The easiest way to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem is on a guided day tour, because Bethlehem sits just south of the city in the West Bank and you cross an Israeli checkpoint to get there. You can also go on your own by Palestinian bus, or by taxi to the checkpoint and a local taxi on the other side. Either way, bring your passport, dress modestly for the churches and check official travel advisories before you go.
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Our guides run trips from Jerusalem to Bethlehem every week. This guide covers what we tell our own guests: how the crossing works, who cannot enter, what to see and which tour fits your plans.
Bethlehem from Jerusalem at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Just south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank, in an area run by the Palestinian Authority (Area A) |
| How long to spend | Half a day for the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. A full day if you add Jerusalem's Old City. |
| Best time | Weekday mornings, and spring or autumn for mild weather. December is busiest. |
| How to get there | Guided tour with hotel pickup, Palestinian bus from near Damascus Gate, or taxi to the checkpoint |
| What it costs | See tour prices below. Church entry has traditionally been free, but rules can change. |
| Documents | Your passport, which you show at the checkpoint on the way back |
| Who cannot enter | Israeli citizens, under Israeli law (see below) |
| Booking tip | Book early for December and Easter. Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. |
How to get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem
You have three realistic ways to reach Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Which one is best depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are handling a checkpoint on your own.
Option 1: A guided Bethlehem tour
Most of our guests choose a guided Bethlehem tour. You get picked up at your hotel, someone else handles the checkpoint, and you do not waste time finding taxis. Because Israeli guides generally cannot enter Bethlehem, tours usually hand you over to a licensed local Palestinian guide for the Bethlehem part of the day. We confirm exactly how this works when you book.
The big advantage is time. A full-day tour lets you see Bethlehem and the key sites of Jerusalem's Old City in one day, which is hard to do on your own.
Option 2: Palestinian bus from East Jerusalem
Palestinian buses leave from the bus station near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem. Some routes take you into Bethlehem, while others stop near the main checkpoint. Route numbers and schedules can change, so ask at the station which bus goes closest to Manger Square.
Carry cash in shekels for the fare. On the way back, you may be asked to get off the bus and walk through the checkpoint with your passport.
Option 3: Taxi to the checkpoint, then a local taxi
Most Israeli taxis will not drive into Bethlehem. A common approach is to take a taxi to the checkpoint, walk through, and pick up a Palestinian taxi on the other side. Drivers wait there and will offer a full tour. Agree on the price and the stops before you get in.
Can you drive a rental car?
We do not recommend it. Many Israeli rental agreements do not cover Palestinian Authority areas, so check your contract and insurance carefully. Parking near Manger Square is also tight.
Crossing the checkpoint from Jerusalem to Bethlehem
The main pedestrian crossing is Checkpoint 300, also called Rachel's Crossing, at the northern entrance to Bethlehem. Tour vehicles may use a different road crossing. Going in is usually quick. Coming back, Israeli security checks your passport, and there can be a queue.
Very early mornings are busy with Palestinian workers crossing toward Jerusalem. If you go on your own, aim for mid-morning or later. Near the crossing you will see the separation barrier, a tall concrete wall covered in murals and graffiti. Many visitors stop to look and take photos.
Stay calm and polite, keep your passport handy and follow instructions. Rules and opening times at crossings can change with little notice.
Important note for Israeli citizens
Israeli law bars Israeli citizens from entering Area A, which includes Bethlehem. Red signs at the entrances state this. As we understand it, the rule is based on citizenship, so it can apply to dual nationals even if they travel on a foreign passport.
If anyone in your group holds Israeli citizenship, message us before you book. We will tell you what is possible at the time and suggest other options, such as our best Jerusalem tours compared by local guides.
What to see when you visit Bethlehem
When you visit Bethlehem, most of the key sites sit in or near the old center around Manger Square. For deeper background, read our complete guide to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.
Church of the Nativity
This is the reason most people make the trip. The church is built over the grotto that Christian tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus, and it is one of the oldest working churches in the world. It is listed by UNESCO as part of the Birthplace of Jesus World Heritage Site.
You enter through the low Door of Humility, so you will need to bend down. Inside, steps lead down to the Grotto of the Nativity, where a silver star marks the traditional spot. Lines can be long at busy times. Our Church of the Nativity visitor guide explains what to look for and how to time your visit.
St Catherine's Church
The Catholic church right next door is where the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is held. Its cloister and courtyard are quieter than the main basilica, and a good spot to rest for a few minutes.
Manger Square and Star Street
Manger Square is the open plaza in front of the church. Star Street, the traditional route into town, runs uphill through the old quarter with small shops and stone houses.
Milk Grotto
A short walk from the square, this small chapel is carved from soft white rock. Tradition links it to the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.
Shepherds' Field in Beit Sahour
Just east of Bethlehem, this is where tradition places the angels' announcement to the shepherds. It is easier to reach by car or on a tour than on foot.
Olive wood workshops
Bethlehem is known for hand-carved olive wood. Many families have run workshops for generations, and buying here supports the local Christian community. Prices are often open to friendly bargaining.
Is it safe to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem?
In normal periods, tourists travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem every day, and the area around the Church of the Nativity is used to visitors. However, the situation in the West Bank can change quickly. Crossings can close and tours can be paused or rerouted at short notice.
At the time of writing in November 2026, our advice is to stay conservative. Check your own government's advisory before you travel, such as the US State Department page for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Check it again a day or two before your trip.
Our team follows conditions every day. If a tour cannot run safely, we contact you. Day tours also have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time, which gives you room to adjust.
Best time to go and how long to spend
Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable weather for walking. Summer days are hot, so start early. Winter can be cool and rainy, and our guide on winter weather in Jerusalem explains what to pack.
December is the busiest month. Western churches celebrate on December 24 and 25, Orthodox churches around January 6 and 7, and the Armenian church in January. If you want to be there for Christmas, read our local guide to Christmas in Bethlehem and Midnight Mass.
On any day, morning is the best time to reach the grotto before tour groups pile up. Services can limit access to parts of the church, so be flexible. Most guests find half a day in Bethlehem is enough for the main sites.
Practical tips from our guides
- Bring your passport. You need it at the checkpoint, especially on the way back.
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees for the churches. A light scarf is useful.
- Carry shekels. The Israeli shekel is the everyday currency in Bethlehem. Small bills help in shops and taxis.
- Wear good shoes. Streets are hilly and the stone can be slippery.
- Be quiet in the grotto. It is an active place of prayer. Follow any rules on photos.
- Watch the Sabbath. Israeli public transport stops on Friday evening and Saturday, though East Jerusalem buses usually keep running.
Bethlehem tour options from Jerusalem compared
These are the trips we run most often to Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Prices are current at the time of writing and can change.
| Tour | Best for | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem and Bethlehem group day tour | First-time visitors who want both cities in one day with pickup in Tel Aviv, Herzliya or Jerusalem | Full day | from $106 per adult |
| Private Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour with your own guide | Families and small groups who want their own pace and car | Full day | from $792 per group |
| Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass in Bethlehem tour | Pilgrims who want to be in Bethlehem on December 24 | Full day | from $125 per adult |
| Christian Jerusalem and Bethlehem 2 day tour | Christian travelers who want more time at holy sites | 2 days | from $317 per adult |
| Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho 2 day tour | Travelers who also want the Jordan River baptism site | 2 days | from $317 per adult |
| Christian Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho 2 day tour | Bible readers who want three biblical cities with one guide | 2 days | from $332 per adult |
Keep in mind that 2-day tours include a hotel night, and tours with hotels are non-refundable. If you are building a longer pilgrimage, our Holy Land tour planning guide shows how Bethlehem fits with the Galilee.
Planning your visit in 2027
If you are planning Bethlehem from Jerusalem 2027 trips now, start with your dates. December and Easter fill first, so book those weeks early. Tour prices, church hours and checkpoint rules on this page are current at the time of writing and can change, so confirm them with us close to your trip.
Staying in Tel Aviv? Our guide to getting from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem helps you plan the first leg, or you can pick a tour with Tel Aviv pickup. You can also add the Dead Sea or Masada on a 2-day trip. Browse more ideas in our travel guide hub.
Tours that include Bethlehem From Jerusalem
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
Christmas Eve in Jerusalem and Midnight Mass in Bethlehem TourFrom $125View tour
Private Jerusalem and Bethlehem TourFrom $792 per groupView tour
Private Bethlehem and Jericho TourFrom $999 per groupView tour
Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Dead Sea 2 Day TourFrom $317View tour
Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho 2 Day TourFrom $317View tour
Christian Jerusalem and Bethlehem 2 Day TourFrom $317View tourFrequently asked questions about Bethlehem from Jerusalem
How long does it take to get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem?
The drive itself is short, because Bethlehem borders Jerusalem's southern edge. The real variables are city traffic and the queue at the checkpoint. Allow extra time on the way back.
Can you visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem without a tour?
Yes. Many travelers take a Palestinian bus from near Damascus Gate, or a taxi to the checkpoint and a local taxi beyond it. A tour saves time and handles the crossing for you.
Do I need a passport to go to Bethlehem?
Yes. Carry your passport and the entry slip you received on arrival in Israel. Israeli security checks documents at the checkpoint, especially when you return.
Can Israeli citizens visit Bethlehem?
No. Israeli law bars Israeli citizens from entering Area A, which includes Bethlehem, and this can apply to dual nationals. Message us before booking if anyone in your group is Israeli.
How much does a Bethlehem tour cost?
Our Jerusalem and Bethlehem group tour starts from $106 per adult, and the private version starts from $792 per group. Two-day options start from $317 per adult. Prices are current at the time of writing and can change.
What is the dress code for the Church of the Nativity?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid very short shorts and sleeveless tops. Comfortable shoes help on the steps down to the grotto.
What is the best time to visit Bethlehem?
Spring and autumn offer the best weather, and weekday mornings have shorter lines at the grotto. Christmas is special but very crowded, so book early if you want to be there in December.
Is a day trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem worth it?
For most Christian visitors, yes. Standing in the Grotto of the Nativity is a highlight of any Holy Land trip. Pairing it with Jerusalem's Old City makes a full and meaningful day.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
BethlehemChristmas in Bethlehem 2027: A Local Guide to Midnight Mass, Manger Square and Christmas Eve Tours from JerusalemRead the guide →
BethlehemChurch of the Nativity, Bethlehem: A Complete Visitor GuideRead the guide →
BethlehemBethlehem: The Complete Guide to the Birthplace of JesusRead the guide →Plan your trip
Ready to see where the Christmas story began? Our Jerusalem and Bethlehem day tour is the simplest way to do it, with pickup, the checkpoint handled and both cities in one day. For more ideas, visit our Bethlehem tours and guides page.
Have a question about dates, Christmas or the Israeli citizen rule? Message our team on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. A real person from our office will answer and help you pick the right day.
Cover photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons