Contrary to popular belief, you are not obliged to join a tour company to visit Bethlehem. So if you're in Jerusalem and wanted to visit Bethlehem at your own pace, you can do so by Bus! Read this post and learn how to do it at your own pace!
JERUSALEM to Bethlehem:
Technically, there are several transportation options in Jerusalem for you to reach Bethlehem. However, Jerusalem to Bethlehem by Bus seems the most convenient and affordable option (at least for me). In this post are instructions on how to do it. But if that isn't to your liking, you will see some options below as well.
By Bus or Public Transportation
Thanks to the wonderful location of Abraham Jerusalem Hostel, a bus heading to Hebron Road stops at the bus stop right in front of the property. The bus doesn't take you straight to Checkpoint 300 though (which is the closest border to both Jerusalem and Bethlehem) though but still a convenient way to pursue the day trip.
Here are two options to choose from to reach Checkpoint 300:
- Take the light trail closest to you/accommodation and alight at Damascus Gate. Walk towards the Bus Terminal across the street (HaNevi'im Terminal) and take the Bus 234 (Rachel Barrier Bethlehem). This bus goes all the way to Checkpoint 300.
- From Abraham Jerusalem, we took Bus 78 and alight at Hama'abada/Hevron Road. Then we transferred to Bus 234 which is the same bus mentioned above.
In order to go back to Jerusalem from Checkpoint 300, is pretty much the same. We took the second option which is Bus 234 and getting off at Hebron Road. But instead of taking Bus 78, we took Bus 74 to reach HaDavidka Square.
Fret not either as Google Maps is pretty reliable on sourcing directions. Check below screenshots from Google Maps which I've used during our trip.
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. There are lots of taxis on the Palestinian side, but boy they sure are aggressive as f*ck. The word aggressive is an understatement. Just step outside the border and you will see them right away and then you can start negotiating.
By Tour Companies
While this is not a public transportation option, let me also include it here as another option. It is the most comfortable option among the three, but this will be the most expensive option too. As a packaged tour, your transportation and a tour guide will be included. There are different travel providers in Jerusalem who can arrange a tour to Bethlehem. And in case you're looking for a travel provider that I can recommend, check Abraham Tours' Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem.
from Checkpoint 300 to MANGER SQUARE:
When you crossed Checkpoint 300 (the border), the only option to reach the main square and the historical sites are by taxi, unfortunately.
BEWARE: As mentioned above, taxi drivers on the Palestinian side are aggressive. But you have no other choice but to deal with them for you to reach Manger Square. As a tip from the locals (owner of the Blessings Gift Shop), 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 should be the same cost coming back as well.
Cost FROM JERUSALEM TO BETHLEHEM BY BUS AND TAXI:
Travel cost in Israel is slightly out of my 'usual' budget but the good thing is, the public transportation is surprisingly good. You don't need to shell out hundreds of bucks just to set foot in Palestine as well. Sharing how much we've spent, here you go:
- 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 bus cost NIS 6.00 is according to our assumption based on the remaining balance of our Rav-Kav. The bus cost going back is the same except that the bus from Checkpoint 300 asked for cash instead of Rav-Kav payment. So have cash ready as well.
And that's about this post and now you know how to go to Bethlehem from Jerusalem by Public Transportation! Check also my Day Trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem Post to know what to expect!
