How to Get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem

Bethlehem is a historic city that plays a central role in the birth of Jesus in the Bible, making it an essential destination during your visit to Israel. It is located approximately thirty minutes from Jerusalem, but this will depend on your mode of transport. There are many ways to get there from the Holy Land, but the most recommended is to take the bus from the East Station. You can also embark on this adventure by car, taxi or bicycle, with certain challenges to consider.

For example, cars and taxis are not allowed into the city, so you will have to get off at the checkpoint and complete the journey on foot. In any case, there are taxi drivers and buses that are authorised to make the connection, but you will have to change vehicles. If you don't want to worry about these details, you can also opt for the best excursions from Jerusalem. This way, you can take advantage of a complete itinerary and solve the issue of transfers.

A trip to Bethlehem is a great plan that you can't miss, especially if you want to explore the surroundings of the Holy Land. The best way to complete this adventure without stress is to opt for the best excursions from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. These allow you to enjoy an enriching experience aboard a comfortable vehicle that will take you to your destination in around thirty minutes. This way, you can visit historical destinations that are portrayed in the Bible, such as:

• Church of the Nativity: one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, it is also a historic site as it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
• St. George's Monastery: one of the most important monasteries in the Holy Land, dating back to the Second Temple period.

You will also probably make quick stops in Jericho. For example, at the Mount of Temptation, where it is believed that the devil tempted Jesus to abandon God. It is a sacred and emblematic place that you can reach by cable car. On the other hand, at the Jordan River, you can enjoy a fascinating stop at the location where Jesus was baptised.

Useful information

• Price: from £66. Additionally, if you decide to stop at the Mount of Temptation in Jericho, the cable car costs around £8, while admission to the Old City of Jericho is around £3.
• Duration of the trip: between 8 and 11 hours.
• Advantages: may include transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Disadvantages: does not usually include admission to the Old City of Jericho or the cost of the cable car. Some tours only pass by St. George's Monastery, but you will not have time to visit it, so please check with your tour operator in advance.

The best way to travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem is by bus, which offers a fixed fare. Buses usually depart from the Eastern Bus Station and tickets cost from £1. The journey takes approximately 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of security checks along the way. I recommend leaving early so that you have plenty of time to explore the city.

Lines 21 and 231 have the most frequent schedules, and most go directly to your destination. Buses usually run every hour and are operated by South Buses. Frequency may vary during the Sabbath, as weekends in Israel are very important days of rest, so public transport is less active. The Bethlehem station is located 8 minutes from the centre by bus. You can also take a taxi or walk.

If you are travelling by bus, I recommend travelling light, as it is a short trip where you should just focus on enjoying yourself. This way, you can explore the beautiful streets of Bethlehem and visit the Grotto of the Holy Family. You can buy your bus ticket from Jerusalem online, although it is best to use the Ravkav card, which is a rechargeable electronic card that you scan on the bus when you board. Another option is to register with transport apps such as HopOn and RavKavOnline, which allow you to scan the QR code on the bus and pay without any hassle.

Useful information

• Price: from £1.
• Journey time: between 25 and 45 minutes. Please note that some buses go directly to the centre of Bethlehem, but they go around the checkpoint, which makes the journey longer. Others stop at the checkpoint, where your documents will be checked.
• Advantages: there are different routes every hour, so you don't have to worry if you forget to book in advance. You can also pay using a variety of convenient and secure payment methods.
• Disadvantages: public transport may be delayed or have fewer options during the Sabbath or on public holidays.

If you are adventurous and want to explore the roads of Bethlehem on your own, you can rent a car to get around comfortably. You can choose your stops and destinations, as well as visit other cities. However, this option has a major drawback, as you can only get as far as the checkpoint by car. At the border checkpoint, you will have to park and then take a taxi or bus. With this in mind, it is more feasible to travel by bus.

At the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers will usually ask for your documentation and you will go through a metal detector. Another negative point is that some car companies do not allow trips outside Jerusalem, and insurance does not cover damage. You should check in advance to assess whether it is worth making the trip by car. Once inside the city, you can get around on foot, as it is quite small.

To get to Bethlehem, drive northeast on HaPalmach St towards HaNasi St. I recommend activating your GPS, which will give you step-by-step directions and show you the least congested roads. Most of the journey is along Hebron Rd, whose desert landscapes will not leave you indifferent. In general, I recommend this trip if you plan to spend at least three days in Jerusalem.

