Cycling in Jerusalem works best when you choose the right part of the city. The old centre has steep hills, stone streets and busy junctions; the former railway corridor and outer park valleys offer more relaxed stretches. Outside the urban area, the Jerusalem Hills are better suited to riders with a mountain bike, suitable tyres and experience of long climbs.
Quick answer: For a first ride, use Park HaMesila (Train Track Park) and its shared urban corridor. For quieter, longer riding, explore marked sections of Jerusalem Park, including Emek Arazim. For off-road cycling, consider Mount Eitan or Aminadav Forest after checking trail status. Short-term city-bike rental is available through Jerufun using an app and station-based bikes; a city-share bicycle is not a substitute for a mountain bike.
Jerusalem bike routes compared
The distances below describe an official path, a route published by its manager, or a network as labelled. They are not interchangeable completed itineraries; a full network length does not prove that every link is currently rideable.
| Area / route | Published distance | Best bike | Riding style | Main catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park HaMesila / Train Track Park | About 7 km along the park | Classic city bike or e-bike | Shared paved urban corridor | Pedestrians, crossings and narrow portions |
| Emek Arazim Park | Choose a segment; not a fixed loop | City / hybrid bike on suitable paths | Valley park riding | Access from neighbourhoods can be hilly |
| Jerusalem Park / Milton Ring concept | About 42 km for the wider ring route | Hybrid or experienced-distance bike | Multiple park areas around Jerusalem | Network figure is not a ready-to-ride turn-by-turn loop |
| Mount Eitan loop | About 8 km | Mountain bike | Ridge circuit on a mixed-use track | Climbing, loose ground, hikers |
| Aminadav Eight Track | About 10 km | Mountain or capable gravel bike | Multi-use ridge roads | Cars and walkers may share the road |
| Aminadav Ridges Track | About 5.5 km downhill section | Mountain bike and off-road skills | More technical singletrack portions | Return transport and trail-condition checks required |
Sources: Jerusalem Development Authority: Train Track Park, Jerusalem Park, Mount Eitan route, Aminadav cycling tracks.
Park HaMesila: start with the former railway corridor
The Train Track Park (Park HaMesila) follows a former railway alignment through several southern Jerusalem neighbourhoods. The Jerusalem Development Authority describes an approximately 7 km linear park with both walking space and a cycle path. It is attractive because you can ride through urban scenery without treating the central city’s steepest streets as the main event.
A convenient entry area is around the First Station / old railway station; before setting off, check a current map for the path section you intend to use. The corridor continues through different neighbourhoods and toward greener southern sections. Cross-streets, park users and families with children make slow riding important. This is public park space, not a closed training track.
For visitors on bike-share, this is a sensible choice only if the app shows a pickup and return station that fit your plans. Check the station map and return rules before riding far beyond your rental zone. If you want a short outing, choose one section and turn around rather than feeling obliged to cover the whole seven kilometres.
Emek Arazim and Jerusalem Park: longer green-space rides
If you want a break from city blocks, the Emek Arazim Park valley offers cycle paths, picnic facilities and open spaces. The Jerusalem Development Authority places it between the Motza bend and Golda Meir interchange. The larger Jerusalem Park scheme spans several park areas and includes a 42 km Milton Ring cycling route in its master description.
Do not read that network figure as permission to cycle an uninterrupted 42-kilometre loop without checking current connections. Start by selecting an open, paved valley segment that suits your experience and return route. Access roads from the ridges can be considerably steeper than the park path itself.
The city’s wider green routes are not completely isolated from traffic. Check for road crossings, active works, shared promenades and places where you may need to dismount. After dark, prefer known well-lit paths with a straightforward route back.
A route idea for a casual afternoon
Spend the first part of the outing on a known paved section, stop for water or a café, then retrace the same corridor to the pickup station. This is less dramatic than promising a grand circular route and much more reliable for visitors who are still learning the street layout. Save the exact start and end coordinates in your preferred map after verifying that the segment is open.
Mount Eitan: a proper mountain-bike ride
The Mount Eitan loop is an approximately 8 km circuit on a red-marked track near Sataf. The Society for the Protection of Nature identifies it as suitable for mountain biking as well as walkers. The outlook is part of the appeal: the route circles the mountain above the Sorek landscape.
Do not take a Jerufun road bike onto this circuit. The ride involves mountain terrain, possible loose gravel, climbs and shared use with hikers. Even when the line looks smooth on a digital map, weather and recent maintenance work can change the surface. Carry a repair kit, water and a navigation file from a reliable current source. Yield to walkers and keep speed down around blind corners.
This is also a good example of why a hiking article and a cycling article should remain separate. The same mountain supports different uses, but track etiquette, equipment and expected speeds are not the same. For pedestrian options nearby, see our hiking comparison.
Aminadav Forest: choose between ridge roads and technical tracks
KKL-JNF identifies several bike options around Se’adim Recreation Area in Aminadav Forest. The Eight Track is approximately 10 km along multi-use ridge roads, while the Ridges Track has a 5.5 km section descending toward Nahal Refaim and includes more challenging singletrack riding. The distinction matters: one is a mixed road ride; the other requires greater handling skill and a plan for what happens at the bottom.
