Book Flights to Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem — the only city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam simultaneously — is one of the world's most profound and complex destinations: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock stand within a kilometre of each other in the UNESCO World Heritage Old City, embodying 3,000 years of continuous religious significance. The city has no dedicated international airport; fly into Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV), 60 km away, and transfer to Jerusalem by road.
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) is served by El Al (nonstop from New York, LA, and Chicago), British Airways (London LHR), Air France (Paris), KLM (Amsterdam), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), and Emirates (Dubai). FareOptic compares all fares to find the cheapest flights to Jerusalem.
Cheap Flight Deals to Jerusalem (via Tel Aviv TLV)
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Jerusalem?
Jerusalem contains the holiest sites of three world religions, 5,000 years of continuous urban history, the world's most important Holocaust memorial, and one of the Middle East's finest markets — all within a compact, walkable Old City that delivers an intensity of experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Old City of Jerusalem
The World's Most Sacred Square Kilometre — UNESCO World Heritage SiteJerusalem's Old City — a 0.9 km² walled enclosure containing the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam within four quarters (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Armenian) — is the most historically and spiritually significant urban space in the world. The Western Wall (Judaism's holiest accessible site), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christianity's holiest site, built over the site of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection), and the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam's third holiest site, on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif) coexist within walking distance. The city has been continuously inhabited for 5,000 years.
The Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif
The Temple Mount (Jewish name) or Haram al-Sharif ('Noble Sanctuary' in Arabic) — a 37-acre platform built by Herod the Great (37–4 BC) over the ruins of the First Temple — is the most contested and contested piece of real estate in the world: the site of the First and Second Jewish Temples, the Dome of the Rock (built 691 AD, the world's oldest surviving Islamic monument), and Al-Aqsa Mosque (completed 705 AD). It is governed by the Jordanian Waqf (Islamic trust) under Israeli security control
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Christianity's Most Sacred Church — Built Over Golgotha and the Empty TombThe Church of the Holy Sepulchre — built by Emperor Constantine I from 326 AD over the sites of Jesus's crucifixion (Golgotha/Calvary), burial, and resurrection — is Christianity's holiest church and the destination of Christian pilgrimage since the 4th century. The church is jointly administered (uneasily) by six Christian denominations: Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic (Franciscan), Armenian Apostolic, Coptic, Ethiopian, and Syriac Orthodox — a 'Status Quo' arrangement unchanged since 1757. The Aedicule (shrine enclosing the Tomb of Jesus) was most recently restored in 2017.
The Status Quo
The Status Quo governing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — a set of arrangements for shared custody of the church's various sites by the six Christian denominations — dates from 1757 (confirmed by the Ottoman firman of 1852). Under the Status Quo, the position of every lamp, curtain, and pew is legally fixed; moving any item constitutes an assertion of ownership and causes diplomatic incidents. The church's doorkey has been held by the Muslim Joudeh family since Saladin entrusted it to them in 1187
Western Wall (Kotel)
Judaism's Holiest Accessible Site — 2,000 Years of PrayerThe Western Wall (Kotel HaMaaravi) — the surviving western retaining wall of the platform built by Herod the Great for the Second Temple (destroyed 70 AD by Rome) — is Judaism's holiest accessible prayer site and the destination of Jewish pilgrimage for 2,000 years. The plaza in front of the Wall (an open-air synagogue) is divided into male and female sections; visitors of all faiths may approach the wall, place prayer notes in its crevices, and witness the continuous prayer that occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Western Wall Tunnels
The Western Wall Tunnels — an archaeological excavation running underground along the full length of the Western Wall (488 metres, revealing the wall's original height of 32 metres, far taller than the exposed plaza section) — offer the most remarkable archaeological experience in Jerusalem: walking at the base of Herod's original temple platform, passing the Foundation Stone (the base of the Holy of Holies), and emerging in the Muslim Quarter above
Yad Vashem
The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre — Israel's Most Important MemorialYad Vashem — Israel's official Holocaust memorial and museum on Mount Herzl, west Jerusalem — is the world's most comprehensive Holocaust documentation centre and one of the most powerful museum experiences in the world: the Holocaust History Museum (designed by Moshe Safdie, 2005) presents the history of the Holocaust through personal testimonies, artefacts, photographs, and documents; the Children's Memorial (a dark chamber of 1.5 million candles reflected in mirrors — one for each child murdered) is one of the most moving memorial spaces ever created.
The Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations
Yad Vashem's Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations — lined with trees planted in honour of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust (Raoul Wallenberg, Oskar Schindler, Irena Sendler, and over 28,000 others) — is one of the world's most powerful commemorative landscapes. Each honouree has a personal file documenting their acts; the programme is ongoing, with new honourees recognised each year
Mahane Yehuda Market
Jerusalem's Most Vibrant Market — Food, Culture, and NightlifeMahane Yehuda Market (the 'Shuk') — Jerusalem's main covered market in the western (Israeli) part of the city — is the finest market in Israel: 250 stalls selling fresh produce, spices, Yemenite pastries, Persian rice dishes, Georgian bread (khachapuri), fresh-pressed pomegranate juice, halvah, and Israeli street food. On Thursday and Friday (before Shabbat) the market reaches peak intensity. After dark on weekends, the market transforms into one of Jerusalem's liveliest nightlife areas, with bars and restaurants opening in the former stalls.
The Pre-Shabbat Friday Rush
The Mahane Yehuda Market on Friday afternoon — the hours before Shabbat begins at sunset — is one of the great urban market experiences in the world: the entire city converges on the Shuk to buy for the Shabbat table, prices are called out by vendors, stalls overflow with fresh challah, wine, fish, and vegetables, and the atmosphere combines urgency and festivity in a way that defines Jerusalem's weekly rhythm
How to Find Cheap Flights to Jerusalem
Book Well Ahead for Jewish Holidays — Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Sukkot Peak Hard
Jerusalem's busiest periods are Jewish holidays (Passover in April, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur in September–October, Sukkot in October) and Christian Easter/Christmas, when demand for flights and hotels spikes dramatically. Book 3–5 months ahead for these periods. Avoid Yom Kippur for arrival — all transport stops and restaurants close for 25 hours.
El Al Offers the Only Direct US–Israel Nonstops — Compare Against Connecting Fares
El Al operates the only nonstop flights from the US to Israel: New York JFK (11 hours), Los Angeles LAX (13 hours), Miami, Chicago, and Boston. United and Delta also operate nonstops from select US cities seasonally. Connecting via European hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) is often cheaper but adds 4–6 hours. Compare total journey time and cost carefully.
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Is 60 km from Jerusalem — Budget an Hour Transfer
There is no direct rail link from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem. The Rail to Bus service (train to Tel Aviv + Express Bus 480 to Jerusalem) takes 1.5 hours total for approximately ₪40 (€10). Sherut (shared taxi) takes 1 hour and costs approximately ₪70 (€18). Private taxi is 50–60 minutes and costs ₪250–350 (€65–90). Budget adequate transfer time when connecting to Jerusalem.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October) Are the Best Times to Visit
Jerusalem's climate is Mediterranean with elevation: 800 metres above sea level means pleasant temperatures year-round (cooler than Tel Aviv). March–May is ideal: wildflowers, comfortable walking temperatures (15–22°C), and Easter/Passover atmosphere. September–October is excellent post-summer. July–August is hot (28–32°C) and very crowded. December–February is cool (5–12°C) with occasional snow on the Old City — extraordinarily beautiful.
Airlines Flying to Tel Aviv for Jerusalem (TLV)
El Al Israel Airlines
Israel's Flag Carrier — Direct Flights from New York, LA, and Major CitiesEl Al — Israel's national airline, operating from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) — is the primary carrier for North American travellers to Israel: nonstop from New York JFK (11 hours), Los Angeles LAX (13 hours), Miami, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal. El Al is also the only airline that maintains full security screening at the gate for all passengers regardless of origin — making it consistently rated among the world's safest airlines. El Al's SkyMiles programme earns miles on Delta and other partners.