Useful information

• Price: from £24 per day for car hire. Fuel not included.
• Journey time: around half an hour.
• Advantages: you can take advantage of visiting other cities and tailor the itinerary to your liking. In addition, you can return to Jerusalem whenever you want, without depending on the bus or a group.
• Disadvantages: cars are not allowed at the border with Bethlehem, so you will have to get out at the security checkpoint and walk or take a taxi.

Cyclists enjoy new adventures, so they may find the road between Bethlehem and Jerusalem appealing. The route is short and pleasant, making it the perfect getaway. Please note that it is not recommended in summer or when weather conditions are extreme. The distance between the two cities is almost 10 kilometres, so bring cool clothing, comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Follow the signs and warnings along the route to ensure a pleasant journey.

Bicycle rental in Jerusalem costs around £20, and you must also obtain a permit to travel outside the city. Some tourists prefer to bring their own bikes, and certain airlines, such as Iberia, allow bikes on board. You may not be allowed to enter with your bike at the border with Bethlehem, although as it is not a car, you will probably be able to pass without any problems.

Useful information

• Price: from £20 per day for bike hire. Make sure you have insurance in case of damage.
• Journey time: around forty minutes.
• Advantages: you can enjoy the desert landscapes of the road between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for people with health problems or who do not have sufficient experience.

If you don't want to take the bus and prefer to travel in comfort, you can take a taxi from the city centre. You can even arrange to be picked up from your hotel. This is a luxurious option, a little more expensive but with all the comforts and amenities you need. The price per kilometre is £1, and the distance between Bethlehem and Jerusalem is 10 kilometres, so the final cost is not as high as travelling from Jerusalem to Masada by taxi.

Before setting off, make sure the meter is turned on. When you arrive at your destination, you will need to get out at the checkpoint, but on the Bethlehem side there are many taxi drivers willing to take you to the city to make your journey easier. Some taxi drivers are authorised to cross the border, which is an advantage you should take advantage of. If they have to wait for you, the price per hour is at least £20. Another important thing to note is that during the Sabbath and on public holidays, the service is usually more expensive.

On the way back, you can walk to the entrance to take a taxi, or take one in the centre to the border crossing and then change to another taxi. You can also return by bus if you want to combine the trip to try both experiences. In general, if you want to enjoy at least three days in Jerusalem, I recommend this option as it is convenient and fast.

Useful information

• Price: the price per kilometre is 1 euro, and a one-way trip can cost from 10 euros. In general, I recommend setting aside between 40 and 50 euros for transfers, in case of any emergencies. Don't forget to check that the meter is running to avoid being overcharged.
• Journey time: around twenty-five minutes.
• Advantages: it is a comfortable and safe option, taxi drivers are usually friendly and offer tours or suggestions to tourists. In addition, there are various security checkpoints along the road.
• Disadvantages: if the taxi driver is not authorised to enter Bethlehem, you will have to get out at the checkpoint and take another taxi or walk.

After evaluating all the options, the most comfortable and hassle-free option is definitely the bus. You can choose between a direct connection or a quick stop at the Bethlehem checkpoint. Keep in mind that the best option will depend on your budget, itinerary and needs. If you want speed and independence, you can choose between a taxi or car, but keep in mind that it is difficult to get directly to the city.

On the other hand, if you are an adventurous cyclist, you can opt for a bike ride. An excursion is another way to see Bethlehem, as well as pass through Jericho and the site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. Additionally, for this experience, we recommend setting aside at least 3 days in Jerusalem.

• If you are travelling on your own, in addition to the holy sites, take the opportunity to explore the labyrinthine historic streets.
• Wear comfortable clothing and stay hydrated, especially if you plan on going on an excursion.
• The best excursions from Jerusalem offer a variety of options so you can explore the surroundings of the Holy Land. Generally, you won't have to worry about transportation and you'll have a guide at your disposal who will provide you with relevant information at each stop.
• Respect the local culture and customs to ensure you have an enjoyable visit. Remember to remain silent, behave respectfully and cover your head at sacred monuments. In addition, in some places, such as synagogues and mosques, you must wear hats or turbans, but you must remove them in churches.
• There are also pick-up and tourist transport services available. Ask at your hotel for availability.
• If you are looking for things to do in Jerusalem at Christmas, you can take advantage of a quick getaway to the land where Jesus was born. There are magical tours and unique activities, although I do not recommend travelling on 24th or 25th December itself.
• If you plan to visit Jericho, you should know that there is a cable car to take you to the top. In addition, tours start very early.
• Another experience not to be missed is travelling from Jerusalem to Masada to explore the historic site where Herod built his fortress.