Rachel’s Tomb

On our first trip to Israel we went to Bethlehem on a Friday afternoon when the Tomb of Rachel was closed for the Sabbath. This time we didn't want to miss it. The Tomb of Rachel is near Bethlehem, very close to Checkpoint 300--on the Israeli side of the wall (don't go through the checkpoint, stay on the Israeli side of the wall.) You can get to the Tomb of Rachel from Checkpoint 300 via private car, taxi, or bus (only vehicles are allowed on the short access road to the Tomb of Rachel which has the 30 foot security wall on either side and at the end--you can't walk on the access road). As we had limited time, we decided to stop at the Tomb of Rachel on our way back to Jerusalem after our Hebron Dual Narrative Tour with Abraham Tours. Abraham Tours uses public transportation, in this case it was the armored Egged bus 381 from Hebron to Jerusalem. Our Abraham Tours Guide helped us to get off the Egged bus from Hebron at the right stop--Rosemarin Street (Officially: Egged Bus 381, Ha-Rosemarin/Roads 200) and our guide pointed us in the right direction. We then used either maps.me or Googlemaps (and I had printed a Googlemap at home just in case) to stay on course to Checkpoint 300 where there were numerous taxis. From Rosemarin Sreet it was a 15 minute walk on a well lit street mostly with good sidewalks and traffic lights and signs to Checkpoint 300. We had brought good little flashlights, which were not needed, but we carry them all the time. In the taxi, within about 5 minutes--or less--we were at the doors of Tomb of Rachel. Men and women go through separate doors to separate sides of the tomb. You can return to Jerusalem, if you are sleeping there, by taxi or by Egged Bus 163. We stopped on the way back for Hebron. You can do this easily from Jerusalem, without the expense of a taxi. Egged Bus 163 goes to and from the Tomb of Rachel, from Jerusalem's Central Bus Station and other stops, several times a day. Check the Egged bus schedule for current details. Note: On the Egged website, "Tomb of Rachel" (not Bethlehem or Checkpoint 300) is the name of the stop/destination. Going to Rachel's Tomb was a nice ending to a great day. Getting the bus back to Jerusalem was easy. People at the tomb were kind and friendly. We got off the bus near the easy to spot Jaffa Gate/Mamilla Mall. This is a holy site. Dress modestly. Be covered from collarbone to well below the knee, and with sleeves to the elbow or beyond. Ask respectfully before taking any photos.