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, there are at least a few different travel routes you can take.

In this article we will discuss the practicalities of reaching the West Bank. From informing you about the travelling time as well as the costs and procedures involved, we’ll also recommend routes and give you the argued benefits and disadvantages of each option offered.

Quick Guide to accessing/flying Palestine (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 November 1998, it was closed just two years later on the 8th 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.

Note however, that all Palestinian ID card-holders 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 located nearby Jericho.

Where do I fly to Palestine as a tourist?

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 major bus terminal. Here, you will be able to catch a connecting bus to any other major Palestinian city like Bethlehem or Hebron and although they run frequently, they tend to only depart when full.

To reassure you, we will share with you how to travel to the Excellence Center from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Again, the method is simple as you will take a bus from the airport to Jerusalem and then a (shared) taxi to Hebron.

1. Getting shekels Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, go to one of the many accessible ATMs located in the airport and get shekels for your journey to Hebron. This is exceptionally important as cash is a necessity when travelling in the West Bank.
   
2. 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. You will find many taxis outside the airport and even though a private taxi is an option, we strongly suggest a shared taxi (sherut in Hebrew). This is because these huge vans will be parked outside the airport and are the quickest and cheapest route to Jerusalem. Ask the driver to drop you off at Damascus Gate.

• Damascus Gate in Jerusalem

The journey to Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate costs about $20 USD via the sherut option. Keep in mind that these vehicles do not depart until fully stocked so although you may have to wait, it is rarely for a long time. Once at Damascus Gate, the driver will ask for payment.

The Arab bus terminal is plainly visible from Damascus Gate. There is a parking area next to the terminal where you may locate a route directly to Hebron. Walk around the buses to the parking lot and you’ll hear “Al Khalil!” being shouted; this is Arabic for Hebron. When you locate the white van, inform the driver you want to travel to Al Hussein School. 

The Excellence Center is immediately next to Al Hussein Mosque which is across from the Al Hussein School. The shared taxi from Damascus Gate to Hebron’s Excellence Center costs 25 shekels. After you complete the payment to the driver, head to the Excellence Center, as we will enthusiastically anticipate your arrival.

An alternative is to not 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 for little more than ten shekels to the Excellence Center. 

• 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 will be able to hail a private taxi to take you to Hebron for about 50-60 shekels (do not pay more).

However, if you’re looking for the cheaper option, you can also take the shared taxi (serv) which will cost less. Remember to tell the driver to drop you off in front of the Stadium on Ein Sara Street in Hebron (in Arabic: al-Khalil, el Malab fi sharaa Ein Sara).

• Private

Alternatively, if you do not wish to do any of the above, we can organise a private taxi to pick you up from Tel Aviv airport and drop you off directly at The Excellence Center for $160 USD. This is by far the easiest and fastest way (about an hour and a half) to get to us. Please contact the center if you’re interested.

The Difficult Way: Fly to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport

This is the most difficult route to get to Hebron. If you’ve decided to come via Jordan, take a taxi (about 30-35 Jordanian Dinar, [$40-$50 USD]) 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 the hours of 08:00-23:00. Passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal by 20:00 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 Israel

The travel from Jordan into Palestine is lengthier and may take several hours at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge due to intensive inspection. To travel to any city in Israel, you can get a shared or private taxi from the checkpoint, however traveling to Palestine over the Allenby(Israeli)/King Hussein (Jordanian) Bridge is not something we encourage. This is because it is uncertain that anyone will speak English at any of the three border crossing sites into Palestine.

1. 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 that if you hold a foreign passport, you must request the foreign passport checkpoint.

• Arriving in Israel

Once you’ve arrived in Israel, collect your luggage and either 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 as well as wait for your data to be validated. Furthermore, your passport may be detained for a variety of reasons, and 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 Jerusalem, but if you are looking 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 difficult, 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 built specifically 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 on 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:

• Internal checkpoints: These 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 nearby settler-colonies or areas declared nature reserves (and thus beyond limits for Palestinians).

• ‘Flying’ checkpoints: These 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 a bit intimidating, you should remember that the people you encounter on your trip will be exceedingly friendly and willing to assist! Most are able to speak some English and they are often excited to enjoy the company of an international visitor while also 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: Palestine’s current currency is the Israeli shekel. These are not as simple to get in the UK as Euros or US dollars, so prepare ahead of time and acquire some cash before entering the country. This will be essential for paying taxis or buses to your desired location. Cash outlets are few, especially for UK bank accounts. (Remember, there are ATMs at Ben Gurion Airport).

Learn some Arabic: Before you arrive, it is a good idea to learn some basic Arabic words and phrases such as ‘hi!‘ (ahlan/ marhaba/ salaam), ‘how are you?’ (kayf halek/ik?), ‘may you assist me?‘(fiik tsee3edne) and so on. This knowledge could really be convenient as a tourist, for example when asking for directions. Learn Arabic for left and right, and make a list of any addresses you need to visit before traveling to Palestine (in Arabic as well as English if possible).

Dress code: If you dress modestly and are polite, you will be more likely to get assistance if you need it.

Useful links

Updates on Israeli checkpoints to Palestine, the West Bank: Please refer to this website for information (which is subject to change). Please refer to this website for information on updates on the Allenby/King Hussein bridge checkpoint.

Procedure for entry and residence for UK citizens: Please visit the website below to check the procedure and residence of foreigners in The Occupied Palestinian Territories.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/the-occupied-palestinian-territories/entry-requirements

Dress code: Please visit this article for information about what to wear in Palestine.

Find Us Online

Whatsapp:+972599479880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

The Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter

Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron

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Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine