Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport handles departing international flights of airlines that meet its operating conditions, as well as domestic flights in both directions. Because airlines and flights can move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, the single most important check is the terminal shown on the official flight board and in your airline’s confirmation.
Terminal 1 Ben Gurion in brief
- Do not guess by airline: check each flight separately on the Israel Airports Authority flight board.
- Train: the station is next to Terminal 3; from there you continue to Terminal 1 on the internal shuttle.
- Shuttle: the Airports Authority runs a free internal bus between the terminals.
- Parking: follow the signs at the airport entrance and check the official site for which car park is open and suitable.
- International flights: Terminal 1 is used for departures, but you may land somewhere else.
- Domestic flights: the terminal also serves domestic flights, according to the schedule.
How do you know if your flight leaves from Terminal 1?
The safe way is to look up your flight number on the Ben Gurion flight board close to departure. Do not rely on old lists of airlines. The same airline can operate from both terminals, and flights can be reassigned because of congestion, operational conditions or a temporary decision.
Check in three places:
- Your booking confirmation and any messages from the airline.
- The airline’s official app or website.
- The flight board on the Airports Authority website on the day of the flight.
If the information does not match, go with the most recent update and confirm directly with the airline. Note down the flight number, not just the destination, especially when several flights leave for the same city.
Getting to Terminal 1
By train
The airport railway station is beside Terminal 3. If your flight leaves from Terminal 1, get off at the Ben Gurion Airport station, head for the ground floor and continue on the free internal shuttle.
Allow extra time for the transfer and do not plan around the last possible train. You need to factor in waiting for the shuttle, loading suitcases, the ride and getting into the terminal. Lines and pre-departure checks are covered in our train to Ben Gurion Airport guide.
The shuttle between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1
The Airports Authority operates a free internal shuttle line between the two terminals. According to official information it runs around the clock at intervals of up to 15 minutes, though in real time there can be crowding and changes.
- From Terminal 3 to Terminal 1: the stop is on ground level G, near gate 01 and the stop for the long-term car park bus.
- From Terminal 1 to Terminal 3: the stop is at the front of Terminal 1, opposite gate 4.
More detail is in our guide to the shuttle between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1.
Parking when you fly from Terminal 1
Parking arrangements at Ben Gurion change with demand and availability. Some car parks are close to the terminals and others are linked by shuttle, so follow the electronic signs on the access roads and do not fix on one particular car park in advance.
Before you drive, check on the Airports Authority website:
- Which car park is for short stays and which for long stays.
- Whether you reach the terminal on foot or by shuttle.
- The current tariff and the daily payment cap.
- Where you board the shuttle back to your car.
Take a photo of the car park number, zone and row. After a few days away it is very easy to forget exactly where you left the car. See also parking at Ben Gurion: prices and lots.
At the terminal
How early should you arrive?
For an international flight, follow the instructions of your airline and the Airports Authority. Arrival time depends on the destination, your baggage, whether early check-in is possible and how busy it is expected to be. During holidays and school breaks, leave an extra safety margin.
For domestic flights the Airports Authority advises arriving about two hours before departure and no later than one hour before. Here too, check that the guidance has not changed and confirm when the check-in desks close.
The departure process
The process may include a security check, check-in or bag drop, passport control, moving through to the departures hall and boarding. If you checked in online and are flying with hand luggage only you may save time, but you still have to go through security and every required stage.
With low-cost airlines it is especially important to check ahead:
- Whether online check-in is mandatory.
- The permitted dimensions for a personal bag and a trolley.
- Whether the ticket includes seat selection or baggage.
- When the check-in desk closes and when the boarding gate closes.
- Whether you must show a printed boarding pass or can use your phone.
Shops, duty free, food and other services
The terminal has toilets, sales points and places to shop before your flight, but the selection and opening hours can vary with the flight schedule. For a store-by-store list, see our guide to the shops in Terminal 1. For the bigger picture on airport shopping, see our guide to duty free at Ben Gurion.
The Airports Authority website carries up-to-date information on currency exchange, ATMs and other services in the terminal. Some businesses operate according to the flight schedule, so on night flights or in periods of reduced activity do not assume everything is open.
If you need medication, particular food, baby equipment or an accessibility service, organise it in advance and check with the relevant provider. Passengers who need special assistance are usually asked to arrange it ahead of time through the airline.
International and domestic flights
According to the Airports Authority, Terminal 1 serves departing international flights of airlines authorised to operate there, and domestic flights in both directions. In other words, an international departure from Terminal 1 does not guarantee that your return to Israel will end at the same terminal.
If you left a car or arranged a pick-up, check the arrival terminal of your return flight as well. If you land at the other terminal you can use the internal shuttle, but it adds time.
Terminal 1 or Terminal 3: what is the difference?
Terminal 3 is Ben Gurion’s main and largest international terminal, and it is where the railway station is. Terminal 1 is smaller and serves some departing international flights along with domestic ones. Passengers cannot choose which terminal their flight leaves from; that is decided operationally.
The most common mistake is to go to Terminal 3 automatically because you arrived by train, or to Terminal 1 because the same airline used it in the past. A quick check of the flight number can save you stress and an unnecessary transfer.
Tips before you leave for the airport
- Check the terminal number again on the day of the flight.
- Download your boarding pass in advance and save a screenshot.
- Weigh your baggage and check the permitted dimensions.
- Add time if you are coming by train and need the shuttle.
- Save your parking details or pick-up point on your phone.
- Check your travel documents and passport validity.
- Do not rely on an old list of airlines to identify the terminal.
Find the best flight prices on Flight Hunter, and after booking check the confirmation and the airline’s website to see which terminal your flight leaves from.
Terminal 1 FAQ
Does the train go to Terminal 1?
Not directly. The station is next to Terminal 3, and from there you continue to Terminal 1 on the free internal shuttle.
Does the shuttle between the terminals cost money?
No. It is a free internal service run by the Israel Airports Authority.
Do all low-cost flights leave from Terminal 1?
No. Check each flight by its number. Airlines may operate from Terminal 1, Terminal 3 or both.
Does a flight that departs from Terminal 1 also land there?
Not necessarily. International flights may arrive at Terminal 3, so check your return flight too.
Where do you check which terminal a flight leaves from?
On the official Ben Gurion flight board, on the airline’s website or app, and in the messages sent to you as a passenger.
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