The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in Jerusalem’s Old City, in the Christian Quarter. Because the church is surrounded by the Old City’s narrow, pedestrian streets, you will need to walk the final part of your journey.
The easiest approach for most visitors is through Jaffa Gate or the New Gate, although the church can also be reached from Damascus Gate and other entrances to the Old City.
This guide explains how to get to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where it is located, which Old City gate to use, and how to reach the church by public transportation, taxi, or on foot.
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Church of the Holy Sepulchre Address
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Christian Quarter
Old City of Jerusalem
Mailing address:
Old City, P.O. Box 428
9100301 Jerusalem
The church is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, between the Christian Quarter Road and Suq Khan e-Zeit.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre Map
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located within Jerusalem’s Old City, where a network of narrow streets and pedestrian lanes makes navigation different from most modern city neighborhoods.
When using a navigation app, remember that the route shown on the map may not always correspond to an accessible walking route. Some streets inside the Old City are narrow, crowded, or pedestrian-only.
If you are unfamiliar with Jerusalem’s Old City, following signs toward the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is often easier than trying to navigate every turn by street name.
Which Old City Gate is Best for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
Several of Jerusalem’s Old City gates can be used to reach the church. For most visitors, Jaffa Gate and the New Gate are the most convenient options because both provide relatively direct access to the Christian Quarter.
Jaffa Gate
Jaffa Gate is one of the most convenient starting points for visitors arriving from western Jerusalem and is a popular entrance for first-time visitors to the Old City.
From Jaffa Gate:
- Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate.
- Follow the main street into the Old City.
- Continue toward the Christian Quarter.
- Follow signs toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Continue through the narrow streets and market area until you reach the church.
The walk from Jaffa Gate to the church is relatively short, but the route can feel longer if the streets are crowded or if you stop along the way.
Pro Tip: Jaffa Gate is also a convenient starting point if you want to explore other parts of the Old City before or after visiting the church.
New Gate
The New Gate provides particularly direct access to the Christian Quarter.
From the New Gate:
- Enter the Old City through the New Gate.
- Continue into the Christian Quarter.
- Follow the signs toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Continue through the surrounding streets until you reach the church.
For visitors whose main destination is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the New Gate can be one of the simplest approaches.
Damascus Gate
Damascus Gate is located on the northern side of the Old City and can be convenient if you are arriving from the north or visiting the Muslim Quarter first.
From Damascus Gate:
- Enter the Old City through Damascus Gate.
- Continue south through the Old City.
- Follow the route toward the Christian Quarter.
- Continue toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The walk is longer than the most direct approaches from the New Gate, but it can be a good option if the church is part of a larger Old City itinerary.
Lions’ Gate
Lions’ Gate is on the eastern side of the Old City and can be convenient if you are visiting sites around the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, or the beginning of the Via Dolorosa.
From Lions’ Gate, you can walk through the Old City toward the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
This is not usually the most direct entrance if the church is your only destination, but it can make sense as part of a larger walking route through Jerusalem’s Old City.
Getting to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Light Rail
Jerusalem’s light rail can be a convenient way to reach the Old City from other parts of Jerusalem. One useful stop for visitors heading toward the church is City Hall, near the western side of the Old City.
From the City Hall area:
- Leave the light rail station.
- Walk toward Jaffa Gate.
- Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate.
- Continue through the Old City toward the Christian Quarter.
- Follow signs to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The final portion of the journey must be completed on foot.
Public transportation routes and schedules can change, so check the current transit information before setting out.
Getting to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Bus
Jerusalem’s bus network connects the Old City with other parts of the city.
Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to take a bus toward the Old City and then walk from one of the nearby gates. Because bus routes and stops can change, use a current navigation or public transportation service to plan the first part of your journey.
Once you reach the Old City, continue on foot toward the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Can You Drive to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
You cannot drive directly to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is inside Jerusalem’s Old City, where the surrounding streets are narrow and many areas are pedestrian-only.
If you are arriving by car or taxi, you will need to be dropped off at an accessible location outside or near the Old City and walk the remaining distance.
Jaffa Gate is a useful reference point for many visitors arriving from western Jerusalem.
If you are driving yourself, research parking before you leave and allow additional time for walking from the parking area to the church.
