Contrary to popular belief, you are not obliged to book a private tour or join a group tour to visit Bethlehem. If you're on a shoestring budget and want to explore Bethlehem alone, this post is for you! Let me guide you on how to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem by public transportation.
NOTE: Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel & Palestine, we do not encourage any form of travel at this moment. Let's continue to pray and hope for peace between the two.๐๐ผ
Where is Bethlehem located?
Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, is a famous pilgrimage destination in the Holy Land. Located south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is on the Palestinian side. Visiting Bethlehem involves crossing the land border called Checkpoint 300. I wrote a separate post about it here ๐๐ผ Day Trip to Bethlehem.
In this post, I will only teach you how to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem by taking public transportation, a bus!
Several Ways to Visit Bethlehem:
There are several transportation options in Jerusalem to visit Bethlehem. You can choose according to your preference and budget as you wish. As a budget traveler, we took public transportation (by bus) which was the most convenient and affordable option among all the options.
By Public Transportation - Bus
Here are two options to choose from to reach Checkpoint 300:
- Take the light trail closest to you or your accommodation and get down at Damascus Gate. Walk to the Bus Terminal (HaNevi'im Terminal) and take Bus 234 (Rachel Barrier Bethlehem). This bus goes all the way to Checkpoint 300.
- Another option (what we did) was we take Bus 78 (from Abraham Jerusalem) and get down at Hama'abada/Hevron Road. We transferred to Bus 234 which is the same bus mentioned above.
To go back to Jerusalem from Checkpoint 300, is pretty much the same. We took the second option which is Bus 234 and got off at Hebron Road. But instead of taking Bus 78, we took Bus 74 to reach HaDavidka Square.
If you need guidance, Google Maps is reliable in sourcing directions. I used the below instructions which you can also easily follow.
By Private Taxi
A combination of comfort and you're freedom to tour Bethlehem at your own pace, taking a private taxi is another option.
However, take note that the taxi cannot go through the border. So you have to get off at Checkpoint 300, cross the border, and then take another taxi on the Palestinian side.
BEWARE: Be prepared for the aggressive taxi drivers on the Palestinian side. It's no news that they will offer you an overpriced package since you are a tourist. Negotiate accordingly, be firm, and walk away if you're not comfortable. There were lots of them even if you walked a few meters down the road.
By Tour Companies
While this is not a public transportation option, let me also include it as another option.
It is the most comfortable option among the three, but this will be the most expensive option. As a packaged tour, your transportation and a tour guide will be included. Several travel providers in Jerusalem can arrange a tour of Bethlehem which includes your transportation and a tour guide.
If you're looking for a travel provider that I can recommend, check Abraham Tours' Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem.
Transportation from Checkpoint 300 to Manger Square:
Upon crossing the border (Checkpoint 300), the only option to reach the main square and the historical sites is by taxi, unfortunately.
Well, I can walk that distance, but I don't want my friends to curse me more.:P
NOTE: As a tip from the owner of the Blessings Gift Shop in Bethlehem, the local taxi should NOT cost more than NIS 5.00 per person from Checkpoint 300 up to Manger Square (where the Church of Nativity is located). It would be the same cost to come back to Checkpoint 300.
Transportation Costs from Jerusalem to Bethlehem: Bus and Taxi
Travel costs in Israel are slightly out of my 'usual' budget to be honest. However, I'm impressed with its public transportation. It's easy to navigate and follow them.
Last but not least, setting foot in Palestine was also affordable and convenient as well. Here's how much we spent on our transportation costs from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (a combination of bus & taxi).
- Bus Cost from Abraham Jerusalem to Hebron Road - NIS 6.00 per person per way*
- Bus Cost from Hebron Road to Checkpoint 300 - NIS 6.00 per person per way*
- Taxi Cost from Checkpoint 300 to Church of Nativity (in Jerusalem) - NIS 5.00 per person (we're a group of 4)
*The amount (NIS 6.00) was according to our assumption based on the remaining balance of our Rav-Kav. The bus going back to Hebron Road cost the same but we were asked for cash instead of paying through Rav-Kav. Make sure to prepare cash as well.
That's about it! As you plan your future visit, remember to stay informed about the ongoing conflict, travel safely, and always be respectful. Ciao!
