How to Get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem

Bethlehem is a historic city that features the birth of Jesus in the Bible, which makes it a must-see destination during your stay in Israel. It is located approximately thirty minutes from Jerusalem, but it all depends on the means of transportation you use. There are many ways to get there from the Holy Land, the most recommended is to take the bus from the East Station. You can also undertake this adventure by car, cab or bicycle, with certain challenges to consider.

For example, no cars or cabs are allowed into the city, so you will have to get off at the checkpoint and complete the stretch on foot. In any case, there are cab drivers and buses that are allowed to make the connection, but you will have to transfer. If you do not 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 take care of the transfers.

A trip to Bethlehem is a must-do, especially if you want to explore the surroundings of the Holy Land. The best way to complete this stress-free adventure is to opt for the best tours from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. These allow you to enjoy an enriching experience, aboard a comfortable vehicle in which you will reach your destination in about thirty minutes. In this way, you will be able to visit historical destinations, which are portrayed in the Bible, such as:

• Church of the Nativity: it is one of the oldest Christian temples in the world, it is also a historical enclave since it is believed that Jesus was born here.
• Monastery of St. George: one of the most important monasteries in the Holy Land, dating back to the Second Temple period.

In addition, you are likely to 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 iconic site that you can ascend by cable car. On the other hand, on the Jordan River you can take advantage of a fascinating stop at the location where Jesus was baptized.

Useful information

• Price: from 66 euros. Additionally, if you decide to stop at the Mount of Temptation in Jericho the cost of the cable car is around 8 euros, while the entrance to the Old City of Jericho is around 3 euros.
• Travel time: 8 to 11 hours.
• Advantages: may include transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Disadvantages: does not usually include entrance to the Old City of Jericho, nor the cost of the cable car. Some tours only go through St. George's Monastery, but you will not have time to visit it, ask your service operator beforehand.

The most advisable option to travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem is by bus, a means of transportation that offers a fixed fare. They usually depart from the East Station and the ticket starts at 1 euro. It will take you approximately 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of security checkpoints along the way. I recommend leaving early, so that you have plenty of time to get around the city.

Lines 21 and 231 have the widest variety of schedules, most of them go directly to the destination. There are usually hourly buses, which are operated by South Buses. Frequency may vary during the Sabbath, since on weekends in Israel it is very important to respect the days of rest, so public transportation is less active. Bethlehem station is located 8 minutes from the center by bus, you can also call a cab or walk.

To travel by bus I recommend you to bring light luggage, as it is a short trip where you should only dedicate yourself to enjoy. This way, you will be able to walk through the beautiful streets of Bethlehem and visit the grotto of Jesus. You can buy online the bus ticket that goes from Jerusalem, although it is best to use the Ravkav card which is a rechargeable electronic format, which is passed through smart readers when boarding the bus. Another alternative is to register with transportation apps such as HopOn and RavKavOnline, with which you can scan the QR code on the bus and pay without hassle.

Useful information

• Price: from 1 euro.
• Travel time: between 25 and 45 minutes. Please note that there are buses that go directly to the center of Bethlehem, but they go around the checkpoint and the travel time is longer. Others make a stop at the checkpoint, where they check your documents.
• Advantages: there are different routes every hour, so you don't have to worry if you have forgotten to book in advance. In addition, you can pay with different systems that are convenient and secure.
• Disadvantages: public transportation may have delays or fewer schedule options, during the Sabbath or holidays.

If you are adventurous and want to see the roads of Bethlehem on your own, you can rent a car to get around comfortably. You will be able to choose the stops and destinations, as well as tour other cities. However, this option has a big disadvantage, since you can only go as far as the checkpoint by car. At the border checkpoint you will have to park and then take a cab or bus. Taking this into account, it is more viable to travel by bus.

Usually, at the checkpoint Israeli soldiers will ask you for your documents and you will go through a metal control. Another negative point is that some car companies do not allow travel outside Jerusalem, and insurance does not cover damages. You should consult in advance to assess whether it is worth the trip by car. Inside the city, you can get around on foot, as it is quite small.

