Cheap flights to Tel Aviv

Anyone looking for a getaway off the beaten path would be well-served to consider boarding cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Unlike most other destinations in Israel, Tel Aviv offers a traditional holiday-destination setting and boasts world-class beaches and nightlife that ensure its visitors are relaxed and entertained in equal measure. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is a growing city that also serves as a gateway for travellers moving on to other destinations in Israel. It is a relatively young city – 100 years old in 2009 – which serves as a further contrast to much of the country.

Despite its relative youth, Tel Aviv has its fair share of culture as evidenced by the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and its considerable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the Diaspora Museum (Beit Hatfutsot) which focuses on Jewish history and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

A multicultural city, Tel Aviv is home to hundreds of thousands of Jews, Muslims and Christians. It is a thoroughly modern city in an ancient setting providing visitors with a unique experience, be they soaking up the beachside sun or taking in a culinary feast at a local five-star restaurant.

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Tel Aviv climate

The weather is varied so beware when you choose to take cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Winters here are mild but January, the coldest month, sees temperatures fall to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. August is the warmest month with temperatures consistently staying in the 30-degree Celsius range though the high humidity will make it seem warmer still. The period between November and March is known as rainy season but many visitors choose to travel at this time to avoid the heat.

Getting around Tel Aviv

The city centre is relatively compact making getting around on foot by far the best option after landing on cheap flights to Tel Aviv. Taxis and buses are plentiful if you’re tired.

The local bus network is both extensive and reliable but remember that there is no service on Saturdays. Ticket prices are discounted if bought in packs of ten or on a monthly pass basis.

Another alternative to taxis and public buses is to use sheruts, or minibuses, that ply the same routes. Their service is often more frequent and it operates on Saturdays though at higher rates.

There is also no shortage of taxis that can be hailed but keep in mind that the fares are higher at night.

What is good to know if travelling to Tel Aviv?

• When Tel Aviv was founded in 1909, it became the first modern-day Hebrew city. The White City, as it was called, was planned by Sir Patrick Geddes with a view to utilizing the setting and the residents’ needs to maximize the benefits of its planning. It is made up of about 4,000 buildings, many of them in International or Bauhaus style, reflecting the design school prevalent in Germany where many of the architects learned their trade.
• Nearby Jaffa is located on a hill and features spectacular views of Tel Aviv and the sea beyond. Legend has it that it was founded by Japhet, one of Noah’s sons. Despite the extensive history, it features many art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants while its old port continues to be an active fishing port, a nice place to soak up the old vibe of the city.
• The Tel-Aviv Museum of Art can be found on Shaul Ha’Melech Boulevard and features  impressive collections of European and Israeli art. Elsewhere, the Eretz Israel Museum is set in a park that features Tell Qasile, an archaeological site of the remains of an ancient port city that dates back more than 3,000 years.
• Tel Aviv features a variety of markets. Among these, the best-known is the Nachlat Benyamin Pedestrian Mall, which is held on Tuesdays and Fridays (between 10am and 5pm). The Flea Market and Carmel Market specialize in food and clothes while the Bezalel Market is known for its discounted clothes and shoes. For specialized food stuffs head for the Food Market of Dizengoff Centre, held on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. Bring an extra suitcase on your cheap flights to Tel Aviv to take advantage of the bargains.
• For spectacular views of the city and surrounding area be sure to check out the Azrieli Centre, the tallest building in the Middle East. The Azrieli Observatory is located on the 49th floor.

Tel Aviv airport overview

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is Israel’s busiest airport. Situated nine miles (15km) from the cosmopolitan and friendly city of Tel Aviv, the Ben Gurion airport is the perfect gateway to exploring the ancient history of the region or relaxing on Tel Aviv’s fantastic beaches. 

Two of the four bright and sunny terminals of Ben Gurion International Airport are used regularly. Terminal 1 handles mainly domestic traffic and Terminal 3 handles international flights, filled with holidaymakers eager to enjoy the endless sun, friendly Israelis, scenery and religious sights.

El Al, Israir and Arkia Airlines all use Ben Gurion as a hub, but there are also many other European and North American airlines that offer flights to Ben Gurion International Airport.

Security is paramount at Ben Gurion. Passengers can go through as many as five different security checks before reaching the check-in counter. Interestingly, most passengers report that the security procedures at Ben Gurion are far more pleasant and much smoother than those at airports across Europe and North America. The Israeli response to this compliment is “it’s all in the eyes”. So, when traversing the layers of security, be prepared for lots of eye contact.

Ben Gurion International Airport is centrally located and close to one of Israel’s most popular cities, making it the perfect gateway into a country rich with history and holiday possibilities.