A long layover in Tel-aviv is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sde Dov Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 20 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SDV:
First, verify that you can enter Israel — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Bus takes about 20 minutes into Tel-aviv, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — ILS is the currency here. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From SDV, the Bus gets you to Tel-aviv in around 20 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 40 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Tel-aviv, budget roughly $48 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $25 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $13 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
How to Spend Your Time in Tel-aviv
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Tel-aviv, two standouts are:
- Old Jaffa (Yafo) — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Rothschild Boulevard — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SDV, check out Dan Lounge or James Richardson Duty Free to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan) and Miznon Rothschild are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Tel-aviv.
- At the airport: Arcaffe and Aroma Espresso Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Bag Storage Near SDV
Luggage storage options at SDV can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Tel-aviv for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SDV for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Tel-aviv or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at SDV
Long overnight layover? Your options at SDV include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Israel also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Tel-aviv exploring the streets or relaxing at SDV, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.