Tel Aviv is evidenced by its international code TLV. This city can be reached in just 20 minutes. After all, it only separates Tel Aviv from its airfield 19 kilometers.
But Ben Gurion is also considered the airport of Jerusalem. Although the distance between the city and the air hub is more significant and is 41 kilometers. Some travelers to visit the Holy Land, land at She Dov Airport (56 km to Jerusalem) and even in Haifa or Eilat. After all, low-cost airlines fly there. And in the summertime in Eilat you can get cheap on charter flights.
Ben gurion
The main air gate of Israel is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The airport consists of four terminals. But now only two of them are used - No. 1 and 3. The first terminal - the oldest in the air complex - accepts charters and low-cost. If you are flying to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv on a regular flight from Moscow, then your plane will arrive at T-3.
It is newer, consists of three floors. On the first is the passenger waiting room and arrivals area. Check-in counters are located on the second floor. Duty free shops and gates are located on the upper level. Ben Gurion is considered the safest airport in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The harbor is crammed with security cameras, and not only the police, but also the military and plainclothes guard watch the order.
Facilities at the airport. Ben gurion
Intelligent travelers advise against changing all the money in the air harbor, although there is no shortage of bank branches. But these offices charge 10% commission. Therefore, it is better to change a small amount sufficient to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem. On this all the shortcomings of the air harbor and end. The rest is a model airport.
Free wireless internet is available throughout the air harbor, the use of which will help to pass the wait for your flight. There are many cafes and fast-food restaurants in the arrivals and in the neutral zone of the airport. Of course, duty-free shops are at the disposal of passengers departing abroad. Trading kiosks are located in common areas.
All terminal premises are well-conditioned. There are many amenities for passengers with children. These are swaddling booths, playgrounds, and a room for mother and baby. There is a car parking in front of each of the existing terminals. And between these buildings free shuttle buses run.
How to get from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem?
If a taxi ride seems too expensive to you, you have two alternatives at once - a bus and a minibus. The latter is more popular because these minivans run around the clock, and the driver also carries passengers to the desired areas of Jerusalem. The minibus gets to the city within an hour. The fare is paid by the driver and costs about 470 rubles.
A bus ticket costs less - 160 rubles. Route No. 947 leaves from terminal No. 1 to Jerusalem. To get to the stop from T-3, take shuttle No. 5. Bus No. 947 has several disadvantages. He does not walk on Saturdays. It should only be to the bus station. And the travel time stretches to one and a half hours.