If you’ve got a layover in Beer-sheba, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BEV. The city, in Israel, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of BEV:
- Can you legally enter Israel? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Local Bus / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the ILS. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Spend Your Time in Beer-sheba
For a layover visit to Beer-sheba, we’d suggest Abraham’s Well International Visitors Center and Tel Be’er Sheva National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BEV, you can spend time at Main Terminal Waiting Area or try Pilot’s Corner Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Beer-sheba Layover
For food in Beer-sheba, local travelers recommend HaBank (The Bank Restaurant). If you have time for a second stop, Pastory is another popular pick.
Back at BEV, Terminal Coffee & Snack Bar is the go-to. Automated Vending Zone rounds out your in-terminal options.
Getting from BEV to Beer-sheba
From BEV, the Local Bus / Taxi gets you to Beer-sheba in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Beer-sheba might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$12 USD
- A meal: ~$23 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$45 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Beer-sheba, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage at BEV
Dedicated luggage storage at BEV may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Beer-sheba’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
WiFi at BEV should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Israel and you’re good to go.
Sleep & Lounge Options at BEV
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at BEV.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Beer-sheba count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BEV. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.