Use the official Aminadav guide to choose the proper option. On a multi-use road, watch for cars and hikers. On a technical descent, check if the route has been damaged or temporarily closed; a listed trail on a website is not a real-time riding clearance. Do not ride into the closed Ein Hindak spring area. The prohibition concerns a collapse hazard and is not a scenic detour to explore.
If you are new to off-road cycling, hire a qualified local guide or stay on park paths. A full-suspension mountain bike does not replace basic braking and surface-reading skills.
Where to rent a bicycle in Jerusalem
Jerufun: app-based city bike sharing
Jerufun advertises classic bikes and pedal-assist e-bikes at more than 100 stations across Jerusalem. The app is used to locate bikes, unlock them and check availability. The operator’s published passes include a ₪39 day pass and ₪119 weekly pass as checked on 3 November 2026.
Those headline prices are not a guarantee that every trip, bike type, extra minute or special condition is free. Read the in-app fare terms, return rules, deposits and any additional charges before unlocking. Station maps and pass terms may change without notice.
Dedicated bike shops and guided rental
If your plan involves Mount Eitan or Aminadav Forest, ask a specialist cycle shop or certified guide about a mountain bike with suitable tyres, brakes, helmet and repair equipment. Confirm collection location, terrain permitted by the rental agreement, minimum age, damage liability and what help is available if a tyre punctures outside the city. This guide does not rank individual operators without verified stock and terms.
| Question | Bike share | Specialist rental |
|---|---|---|
| Short city ride? | Often practical | Possible, usually less flexible |
| Off-road mountain track? | No | Ask for the correct MTB |
| Return anywhere? | No; follow station/zone rules | Return where agreed |
| Helmet and repair kit? | Check separately | Confirm in contract |
| Real-time availability? | In app | Direct confirmation |
Hills, traffic and cycling safety
Jerusalem’s elevation is part of the route. One neighbourhood may be only a short map distance from another and still require a strenuous climb. Electric assist can help with hills, but it does not reduce the need to brake correctly or manage busy junctions. Prefer marked paths over a navigation app’s shortest street route.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet, use visible clothing and lights when needed, and check the brakes before riding.
- Ride slowly on shared corridors; pedestrians have a right to use the park without being surprised by a fast bicycle.
- Avoid riding on pavements where prohibited and follow local traffic rules, signs and permitted bike lanes.
- Do not assume that a route is traffic-free because a map uses a green line or labels it a cycling connection.
- Check weather and emergency advice before leaving. Trails can become slippery after rain and dangerous during severe weather.
- For off-road rides, share your planned route with someone, take water, and finish well before dark.
Can you take a bicycle on a train?
Israel Railways permits certain bicycles on trains under conditions. Larger-wheel and non-folding bikes are restricted to off-peak periods, and bicycles belong in marked bicycle cars when available. Staff may refuse boarding if trains are crowded or a bicycle poses a hazard. Check the specific service and current rules before planning a mixed train-and-bike journey.
This rail policy should not be copied to Jerusalem’s light rail or buses: their rules are separate. Verify each operator independently. Shabbat restrictions can affect the public-transport leg of a ride; see our car-free travel guide for broader context.
A realistic half-day cycling plan
For a visitor without specialist equipment, a simple plan is more reliable than an ambitious loop around Jerusalem:
- Before leaving: Check forecast, security guidance, the route’s current status and Jerufun app availability.
- At the bike: Test brakes, adjust saddle height, check tyres and establish the correct return station.
- On the route: Ride a chosen section of Park HaMesila or another confirmed paved park path. Pause well away from the cycling line.
- Before returning: Check the time and remaining battery if using an e-bike, and leave enough margin to reach a station with capacity.
- At the finish: Confirm the app registers a successful return rather than assuming a stationary bicycle ends the rental.
For mountain biking, the plan changes: start at an official trailhead, follow the marked track rather than a road-bike route, and have a fallback if weather or closures cancel the ride.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerusalem good for cycling?
Yes, on selected routes. Park HaMesila and parts of Jerusalem Park provide more comfortable riding than many steep central streets. You still need to check crossings, terrain, route status and how to get back.
Can I rent an electric bicycle in Jerusalem?
Jerufun lists pedal-assist e-bikes and classic bicycles through its app. Availability is station-specific, and prices and age or payment requirements should be confirmed in the operator’s current terms.
What is the easiest bike route for a visitor?
A short section of Park HaMesila is a sensible first option because it follows a purpose-built urban park corridor. Start and finish near confirmed station locations, and expect to share space with walkers.
Is the full 42 km Milton Ring open to ride?
The Jerusalem Development Authority describes a 42 km bike route within the Jerusalem Park network. That description does not certify every connecting section as continuously accessible today. Check the current municipal network map and local restrictions before riding a full circuit.
Can a shared city bike be used on Mount Eitan?
It should not be treated as suitable for Mount Eitan’s mountain-bike terrain. Use a proper MTB with appropriate tyres and equipment, and confirm the forest track is open. If you only have a city bike, choose a paved route.