How to reach West Bank is a common question for travelers visiting Palestine for tourism, volunteering, or study. Although there’s no airport in the West Bank itself, reaching the Palestinian cities is quite easy once you understand your travel options.
This guide explains the best ways to enter the West Bank, including flying to nearby airports, crossing borders, and using public or private transportation. Whether you are coming from Tel Aviv, Amman, or Jerusalem, you’ll find everything you need here.
How to Reach West Bank via Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv)
The easiest and most common way to reach the West Bank is to fly into Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. Most travelers from Europe, North America, and many other regions are granted a free 3-month visa on arrival.
Why choose Ben Gurion?
- It’s the closest major airport to the West Bank.
- Flights are frequent and affordable.
- From here, it takes less than two hours to reach any West Bank city.
Once you land, you can choose between shared taxis (Service) or private taxis to get to Jerusalem and then continue to Bethlehem, Hebron, or Ramallah.
From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: First Step to Reach the West Bank
After landing, exit the airport and find a shared taxi (sherut) heading to Jerusalem. These yellow vans wait outside the arrivals hall and leave once full. The ride costs around 60–70 NIS and takes 45 minutes.
From Jerusalem, you can continue to any West Bank city by bus or taxi. Here’s how:
How to Reach West Bank Cities from Jerusalem
Bethlehem – Easy & Quick (45 minutes)
- Go to the Arab Bus Station near Damascus Gate.
- Take Bus #231 to Bethlehem.
- Fare: About 7 NIS.
- You’ll pass the Checkpoint 300, which is usually quick for tourists.
Hebron – Historical & Welcoming (50 minutes)
- Take a shared taxi from Damascus Gate shouting “Al Khalil” (Hebron in Arabic).
- Fare: 25–35 NIS.
- Alternatively, go to Bethlehem and take a service taxi to Hebron (9 NIS).
Ramallah – Modern & Lively (40 minutes)
- Shared taxis to Ramallah are available from Sultan Suleiman Street, next to Damascus Gate.
- Cost: Around 10–15 NIS.
- No checkpoints are required when going from Jerusalem to Ramallah.
Nablus – Cultural Gem (90 minutes)
- Take a service taxi from Al-Bireh station in Ramallah.
- The trip costs 20–25 NIS and offers scenic views of the West Bank hills.
Private Taxi from Tel Aviv – Comfortable but Costly
Another way to reach the West Bank is by booking a private taxi from Ben Gurion Airport. This option is more expensive but faster and more comfortable.
Private Taxi Info:
- Cost: $80–$150 depending on your destination.
- Direct travel to Hebron, Bethlehem, or Ramallah.
- Ideal for late-night arrivals or group travel.
We can help arrange trusted drivers for your trip.
How to Reach West Bank via Jordan – The Allenby Bridge Route
If you’re coming from Jordan, you can enter the West Bank through the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Crossing). This method takes longer and is slightly more complex but remains a valid option.
Step-by-step:
- From Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), take a taxi to the bridge (1 hour, ~30 JDs).
- At the border, get on the foreign passport bus.
- Cross into Israeli-controlled territory (processing can take 1–3 hours).
- After security checks, take a shared taxi to Jerusalem, Ramallah, or Hebron.
Although this route is less popular, it is useful if you are already traveling in Jordan.
Can You Fly Directly to the West Bank?
Unfortunately, no. There is no airport in the West Bank today. However, the region once had its own airport in Gaza.
Yasser Arafat International Airport – A Short History
- Opened in 1998 with support from Japan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
- Located in Rafah, Gaza.
- Closed in 2001 due to Israeli attacks.
- The radar and runway were destroyed, ending Palestine’s direct international access.
Currently, travelers must reach the West Bank through Israel or Jordan.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter the West Bank?
When entering via Ben Gurion Airport, most tourists receive a B2 Israeli visa valid for 3 months. This visa allows you to travel to both Israel and the West Bank.
Important Notes:
- You’ll receive a visa slip (not a passport stamp).
- Keep it with your passport at all times.
- Show it if requested at checkpoints.
There is no separate Palestinian visa required.
Tips for Reaching and Traveling in the West Bank
Once you know how to reach West Bank, your journey becomes easier. Here are some helpful travel tips:
- Currency: Use the New Israeli Shekel (NIS).
- ATMs: Widely available in Palestinian cities.
- Shared Taxis: Known as “Service,” they are the cheapest and most reliable transport.
- Language: English is widely understood.
- Maps: Use apps or bring a guidebook like Lonely Planet.
Palestinians are known for their hospitality. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or help!
Travel Inside West Bank After You Arrive
After you reach the West Bank, you’ll find local travel to be affordable and accessible. Service taxis connect all major cities.
- Hebron to Bethlehem: 9 NIS (40 mins)
- Ramallah to Nablus: 25 NIS (1 hour)
- Jericho to Ramallah: 20 NIS (45 mins)
Each city offers a unique cultural and historical experience.