Getting Around Syria: Transport Guide

By Air

There are internal flights from Damscus to Aleppo, Qamishle, Lattakia and Deir ez-Zur.

By Road

The road network in Syria is well developed and public transport is inexpensive and frequent, while private cars are few. Distances and journeys are short so it makes good sense to rent a car and do the rounds at your convenience. You need an international driving license to drive in Syria. Traffic runs on the right hand side of the road. Horns are constantly used as people and vehicles use the road in great in numbers. It is better to avoid night driving. On public holidays, most buses and minibuses charge 25 % more.

While buses connect the major towns, minibuses go to smaller towns. They have no fixed schedules. Microbuses are the modern vans that are used for short journeys between cities such as Homs and Hama, and also on several of the routes to smaller towns and villages. They leave usually when they are full. State run buses and luxury buses are also available. Service taxi (shared taxi) only operates on major routes and is more expensive.

By Train

Syria has several modern trains that are cheap and punctual, though stations are quite inconveniently situated away from the town centres. The main line connects Damascus, Aleppo, Deir ez-Zur, Hassake and Qamishle. The second line goes from Aleppo to Lattakia, along the coast to Tartus, and again inland to Homs and Damascus.