To get to Bethlehem, you must drive northeast on HaPalmach St towards HaNasi St. I recommend activating the GPS which will show you the way step by step, as well as the less crowded roads. Most of the route 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 3 days in Jerusalem.

Useful information

• Price: from 24 euros per day, per car rental. Fuel cost is not included.
• Travel time: about half an hour.
• Advantages: you can take the opportunity to visit other cities, as well as to build 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 off at the security checkpoint and walk or take a cab.

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. Note that it is not recommended in summer, or when there are extreme weather conditions. There are almost 10 kilometers between the two cities, so bring cool clothes, comfortable shoes and plenty of water. On the route you should respect the signs and warnings, for a more enjoyable trip.

Bicycle rental in Jerusalem is around 20 euros, you must also get a permit to travel outside the city. Some tourists prefer to bring their own bicycles, some airlines such as Iberia allow bicycles on board flights. It is possible that at the border with Bethlehem you will not be allowed to enter with the bike, although not being a car is likely to pass without problems.

Useful information

• Price: from 20 euros per day, per bike rental. Make sure you have insurance in case of damage.
• Duration of the trip: about 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 insufficient experience.

If you don't want to take the bus and prefer to travel in comfort, you can take a cab from the city center. You can even arrange to be picked up from your hotel. It is a luxurious option, a little more expensive but with all the comforts and facilities you need. The price per kilometer is 1 euro, between Bethlehem and Jerusalem there are 10 kilometers, so the final cost is not as high as traveling from Jerusalem to Masada by cab.

Before leaving, make sure the taximeter is turned on. When you arrive at your destination, you will have to get off at the checkpoint, but on the Bethlehem side there are many cab drivers willing to take you into town, to make your journey easier. Some cab drivers are authorized 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 euros. Another important fact is that during the Sabbath and holidays, the service is usually more expensive.

On the way back, you can walk to the entrance to take a cab, or take one in the center to the border point and from there transfer to another cab. 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 3 days in Jerusalem I recommend you to take this option as it is comfortable and fast.

Useful information

• Price: the price per kilometer is 1 euro, one way trip can cost from 10 euros. In general, I recommend you to reserve between 40 and 50 euros for transfers, in case an emergency arises. Do not forget to check that the taximeter is turned on, to avoid overcharging.
• Journey time: about twenty-five minutes.
• Advantages: it is a comfortable and safe option, cab drivers are usually friendly and offer tours or suggestions to tourists. In addition, there are different security points along the road.
• Disadvantages: if the cab driver is not authorized to enter Bethlehem, you must get off at the checkpoint and take another cab or walk.

After evaluating all the options, definitely the most comfortable and hassle-free way to travel is by bus. You can choose between a direct connection or a quick stop at the Bethlehem checkpoint. Keep in mind that the best alternative will depend on your budget, itinerary and needs. If you want speed and independence, you can choose between a cab or car, without forgetting that it is complicated to pass directly into the city.

On the other hand, if you are an adventurous cyclist, you can opt to take a bike ride. An excursion is another way to get to know Bethlehem, as well as passing through Jericho and the site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. Additionally, for this experience it is recommended to set aside at least 3 days in Jerusalem.

• If you go on your own, in addition to the holy sites, take the opportunity to take a look at the maze of historic streets.
• Wear comfortable clothes and stay hydrated, especially if you plan to go on a tour.
• The best tours from Jerusalem offer you a variety of options, so you can get to know the surroundings of the Holy Land. Generally, you will not have to worry about transportation and you will have a guide available to provide you with relevant information at each stop.
• Respect the local culture and norms to enjoy a pleasant visit. At sacred monuments, remember to keep silent, maintain a respectful attitude and cover your head. Also, in some places such as synagogues and mosques you should wear hats or turbans, but in churches you should take them off.
• There are also pick-up services and tourist shuttles, you can ask 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 unparalleled activities here, although I don't recommend traveling on December 24 or 25.
• In case you plan to visit Jericho, you should know that there is a cable car to get to the top. Also, the tours start very early in the morning.
• Another experience not to be missed is to travel from Jerusalem to Masada, to explore the historical site where Herod built his fortress.