Bethlehem: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

With deep religious roots, Bethlehem is a fascinating city that you should include on your bucket list if you're visiting Jerusalem.

Thought to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ by Christians worldwide, Bethlehem is brimming with ancient churches and biblical monuments.

These intriguing landmarks have a long-standing history dating back to the life and times of Christ. Book a day trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem if you’re interested in following in Jesus’ footsteps.

Here's all you need to know about Bethlehem, one of the most exciting day trips from Jerusalem.

How to get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem?

Bethlehem is located in the Central West Bank of Palestine. It is just 10 kilometers from Jerusalem and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

From Jerusalem to Bethlehem by car

The journey to Bethlehem takes approximately 20 minutes by car and follows Route 60 traveling south of Jerusalem to the town.

From Jerusalem to Bethlehem by public transport

To make the short jaunt to Bethlehem by public transport, you’ll catch the direct bus Line 234 from Damascus Gate. The journey takes less than 20 minutes and the bus service operates frequently.

Guided tour to Bethlehem from Jerusalem

Alternatively, you can opt for a guided excursion to Bethlehem. On these tours, you may visit additional sights in Israel or Palestine that are steeped in ancient history. These trips last between 5 and 9 hours, and leave the city around 8 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

Beginning your day trip to Bethlehem in Jerusalem, you may travel to a central location of the city in order to meet your tour guide. Alternatively, you might benefit from a complimentary hotel pickup service.

Either way, you’ll be able to see the starting point of your excursion before booking. From there, you’ll travel the short distance to Bethlehem, in search of biblical monuments.

Upon arrival in the town, you’ll visit a myriad of landmarks, including the Church of the Nativity — one of the most visited locations in Palestine.

Other attractions in this holy city are the Church of St. Catherine, the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field and the Milk Grotto. Once you’ve discovered the delights of this historic town, you’ll move on to your next location.

Depending on the day trip you select, this may be the 11,000-year-old city of Jordan or the Dead Sea. Visit holy sites, natural phenomena and archaeological ruins before returning to Jerusalem where your Bethlehem day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Bethlehem?

There are a multitude of Bethlehem day tours to choose from.

Whether you’re only interested in visiting the birthplace of Jesus, wish to explore the ancient ruins of Jericho or bathe in the saline waters of the Dead Sea, you’ll find an excursion to suit your tastes.

Half-day guided tour to Bethlehem from Jerusalem

On a half-day trip to Bethlehem, you’ll journey to the holy destination alongside a knowledgeable guide.

Once you arrive in this world-famous town, you’ll tour the Church of the Nativity, where Mother Mary is thought to have given birth to the Son of God. Wander through Manger Square and the Church of St. Catherine, and learn about their associations with Jesus.

Before returning to Jerusalem, you’ll visit the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field where the Bible states that humble shepherds were approached by angels announcing the birth of Jesus.

Day trip to Bethlehem plus the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

On this Bethlehem day tour, you’ll explore all of the main highlights of the city, including the Church of the Nativity. The Church of St. Catherine, Milk Grotto and Church of the Shepherd’s Field are all points of interest on this excursion.

Learn about the history and Christian beliefs behind each landmark before journeying to the Dead Sea. Here, you can relax in its mineral-rich waters and float on the surface effortlessly while enjoying scenic views of the Jordan Rift Valley.

Day tour to Bethlehem plus Jericho and the Jordan River from Jerusalem

On this excursion, you’ll delve into the history of each of Bethlehem’s iconic landmarks before visiting an olive wood factory. Here, you’ll see intricate carvings handmade by artisans right before your very eyes.

Journey to the oldest city in the world — Jericho — in order to peruse its ancient architecture and archaeological finds, including early settlements from 9,000 B.C.

Watch pilgrims be baptized in the same spot as Jesus, along the Jordan River, before returning to Jerusalem.

How much does a day trip to Bethlehem from Jerusalem cost?

A half-day trip to Bethlehem is the most budget-friendly way to see Christ’s birthplace. These tours usually cost around US$50 per person and include a guide, as well as entrance fees.

Alternatively, book a Bethlehem day tour that journeys to Jericho and the Jordan River for between US$80 and US$110 per person.

If you opt for a tour that includes the Dead Sea, you’ll pay US$90 per person.

What will you see and do?

Church of the Nativity

The original Church of the Nativity is a 4th-century chapel in Bethlehem, thought to be built upon the cave in which Mother Mary gave birth. The place of worship was originally commissioned by Constantine I at his mother Helena’s request.

Helena, later dubbed a saint, was known for erecting churches at locations that directly linked to Jesus’ life. During the 6th century, the church was destroyed, likely by the fires of the Samaritan revolts, and was subsequently rebuilt.

Since then, there have been many repairs and changes made to the church, however, its bones remain largely the same as when it was built almost 1,500 years ago.

Before the Church of the Nativity was constructed, the site was used as a place of worship for Adonis — the lover of Aphrodite. The doorway to the Church of the Nativity is abnormally small, measuring just 1.2 meters high.

This was altered in the 16th century to drive away looters, and visitors must stoop in order to enter the sacred place.

Stepping inside the chapel, visitors on a day tour to Bethlehem can pay their respects to Christ and his mother at the silver star marking the spot of his arrival on earth. The site is listed by UNESCO for its religious and historical significance

Church of St. Catherine

The Church of St. Catherine was built in the 4th century and venerates the teen who was brutally murdered. This chapel was then updated in the 6th century with a larger church.

Catherine is known to be the patron saint of young girls, students, philosophers and those who work with wheels. Aged 14, Catherine claimed to be visited by Jesus, who informed her of her upcoming martyrdom.

At the tender age of 18, this vision came to life as Catherine was killed after challenging the emperor over his persecution of Christians. The emperor Maxentius ordered her to be tortured and killed on a spiked wheel.

When Catherine touched the wheel, it is said to have broken. She was then beheaded instead.

Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field

Unlike many of the ancient religious monuments in Bethlehem, the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field was built in the 20th century.

Before it was constructed, archaeologists found historical evidence of human habitation in the caves, which now form the church. This supported their notion that the area was inhabited by a small group of shepherds in the 1st century B.C.

The church was built upon the spot where it is thought that angels appeared before the shepherds to inform them of the birth of Christ. These servants of God also directed the shepherds toward the cave where Mother Mary gave birth.

When is the best time to visit Bethlehem?

The best time to plan a day trip to Bethlehem is in the lead-up to Christmas, when the town comes alive with parades, carol singing and festive church services.

Alternatively, head to the birthplace of Christ between March and May for pleasant conditions, and fewer tourists.

Are there any tours to Bethlehem from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Israel:

• Day Trips to Bethlehem from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Dress conservatively on your Bethlehem day trip, covering your knees and shoulders to respect the local customs.
• Avoid visiting Bethlehem during the peak of the tourist season — July and August — and opt for a quieter month to enjoy the holy landmarks in peace.
• Avoid planning your day trip on a Saturday, when many businesses are closed, following the Jewish custom of Shabbat.
• Respect those who are worshipping in the many churches of Bethlehem by avoiding using flash photography and speaking in hushed tones.