How to Fly To Palestine? Although a visit to the beautiful, historic country of Palestine is a trip that will last long in your memory, the journey may require a certain level of patience. As with many things in Palestine, getting there is not always simple, but luckily, you can take at least a few different travel routes.
This article will discuss the practicalities of reaching the West Bank. We will inform you about the traveling time, costs, and procedures involved, recommend routes, and explain the benefits and disadvantages of each option.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide to Accessing/Flying Palestine (West Bank)
| How to fly to Hebron, West Bank? | Ben Gurion International Airport |
| The difficult way to get to Hebron | Via Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport |
| Visa to the West Bank | Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you must get a 3-month visa |
| Palestinian ID card-holders must use | Via Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport |
| It is around 2 hours to the major cities in the West Bank | Time to get to the West Bank from Tel Aviv airport |
| Tel Aviv Airport to Hebron (Private Taxi) | It is around 2 hours to the major cities in the West Bank |
Palestinian Airports
Unfortunately, Palestine does not have an airport. Although the Yasser Arafat International Airport opened in Gaza (near the Egyptian border) on the 24th of November 1998, it was closed two years later on the 8th of October 2000, when the second intifada (uprising) began. Subsequently, The Gaza International Airport, as it was named at that time, was destroyed by the Israeli forces, ensuring that Palestine no longer possesses an operating airport in its territory. This means it is not currently possible to get a direct flight to the West Bank, Palestine.
However, three small Palestinian airlines still operate out of a local airport in Egypt.
No Civilian Airports Within the West Bank
There are no civilian airports within the West Bank, and the nearest major public airport is Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion. From Ben Gurion Airport, it is possible to take a 50-minute taxi or shuttle ride to Jerusalem, and from Jerusalem, to then continue onto major West Bank cities, including Bethlehem, Hebron, Salfeet, Tubas, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem, and Ramallah. This option is the most popular way of reaching the West Bank.
However, Palestinian ID cardholders cannot travel to Israel or the Palestinian Authority through Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli government requires you to fly to Amman, Jordan, and enter via the Allenby Bridge border crossing near Jericho.
Where do I Fly to Palestine as a Tourist?
1. The Easiest Way: Fly to Ben-Gurion Airport
The most accessible option is to fly to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. From there, you can travel to Jerusalem via a shared or private taxi, which will take you to the Palestinian side upon request.
Once there, you can take a public bus from Jerusalem to the Arab central bus terminal. Here, you can catch a connecting bus to any other major Palestinian city like Bethlehem or Hebron; although they run frequently, they tend only to depart when full.
We will share how to travel to the Volunteer in Palestine center from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel to alleviate any uncertainties. Again, the method is simple: take a bus from the airport to Jerusalem and then a (shared) taxi to Hebron.
A. Getting shekels
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, go to one of the many accessible ATMs and get shekels for your journey to Hebron. This is exceptionally important, as cash is necessary when traveling in the West Bank.
B. Leave the airport and go to Jerusalem by private or shared taxi
After using the ATM, depart the airport and locate a taxi to take you to Jerusalem. Many taxis are parked outside the airport, and although a private taxi is an option, we strongly suggest a shared taxi (sherut in Hebrew). These huge vans are parked outside the airport and are the quickest and cheapest route to Jerusalem. Ask the driver to drop you off at Damascus Gate.
C. Damascus Gate in Jerusalem
The journey to Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate costs about USD 20 via the sherut option. Remember that these vehicles do not depart until fully stocked, so although you may have to wait, it is rarely extended. Once at Damascus Gate, the driver will ask for payment.
The Arab bus terminal is visible from Damascus Gate. A parking area is next to the terminal, where you can find a route directly to Hebron. As you walk around the buses to the parking lot, you’ll hear “Al Khalil!”—Arabic for Hebron. When you locate the white van, inform the driver you want to travel to Al Hussein School.
Volunteer in Palestine is immediately next to Al Hussein Mosque, across from the Al Hussein School. The shared taxi from Damascus Gate to Hebron’s Volunteer in Palestine costs 25 shekels. After you pay the driver, head to Volunteer in Palestine, as we will enthusiastically anticipate your arrival.
An alternative is not to get off at Damascus Gate but to ride the sherut from Ben Gurion Airport until it ends in the city center. From here, you can hire a private taxi to Volunteer in Palestine for little more than ten shekels.
D. Bethlehem Checkpoint
However, if you decide to arrive via Bethlehem, the bus will drop you off in front of checkpoint Bethlehem 300. Upon leaving the checkpoint, there is a taxi stand on the opposite side of the road (less than a five-minute walk), where you can hail a private taxi to take you to Hebron for about 50-60 shekels (do not pay more).
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can also take a shared taxi (service), which will cost less. Remember to tell the driver to drop you off at the Stadium on Ein Sara Street in Hebron (in Arabic: al-Khalil, el Malab fi sharaa Ein Sara).
