How to Get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem

Bethlehem is a historic town that features the birth of Jesus in the Bible, making it a must-see destination during your stay in Israel. It's about 30 minutes from Jerusalem, but it all depends on your mode of transport. There are many ways to get there from the Holy Land, the best way being by bus from the East Station. You can also embark on this adventure by car, taxi or bicycle, with certain challenges to consider.

For example, no cars or taxis are allowed into the city, so you'll have to get off at the checkpoint and complete the section on foot. However, there are taxi drivers and buses that are allowed to make the connection, but you will have to transfer. If you don't want to worry about these details, you can also opt for the best tours from Jerusalem. This way, you can take advantage of a complete itinerary and take the hassle out of transfers.

A trip to Bethlehem is a must-do, especially if you want to explore the area around 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 that will get you to 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.
• St. George's Monastery: 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, the Mount of Temptation, where the devil is believed to have tempted Jesus to abandon God. It's a sacred and iconic site that you can take a cable car up. Alternatively, on the Jordan River you can take advantage of a fascinating stop at the location where Jesus was baptised.

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 fee to the Old City of Jericho is around 3 euros.
• Travel time: 8-11 hours.
• Advantages: can 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 pass through St George's Monastery, but you won't have time to tour it - ask your tour operator beforehand.

The best way to travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem is by bus, a fixed-fare mode of transport. Buses generally depart from the East Station and fares start at 1 euro. It takes approximately 25-45 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.

Buses 21 and 231 have the most varied schedules, most of them going directly to the destination. Buses generally run hourly, and are operated by South Buses. Frequency may vary during the Sabbath, as on weekends in Israel it is very important to respect days of rest, so public transport is less active. Bethlehem station is located 8 minutes from the centre by bus, you can also take a taxi or walk.

For bus travel I recommend you take light luggage, as it is a short trip where you just have to enjoy yourself. This way, you will be able to walk through the beautiful streets of Bethlehem and visit the grotto of Jesus. You can buy your bus ticket from Jerusalem online, although it's best to use the Ravkav card, which is a rechargeable electronic card that you swipe through smart readers as you board the bus. Alternatively, you can register with transport apps such as HopOn and RavKavOnline, which allow you to scan the QR code on the bus and pay without hassle.

Useful information

• Price: from 1 euro.
• Journey time: between 25 and 45 minutes. Please note that some buses go straight to the centre of Bethlehem, but go around the checkpoint and the journey time is longer. Others 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 forgot to book in advance. In addition, you can pay with different systems that are convenient and secure.
• Disadvantages: Public transport may have delays or fewer schedule options during the Sabbath or public holidays.

If you're adventurous and want to explore Bethlehem's roads on your own, you can rent a car to get around in comfort. You can choose your own stops and destinations, as well as travel through other towns. However, there is a major drawback to this option, as you can only drive as far as the checkpoint. At the border checkpoint you will have to park and then take a taxi or bus. With this in mind, it is more viable to travel by bus.

At the checkpoint, Israeli soldiers will usually ask for your documents and you will go through a metal check. On the downside, some car companies will not allow you to travel outside Jerusalem, and insurance does not cover damage. You should check in advance to see if it's worth the trip by car. Within 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 show you the way step by step, as well as the less busy roads. Most of the drive is along Hebron Rd, whose desert landscapes will not leave you indifferent. Overall, I recommend this trip if you plan to spend at least 3 days in Jerusalem.

Useful information for travelers

• Price: from 24 euros per day, per rental car. Fuel costs are 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'll have to get off 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. Note that it is not recommended in summer, or in extreme weather conditions. There are almost 10 kilometres 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 pleasant journey.

Bicycle rental in Jerusalem costs around 20 euros, and you must also obtain a permit to travel outside the city. Some tourists prefer to bring their own bicycles, and some airlines such as Iberia allow bicycles on board their flights. At the border with Bethlehem you may not be allowed to enter with your bike, although as it's not a car it's likely to pass without a problem.

Useful information

• Price: from 20 euros per day, per bike rental. Make sure you have insurance in case of damage.
• Journeytime: 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 insufficient 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 comfort and facilities you need. The price per kilometre is 1 euro, between Bethlehem and Jerusalem is 10 kilometres, so the final cost is not as high as the cost of travelling from Jerusalem to Masada by taxi.

Before you set off, make sure the meter is on. When you arrive at your destination, you will have to get off at the checkpoint, but on the Bethlehem side there are plenty of taxi drivers willing to take you into town 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 hourly rate is at least 20 euros. Another important fact 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 point and transfer to another taxi. You can also return by bus, if you want to combine the trip to try both experiences. Overall, if you want to enjoy at least 3 days in Jerusalem I recommend taking this option as it is comfortable and quick.

Useful information

• Price: the price per kilometre 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 of emergencies. Don't forget to check that the taximeter is on, to avoid overcharging.
• Journeytime: around 25 minutes.
• Advantages: it is a comfortable and safe option, taxi drivers are usually friendly and offer routes or suggestions to tourists. In addition, there are several security checkpoints along the road.
• Disadvantages: If the taxi driver is not authorised to enter Bethlehem, you must get off at the checkpoint and take another taxi or walk.

After evaluating all the options, the most comfortable and hassle-free way to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem 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 taxi or a car, not forgetting that it is difficult to get straight into the city.

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're on your own, in addition to the holy sites, take the opportunity to check out 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 a variety of options, so you can get to know your way around the Holy Land. Generally, you won't have to worry about transportation and you'll have a guide available to provide you with relevant information at each stop.
• Respect local culture and norms for an enjoyable visit. At sacred monuments, remember to keep quiet, 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 remove them.
• There are also pick-up and drop-off services for tourists, ask your hotel for availability.
• If you're looking for things to do in Jerusalem at Christmas, you can make the most of a quick trip to the land of Jesus' birth. There are magical tours and activities here that are second to none, although I don't recommend travelling on the 24th or 25th of December itself.
• In case you plan to visit Jericho, you should know that there is a cable car to get to the top. Tours start very early in the morning.
• Another experience not to be missed is a trip from Jerusalem to Masada, to explore the historic site where Herod built his fortress.