How Much Does it Cost to go Jerusalem?
How much does it cost to go to Jerusalem? The price may surprise you. Jerusalem is one of the most historically and religiously significant places in the world. A major city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, this city sees millions of tourists every year and is considered to be a bucket-list destination for many.
For the purpose of this article, I’m going to suggest an itinerary of 3 days and 3 nights in Jerusalem. Please note that this guide is based on the costs for a single person. If you are travelling as a couple, make sure to double these estimates (except for hotels). So, what does a Jerusalem trip cost? Read on to find out.
| Estimated cost | |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $1,000 |
| Accommodations | $600 |
| Local transportaion | $15 |
| Tours & attractions | $100 |
| Food and drink | $225 |
| Random spending | $100 |
| Total | US $2,040 |
The above estimate is in American dollars, so please use XE.com to find out the average costs in your home country.
Airfare
To get to Jerusalem, you will fly into Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Flight prices will vary depending on the time of year you go, but it’s important to note that prices will get higher during the Jewish Holidays, so Passover (usually late March or early April) and the High Holidays (usually September or October) especially see more expensive airfare. That said, the average price is about $1,000 for a return trip from North/South America. If you’re flying from Europe, it’ll cost you much less.
Tip – Israel security is very high at the airport, so when you leave, make sure to give yourself the full 3 hours (or even a little more if you are travelling during a busy time) before your departure.
Accommodations in Jerusalem
As a major city, there are several accommodation options in Jerusalem, ranging from backpacker-type hostels to high-end luxury stays. For the purpose of this Jerusalem trip cost budget, we’re going to base accommodation prices on a midrange stay. So about 200 per night.
If you are looking for some suggestions on where to stay in Jerusalem, consider the following:
- Budget – Abraham Hostels
- Midrange – YMCA Three Arches Hotel or Sergei Palace Hotel
- Luxury – Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem or Harmony Hotel
Local transportation
So far in this how much does it cost to go to Jerusalem guide, I’ve been focusing on flights and accommodations. However, you also need to factor in ground costs. Getting around Jerusalem is pretty easy. The Old City is best explored on foot, but some other spots, like Yad Vashem, are father out, so you will need to use public transit. When you arrive in Jerusalem, you can buy a RavKav card which can be used on buses and trains and is easier than buying a bus ticket. Pre-load the card and just swipe and go. You can probably load the card with about 50 NIS (about US $15) for your time in Jerusalem. You can always down the app to load more if needed.
Jerusalem tours and sightseeing
Jerusalem is a great city to walk around on your own, but thanks to all the history here, it’s in your best interest to join one of the holy land tours and get a feel for the city along with some stories and history. A tour of the Old City will take you to the main highlights, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa (the path that Jesus walked), the Tower of David, and Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount (which requires visiting on certain days and times so ask in advance). A full-day walking tour (about 8 hours) will cost around $75. There are half-day options as well.
Other notable tourist attractions in Jerusalem include:
- Machane Yehuda Shuk, which is free to visit on your own
- Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre which has no entrance fees
- The Israel Museum – About US $16 for adults
- Mount of Olives – free to walk
- The Jewish Quarter
- Ben Yehuda Street – Local shopping and cafes
- Beit Avi Chai – Performance centre
There are also several museums you can visit depending on your timing and interests. Overall, I suggest budgeting at least $100 for tours in Jerusalem.
Food and drink
Like with accommodation, there is a huge range of options when it comes to food and drink in Jerusalem as well. There are some incredible restaurants with high-end dining experiences. At the same time, there’s a great market, the Machane Yehuda shuk, which has simpler more street food style options and even groceries like fresh pita, hummus, cheese, falafel, and vegetables that you can take back to your apartment. Chances are you’ll do a mix of the two but overall expect to pay between $15 – $30 per meal. Even breakfast if you decide to do that traditional Israeli breakfast.
There are plenty of food choices when it comes to choosing where and what to eat, including not only options for those who keep kosher but also vegetarians, vegans, and celiacs.
Random Spending
Chances are you will want to pick up a few souvenirs in Jerusalem. After all, the Walled City has a great market and shops, and I’ve already mentioned all the foodie finds at the shuk. Even if you don’t shop, you might want to do an extra day trip or have a few drinks one night at a bar. Whatever your pleasure, I suggest adding an extra $100 for random spending.
Day trips from Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a great place to visit for a few days, but it’s a long way to go, so if you have the time, I absolutely suggest visiting more of the surrounding area. You can even use Jerusalem as your base if you don’t have to travel around too much. A few ideas for nearby day trips worth exploring include:
- Tel Aviv – Known for its beaches and nightlife, Tel Aviv is a really fun city with a completely different feel than Jerusalem. It’s easy to reach by train and is super walkable. Be sure to explore Jaffa, the old port.
- The Dead Sea – One of the more unique experiences you can have is to swim in the Dead Sea. It’s the lowest land-based elevation in the world and the main tributary of the Jordan River. You can also visit Masada and Ein Gedi as a combination day trip from the Dead Sea.
- Bethlehem – Located in the West Bank, Bethlehem is a Palestinian city known for its ties to Christianity and the Church of Nativity.
- Haifa and Akko – Haifa is known for the Baha’i gardens and Akko for its historic walled Old Town. Both can be seen in a day.
- Hebron – A divided city, Hebron is best visited by tour. Ideally, you will take a dual narrative tour and visit half with an Israeli guide and half with a Palestinian guide.
Jerusalem trip cost
So, how much does a Jerusalem trip cost? For 3 days you can expect to pay about $2040.00. There’s no doubt that Jerusalem is an expensive city. However, with so much historical significance, it’s one of the most fascinating places in the world. Use some of the tips above to help save money if you are on a budget. But I also highly recommend visiting other Israeli and Palestinian visits during your time here. You can even tie in an overland visit to Jordan to visit Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum if you like. You may as well make the most of those flight costs for your vacation!
FAQ
Is Jerusalem safe?
Jerusalem often makes the news with bouts of violence, and it’s true that there are plenty of so-called “clashes” between the Israelis and Palestinians in the city since it is so important to Judaism and Islam. That being said, Jerusalem, on its own, is not an unsafe city. It’s not any more dangerous than major cities in, say, the USA. Just be mindful and aware of what is happening around you, and use common sense.
How should I dress in Jerusalem?
Remember that Jerusalem is a holy city for three of the world’s biggest religions. As such, please dress respectfully. Women should try to keep their shoulders, cleavage, and knees covered, especially when visiting religious areas. It’s a good idea to have a scarf in your bag for extra coverage, just in case.
How to get to Jerusalem in Israel
As mentioned above, Jerusalem’s closest airport is Ben Gurion. There is a train that will take you from the airport to the city. You can also take a bus, shuttle, or taxi. Keep in mind that if you travel during Shabbat, public transportation will not be running, so be mindful of your arrival and departure dates.
When is the best time to visit Jerusalem?
It depends on your goals but if you aren’t coming for any specific timing or reason, then consider the shoulder seasons since it can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Also remember the holidays. March and November tend to be quieter, and the weather is still decent.