Key Routes
New York JFK (nonstop, daily), Los Angeles LAX (nonstop), Miami, Chicago, Boston nonstop; nonstop to London, Paris, Rome, and major European cities
British Airways & Lufthansa
Premium European Connections to Tel Aviv for JerusalemBritish Airways operates London Heathrow (LHR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) with multiple daily flights — the most popular European routing for UK travellers to Jerusalem. Lufthansa connects Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to TLV. Both airlines offer business class options and frequent flyer earning. London–Tel Aviv is the most competitive international route to Israel, with British Airways, El Al, and easyJet all competing on price and service.
Key Routes
London LHR via British Airways (multiple daily); Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC via Lufthansa; competitive pricing against El Al
Air France, KLM & Emirates
French, Dutch, and Gulf Hub Connections to JerusalemAir France connects Paris CDG to Tel Aviv TLV with multiple daily flights; KLM connects Amsterdam AMS. Both enable SkyTeam global connections from North America and beyond. Emirates connects Dubai DXB to TLV — a service with historic significance given the UAE–Israel Abraham Accords (2020) that normalised relations and opened direct flights. The Dubai–Tel Aviv route enabled new tourism and business connections.
Key Routes
Paris CDG via Air France (multiple daily); Amsterdam AMS via KLM; Dubai DXB via Emirates (post-Abraham Accords 2020)
Things to Do in Jerusalem
Important Information Before You Fly to Jerusalem
Currency
New Israeli Shekel (₪) — 1 USD ≈ 3.7 ₪ approx.
Language
Hebrew and Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time Zone
IST (UTC+2) / IDT (UTC+3) in summer
Country Code
+972 (Israel)
Gateway Airport
TLV — Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (60 km from Jerusalem)
US Entry
No visa required for US citizens; valid passport needed
Power Plugs
Type H (unique Israeli 3-pin) — 230V / 50Hz; bring universal adaptor
Emergency Number
100 (Police) / 101 (Magen David Adom ambulance) / 102 (Fire)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Jerusalem
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Jerusalem, Israel
Which airport serves Jerusalem?
Jerusalem has no airport of its own. The nearest international airport is Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located 60 km from Jerusalem (approximately 1 hour by road). Transfer options include the Sherut shared taxi (₪70, ~1 hour), Rail+Bus (Rakevet to Tel Aviv + Bus 480, ~1.5 hours, ₪40), or private taxi (₪250–350, ~50 minutes). Book flights to TLV for Jerusalem.
What airlines fly to Tel Aviv for Jerusalem?
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) is served by El Al (from New York, LA, Miami, Chicago, London, Paris and more), British Airways (London LHR), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), Air France (Paris), KLM (Amsterdam), Emirates (Dubai), United Airlines (Newark, seasonal nonstop), Delta (Atlanta, seasonal nonstop), ITA Airways (Rome), and many other European carriers.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Jerusalem / Israel?
No — US citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel for stays up to 90 days. A valid US passport is required. Israel uses the New Israeli Shekel (₪). Note: Israeli border security may ask detailed questions about travel purpose and history; travellers who have visited certain Arab countries may face additional screening. Israel uses 230V / Type H sockets (unique 3-pin triangular); a universal adaptor is needed.
Is Jerusalem safe for tourists?
The Old City and main tourist areas of Jerusalem are generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply in crowded markets and religious sites. The security situation can change — check current UK/US government travel advisories before travel. Security is visible and extensive throughout Jerusalem, particularly around religious sites. Avoid politically sensitive areas and large protests. The Old City is safe for independent exploration during daylight hours.
What is the best time to visit Jerusalem?
March–May for wildflowers, pleasant temperatures (15–22°C), Easter and Passover atmosphere, and manageable crowds. September–October for post-summer warmth (22–28°C) and the High Holy Days atmosphere. December–January for the extraordinary possibility of snow on the Old City (rare but magical), Christmas at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the fewest tourists. Avoid July–August: hottest, most crowded, most expensive.
Can non-Muslims visit the Temple Mount / Dome of the Rock?
Non-Muslims may visit the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif) as visitors during limited hours (typically Sunday–Thursday, 7:30–11am and 1:30–2:30pm; hours change seasonally and on Islamic holidays). Non-Muslims cannot enter the Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa Mosque interiors but may view them from the plaza. Entry is from the Mughrabi Gate (Dung Gate side). Dress modestly; women must cover hair. The Mount is sometimes closed without notice during security incidents or prayer times.
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