Private Pick up from Tel Aviv
Alternatively, if you do not wish to do the above, we can arrange a private taxi to pick you up from Tel Aviv airport and drop you off directly at Volunteer in Palestine for USD 170. This is the easiest and fastest way to get there (it takes about an hour and a half). Please get in touch with the center if you’re interested.
2. The Difficult Way: Fly to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport
This is the most challenging route to get to Hebron. If you’ve decided to come via Jordan, take a taxi (about 30-35 Jordanian Dinar, [$40-USD 50]) from Amman’s Queen Alia Airport to the Jordanian-Israeli border, where you can access the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.
Located in the picturesque southern Jordan Valley, 57 km from Amman, the bridge is open Sunday through Thursday between 08:00 and 23:00. Passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal by 20:00 at the latest in case of delays. Furthermore, the Friday and Saturday border is open from 08:00-15:00, and you should take care not to arrive at the terminal later than 13:00. Note that when there are Jewish holidays (and on the evenings of Jewish holidays), the border is only open from 08:00-13:30. For the most recent updated information, click here.
Jordan to Palestine via IsDue to intensive inspection,l
Extended travel from Jordan to Palestine may take several hours at the Allenby/King Hussein B. From the checkpoints, you can get shared or private transportation to any city in Israel. However, please do not encourage traveling to Palestine over the Allenby(Israeli)/King Hussein (Jordanian) Burage. This is because it is uncertain whether anyone will speak English at any of the three border crossing sites in Palestine.
Queen Alia Airport to Allenby/King Hussein Bridge
The journey from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (Israeli checkpoint) takes around one hour and costs approximately 30-35 Jordanian Dinars (around 40-50 USD).
When you arrive at the Israeli checkpoint, remember you must request a foreign passport checkpoint if you hold a foreign passport.
Arriving in Israel
you arrive in Israel, collect your luggage,e, follow the crowd, or inquire about where your suitcase may be tagged for examination. You will then have to go through border and passport control and wait for your data to be validated. Furthermore, your passport may be detained variously for reasons that the Israeli border guards are unlikely to explain. We advise you not to ask questions and to be patient since this procedure can take hours.
Allenby/King Hussein bridge to the West Bank cities or Jerusalem
After crossing the Israeli checkpoint, multiple taxis will be ready to transport you to Jerusal. Still, if you want to go to other West Bank communities (including Hebron), you may need a bus ride to the Palestinian border. Upon arriving at the border, several taxis will drive you to any Palestinian city you want, however be sure to pre-agree the fare before you enter. For guidance, a shared taxi from the Palestinian border to Nablus costs around 50 shekels, and to Hebron or Ramallah, 55 shekels.
While getting to Hebron via Jordan is more complex, it does allow travelers to see more of the country and experience the daily life of the Palestinian inhabitants. However, prepare yourself for long waits and insecurity!
How Should an International Visitor Handle Israeli Checkpoints?
The Israeli checkpoints were explicitly built for Palestinians and not for international visitors, which indicates that there should be no hindrance or impediment to your passage. Generally, however, you will be requested to show your passport and Israeli visa at various points during your journey.
For example, Israeli checkpoints may be situated in strategic locations. It is important to note that internal checkpoints only exist in the West Bank and not in Gaza. In the West Bank, there are two kinds of checkpoints:
1. Internal Israeli Checkpoints
Internal checkpoints are checkpoints and barriers placed on roads, sometimes found at the entrances and exits to and from villages and towns throughout the West Bank. Some of these checkpoints are permanently guarded, others on occasion. They prevent movement between communities that are located near each other, create obstacles in accessing the West Bank’s main roads, and are also often positioned near settler colonies, or areas declared nature reserves (and thus beyond limits for Palestinians).
2. Flying’ Israeli Checkpoints
These Israeli checkpoints are set up suddenly in different locations at the wish of the Israeli Forces, often according to the ‘security’ situation or as unexplained collective punishment. These checkpoints can include an army jeep blocking a side road, spikes being spread across the entrances of villages, and giant concrete blocks installed to slow drivers down on the road.
Final Word
Although these extensive guidelines may seem intimidating, remember that the people you encounter on your trip will be exceedingly friendly and willing to assist! canle to speak some English, and they are often excited to enjoy the company of an international visitor while giving them a great view of their hometown.
What is our recommendation? Accept the thrill of the voyage and all the companions you’ll meet along the way!
Useful Information
Palestine’s currency is the Israeli shekel. Getting it in the UK is not as simple as getting Euros or US dollars, so prepare and acquire some cash before entering the country. This will be essential for paying for taxis or buses to your desired location. There are few cash outlets, especially for UK bank accounts. (Remember, there are ATMs at Ben Gurion Airport)
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
