West Bank: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

The West Bank territory is one of the earth's most historically significant places, saturated with dozens of monumental landmarks and holy sites.

No visit to Israel is complete without a thorough exploration or day trip to the West Bank from Jerusalem and visits to religious icons like the Jordan River, Bethlehem and Jericho.

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

How to get to the West Bank from Jerusalem?

The west bank is north of Jerusalem and you will cross through a checkpoint to enter the region.

From Jerusalem to the West Bank by car

It is possible to drive to the West Bank and most tourists cross through the Qalandia checkpoint. It is only 20 minutes from Jerusalem’s new city and you will drive along Route 50 to the checkpoint.

Guided tour to the West Bank from Jerusalem

The easiest way to experience the West Bank is with a guided tour. The political nuances of the regions can make planning your own trip stressful, so opt for a tour option to make your visit worry-free.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to the West Bank starts in Jerusalem’s new city. Meet your tour guide and set off towards the unofficial capital of the region, Ramallah. Here you will walk around the bustling streets of a Palestinian city and see the tomb of revered leader Yasser Arafat.

You will then descend upon the oldest city in the world, Jericho, to see where civilization trad deep footprints and gaze up at the Mount of Temptation where Jesus resisted the temptations of the Devil. Further follow in his footsteps to Qasr-el-Yahud, the baptismal site of Jesus in the Jordan River.

The last location on your West Bank day tour is Bethlehem. The Nativity Church and a walk through the old city are some of the highlights you can look forward to. You will also visit the Separation Wall, where Banksy has left his mark.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the West Bank?

Day tours to the West Bank come in all shapes and sizes, helping you have the most comfortable and convenient experience for your travel style.

Guided tours to the West Bank from Jerusalem

Standard guided tours to the West Bank are the easiest way to visit significant locations in the region. You will see places where history has unfolded for centuries, shaping the world as we know it.

Everything from Bethlehem to Yasser Arafat's tomb is included and you will travel in comfort as your tour guide will transport you in an air-conditioned coach. Some tours also stop for lunch and leisure time in the bustling streets of Palestinian cities.

Day trip to the West Bank plus Hebron from Jerusalem

This comprehensive day tour offers a dual perspective on the political climate of the West Bank. The tour visits the divided city of Hebron and takes you to both the Jewish and Muslim sides of the city to meet people and learn about the two sides of the same coin.

The tour departs from Jerusalem, but uses public transportation to reach Hebron. Your guides will help you purchase bus and tram tickets and this tour includes important insight from both an Israeli and Palestinian guide.

Day tour to the West Bank plus Bethlehem and the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

This West Bank day trip is the best of both worlds, with a historic tour and a relaxing day at the beach. Your guide will take you on an informative tour through Bethlehem before transporting you to the healing waters of the Dead Sea.

Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and enjoy a few hours of leisure time to lounge, relax, have lunch and feel the healing powers of the fourth saltiest body of water in the world.

How much does a day trip to the West Bank from Jerusalem cost?

The most affordable tour is a visit to the Dead Sea along with a trip to Bethlehem, costing about US$90 per person. This includes transportation, a guide in Bethlehem and entry to the Dead Sea, but lunch is not provided.

A visit to the southern West Bank and Hebron is roughly US$115 per person, however transportation and lunch are not included. You pay for the bus and tram upon arrival.

A comprehensive day tour of the West Bank costs US$150 per person, which includes lunch and transportation.

What will you see and do?

There are several significant places of interest on a day trip to the West Bank, covering both religious and political aspects of life in the region:

Bethlehem

Bethlehem has long been regarded as one of the holiest places in many religions. You will embark on a walking tour through this ancient city and visit the Nativity Church, which stands on the site where Jesus was supposedly born.

You will also visit a more recent emblematic site, the Separation Wall, to learn about the more recent divides in the region.

Jericho

This captivating city is the oldest city in the world that is still inhabited today. Many biblical events centered around this ancient location, including the 7-day march of the Israelites and the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was said to have defeated the Devil.

Qasr al Yahud

The West Bank quite literally sits on the western bank of the Jordan River. You will visit Qasr al Yahud, also known as Al-Maghtas, to see where Jesus walked down to the water to be baptized by John the Baptist.

Many pilgrims still make their way down the marble steps to do the same, while others observe this holy tradition from the banks.

When is the best time to visit the West Bank?

The best time for a day tour of the West Bank is spring and autumn. These seasons are dry and warm. Summer is the driest time, but it can get too hot for some to enjoy.

Rain picks up from November to March, but there are many significant religious holidays during these months, which can make for an extraordinary experience in the West Bank.

Travel tips

• Wear modest clothing. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.
• Bring your passport to cross over into the West Bank.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot on this full-day adventure.
• Bring along snacks, water, sunscreen and a hat.