Photo: Arab Bus Station in Damascus Gate
By Bus 234
If you are coming from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and you have to make your own way, you have to take bus number 234 from the Arab bus station in Damascus Gate in Jerusalem (Called Bab el-‘Amoud in Arabic). This bus goes to Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint as the last station. (Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint also known as Bethlehem Checkpoint, Bethlehem Crossing or Rachel’s Tomb Crossing).
The bus runs almost every 5-10 minutes and it takes about 30 minutes to Bethlehem 300 checkpoint and it cost 5.5 Shekels per person per way. (Only Shekels in cash is accepted)
How far Jerusalem to Bethlehem?
The distance is 8 km and it takes 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus number 234 to arrive to Bethlehem. If you take Beit Jala bus number 231, it takes about 45 minutes to Bethlehem.
How much is the bus from Jerusalem to Bethlehem?
Bus number 234 or 231 costs 5.5 Shekels per way and you pay the driver directly.
Do I need a passport to go to Bethlehem?
All travelers are legally allowed to visit Bethlehem and you must have your passports with you to travel back to Jerusalem.
Can I enter Bethlehem with my rental car?
Yes, but the car insurance does not cover you in Bethlehem or any other Palestinian area. It’s recommended to check with your car rental company in advance.

Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint / Crossing point
Assuming you are on bus 234, you will arrive
The moment you cross the apartheid wall, you are on Bethlehem’s side. You will arrive
If you are visiting Bethlehem on your own without a tour guide, it’s up to you to take a taxi or walk to the old city of Bethlehem (It’s about 2km away from the checkpoint). The taxi cost is 20 NIS to the Nativity Church.
Important Note
If you booked your tour with us, The meeting point is at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint so take bus number 234 unless if other place is specified when you contact us.
Checkpoint 300 Bethlehem Entrance
A Second Option is Bus 231
A second option to visit Bethlehem from Jerusalem is to take bus number 231 from the same bus station in Jerusalem. This bus is a longer route and will end at Bab Zqaq Bus Stop in the center of Bethlehem and it cost 5.5 Shekels per person per way. (Only Shekel in cash is accepted)
If You Have A Rental Car
If you have a rental car and you are driving to Bethlehem Checkpoint, there is an open area on the street side where you can park your car (see photo below). It’s not official parking but just an empty space and it’s free of charge. However, sometimes, some guys there might take advantage and ask tourists to pay for parking fees claiming they are responsible for this parking, so in this case, I would suggest you pay no more than 20 Shekels just to avoid any possible troubles. Another parking is available to the left side of the road that leads to Bethlehem for cars (See the photo above) but this parking might not always be available).
If you prefer to park your car in official parking, I recommend crossing the Checkpoint in your rental car and parking it on Bethlehem’s side. If your tour is booked with us, then, of course, we will be in touch and discuss this so as to make it easy for you where to park and how to get there.
Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint Parking Area
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