Welcome to Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

Getting to Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa, a street within the Old City of Jerusalem, is believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. It's a significant pilgrimage route for many Christians visiting the Holy Land. Here are several ways how one might reach Via Dolorosa:

By Air

Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: The closest international airport to Jerusalem is Ben Gurion Airport. Upon landing, you can choose from various transportation options to reach Jerusalem:

• Taxis: Available 24/7 outside the terminals. The trip to Jerusalem takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
• Shared Shuttle Service (Nesher): Shared taxi services can be found outside the airport terminals. They will take you directly to your address in Jerusalem and are a more economic option than private taxis.
• Bus: Public buses, managed by Egged, regularly run from the airport to Jerusalem. Bus 485 goes directly to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station.
• Train: Israel Railways operates trains from the airport to Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon station which is near the city center.

By Road

When driving from Tel Aviv or another city within Israel:

• Rental Car: There are numerous rental car agencies at Ben Gurion Airport and throughout Israel. The drive to Jerusalem can be straightforward via Route 1.
• Bus: The Egged bus company has regular inter-city buses servicing routes to Jerusalem from across Israel.

Once in Jerusalem

Upon reaching Jerusalem, there are several ways to get to Via Dolorosa specifically:

• Light Rail: Get off at the City Hall or Damascus Gate stations and walk into the Old City towards the Christian Quarter, where the Via Dolorosa begins.
• Bus: Jerusalem's bus network can take you close to the Old City. The key gate to enter for Via Dolorosa is the Damascus Gate. Look for buses stopping there.
• On Foot: If you're staying in a central location, the Old City and Via Dolorosa are best reached on foot. The route is relatively well-marked, but a local map or navigation app can ensure you find it without difficulty.
• Guided Tour: Joining a guided walking tour is a great way to experience the Via Dolorosa, as it often comes with insightful narrations about the history and significance of each station.

Note: Jerusalem is a city with many narrow and cobblestone streets. If you have mobility issues, be prepared for uneven terrain, and consider specialized tour services that cater to these needs.

Pro Tips:

• Friday is a particularly popular day for group walks on the Via Dolorosa, often led by Franciscan monks.
• The Old City of Jerusalem is quite compact, so it's easy to explore the different quarters on the same day of your visit to the Via Dolorosa.
• Remember to dress respectfully when visiting, as this is a holy site for many traditions.
• Visiting hours for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the Via Dolorosa traditionally ends, can vary, so check ahead of time.