Welcome to Israel! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you walk through centuries of history, explore vast terrains, and experience a melting pot of culture, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
But before we set off to explore, we must know how to travel around the country! Follow along for these insightful tips on transportation in Israel, specifically Jerusalem.
Travel to Israel
There are regular direct flights from major cities in Europe and North America, as well as from a number of Asian cities to Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion International Airport, located only 25 KM west of the conference venue
The Local PCO – Ortra LTD., operates a travel agency with attractive air travel fares to Israel.
For further details, you may contact Ms. Heli Belo, heli@ortra.com
Transportation from/to Ben Gurion Airport
Jerusalem is about a 35–40-minute
drive from Ben Gurion International Airport, one of the largest travel hubs in
the Middle East. The high-level security standards at Ben Gurion Airport are
unmatched, and there are several means of transportation between Ben Gurion
Airport and Jerusalem.
1. InterCity
Train (Rakevet Israel) – Utilizing the express train is the greatest and most affordable way to
travel to Jerusalem. The train ride is about
20 minutes time and costs 13 -18 NIS (about $5 USD).
2. Taxi – You’ll find both private and shared
taxi services at Ben Gurion Airport located at Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall Exit. A
private taxi to Jerusalem costs approximately 230 NIS ($63 USD) Sunday – Friday
and about 290 – 300 NIS ($80 USD) on Saturday.
Payments for taxi rides can be done either using cash or a local app
called Gett (available for download on iOS or Android). There’s no need to book
ahead for the trip, just be sure to have enough cash as not all taxis accept
credit cards. Please note: by law, taxis must have a meter running. The driver
may try to negotiate a fixed price but that is generally illegal.
3. Shared Taxi
(Nesher Sherut) – A
Nesher Sherut (shared taxi service) is a cheaper alternative to a private taxi.
You’ll find Nesher vans outside the Arrivals Hall and they will drop you off
anywhere in Jerusalem. The service runs 24/7. Please note that travel from Ben
Gurion Airport with this service does not require pre-booking however travel
from Jerusalem to the airport requires booking 24 hours in advance and it is
advised to note your flight’s departure time. The shared taxi costs 62-67 NIS (about
$17), and you’ll find the current rate clearly posted outside the terminal.
4. Bus – There is a direct bus that makes
round trips between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem daily. The No. 485 Afikim
bus operates 24 hours a day (Saturday evening through late Friday afternoon)
and departs from Terminals 1 and 3 at the airport and from several locations in
Jerusalem, including the Central Bus Station. The journey is approximately an
hour and costs 16 NIS (about $5 USD). Bus fare is only accepted through a card
called Rav Kav, which you can purchase here.
Pre-booked Transportation and airport assistance:
In addition to the public transportation, Private Airport Transfers are also available on a pre-arranged basis.
Private Arrival/Departure Transfer US$ 225 (up to 2
passengers) | Private Arrival/Departure Transfer US$ 265 (up to 6
passengers)
Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration, collect your
bags, pass through Customs, and then proceed to the Arrivals Hall.
Please turn on your cell phone when exiting the airplane so that
the service company can contact you – please send us in advance your cell
number.
For departure transfers your driver will be waiting for you in the
lobby of the hotel, holding a sign with your name on it.
Pick up for return transfer will be 4 hours prior to flight
departure time.
VIP Arrival Escort Service & Transfer US$ 370
(up to 2 passengers):
This service operates from the plane, where you will be greeted on
landing at the end of the flight sleeve. A representative will escort you all
the way through passport control, luggage collection, directly to the awaiting
car transfer which will take you to your hotel.
For further details please contact the conference secretariat ssiem2023@ortra.com or +972-3-6384444.
Cancellation Policy
For alterations of reservations or any other invoiced item an administrative charge of 100 NIS will be charged. Alternative participants are readily accepted for an administrative fee of 100 NIS.
Refund of payments made towards registration will be refunded if written notification reaches the Symposium Secretariat, Ortra Ltd. ssiem2023@ortra.com as follows:
Cancellation received within 14 days from the date of registration (unless registration was made during the 7 days prior to the Symposium) – Full refund, excluding 100 NIS handling fees.
If cancellation received 15 days or more from the date of registration refund will be made as follows:
- Until June 26, 2023 – Full refund with deduction of 100 NIS handling fee
- From June 27, 2023 – 50% refund
- From July 27, 2023 – No refund.