Getting to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Taxi
A taxi can take you to a convenient drop-off point near the Old City, but it cannot take you directly to the church itself.
When arranging a taxi, tell the driver that you want to go to the Old City near Jaffa Gate or the New Gate, depending on your preferred route. From there, continue on foot through the Old City toward the Christian Quarter.
If you are unfamiliar with the Old City, Jaffa Gate can be an easier landmark to give a driver than the church itself.
Walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Walking is one of the best ways to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre if you are already exploring Jerusalem’s Old City. The church is surrounded by historic streets, markets, churches, and other important sites, so the journey can easily become part of your visit.
The final approach is entirely pedestrian and involves narrow streets that can become crowded, particularly during busy tourist periods and religious holidays. Wear comfortable shoes and allow more time than a simple map distance might suggest.
Following the Via Dolorosa to the Church
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally associated with the final stations of the Via Dolorosa. For visitors interested in Christian pilgrimage, walking the Via Dolorosa is therefore a natural way to approach the church.
The route passes through Jerusalem’s Old City and concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally identified with the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. If you are following the Via Dolorosa, allow additional time to stop at the various stations and churches along the route rather than treating the walk simply as a way to reach the church.
Tips for Finding the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Old City can be confusing the first time you visit. These tips can make finding the church easier:
- Use the Christian Quarter as your main reference point. The church is located in this part of the Old City.
- Don’t rely entirely on GPS. Narrow streets and pedestrian passages can make digital directions confusing.
- Look for signs. Signs throughout the Old City can help direct you toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Give yourself extra time. Crowds, markets, and narrow streets can slow your progress.
- Use a recognizable gate as your starting point. Jaffa Gate and the New Gate are particularly useful reference points.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking on stone streets and uneven surfaces.
- Consider the time of day. The Old City can become very busy, particularly during the middle of the day and during major religious celebrations.
Prefer a Tour to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
If you’re concerned about getting to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on your own, consider joining a tour that will take you there. Learn more about tours of Jerusalem here.
What is Near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
One of the advantages of visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is its location within Jerusalem’s historic Old City. Depending on your route, you can combine your visit with other important sites and neighborhoods, including:
- The Via Dolorosa
- The Western Wall
- The Jewish Quarter
- The Muslim Quarter
- The Christian Quarter
- Jaffa Gate
- Damascus Gate
- The Mount of Olives and surrounding religious sites
Because these sites are relatively close together, many visitors spend several hours exploring the Old City rather than traveling directly to the church and leaving immediately afterward.
Plan Your Visit
Once you know how to get to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, take some time to plan the rest of your visit.
Before you go, check the current Church of the Holy Sepulchre opening hours, find out about Mass and service times, and learn what to see inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
For practical information about admission, dress, the best time to visit, tours, and other visitor questions, see our complete Plan Your Visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City.
The church is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. Its mailing address is Old City, P.O. Box 428, 9100301 Jerusalem.
The New Gate and Jaffa Gate are two of the most convenient entrances for reaching the church. The best gate depends on where you are coming from and which parts of the Old City you plan to visit.
Enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate and walk through the Old City toward the Christian Quarter. Follow signs for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The final portion of the journey is on foot.
No. You cannot drive directly to the church because it is located within the pedestrian streets of Jerusalem’s Old City. Visitors arriving by car or taxi need to walk from a nearby accessible location.
A taxi can take you to a convenient drop-off point near the Old City, but it cannot drive directly to the church. Jaffa Gate is a useful drop-off reference point for many visitors.
Yes. Public transportation can take you to the area around Jerusalem’s Old City, after which you will need to continue on foot. The light rail’s City Hall stop is one option for reaching Jaffa Gate.
Yes. Both sites are located within Jerusalem’s Old City, although they are in different quarters. Visitors can easily include both sites in a larger Old City walking itinerary.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally associated with the final stations of the Via Dolorosa. Many Christian pilgrims follow the Via Dolorosa through the Old City as part of their visit to the church.
Continue Planning Your Visit
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most important sites in Jerusalem, and reaching it is only the beginning of the experience. Once you arrive, allow yourself time to explore the church, visit its chapels and sacred sites, and experience the surrounding Christian Quarter.
For everything you need to know before you go, visit our Plan Your Visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre guide.