Airport transfers, booked before you fly

Why pre-book an airport transfer

The main appeal is certainty. With a pre-booked transfer the price is agreed before you leave home, rather than running on a meter through unfamiliar traffic. You also know exactly where you are going and who is taking you, which matters when you do not speak the local language.

With many bookings the driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. That is especially welcome at big, busy airports and on late arrivals. Plenty of flights from Ben Gurion land at their destination late at night or in the early hours, when trains and buses may be sparse or not running at all.

What to check before you book

A low price is only one part of a good transfer deal. Before paying on the partner's site, go through these points:

• Flight number: add it to the booking so the driver can track delays, and check how much waiting time is included.
• Vehicle size: count passengers and bags. Families with strollers, ski gear or large suitcases usually need a bigger car or a minivan.
• Child seats: normally requested in advance, and sometimes charged as an extra.
• Private or shared: a private transfer goes straight to you, while a shared shuttle may stop at several hotels on the way.
• Cancellation and changes: when you can cancel, and what happens if your flight is cancelled.

How booking works through our partners

Deals on this page come from partners that specialise in pre-booked transfers, such as Kiwitaxi, GetTransfer and Intui.travel. When a deal suits you, click through to the partner's site, enter your flight details and address, choose a vehicle and pay there. The booking, payment and customer support are handled by the partner under its own terms.

Prices are set by the partner and can change until you book, so the final figure is the one shown at checkout. A deal you see now may close within hours, so if your dates are fixed it is often worth acting sooner rather than later.

Tips for travellers from Israel

Save your voucher and the driver's or company's contact details offline, as a screenshot or PDF on your phone. When you land, mobile data or airport Wi-Fi may not be working yet, and that is exactly when you need the number.

It is also worth comparing with public transport. Some destinations have a direct train or airport shuttle into the centre that can be cheaper, particularly for a couple travelling light. But at 2 a.m. with three kids and a pile of suitcases, a pre-booked ride is usually the easier choice. Remember to arrange the return trip to the airport too, either in the same booking or separately.