Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers extraordinary historical treasures from ancient Damascus and Aleppo to the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra. Despite recent challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes continue to captivate adventurous travelers.
- Public
- Damascus has a limited microbus (servee) network running fixed routes for very cheap fares ($0.05-0.10). Routes can be confusing for visitors but locals are helpful. Regular city buses also run but less frequent.
- Taxi
- White metered taxis abundant in Damascus; always negotiate price or insist on meter before getting in. Typical city ride $1-5. Hotel taxis more reliable but pricier.
- Rental
- Car rental from local agencies $30-60/day economy. International Driving Permit required. Intercity driving involves military checkpoints - keep passport ready. GPS unreliable, download offline maps.
- Walking
- Damascus Old City is extremely walkable within the ancient walls. Flat terrain, interesting at every turn. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestones.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to Old City: 50,000-150,000 SYP ($5-$15), 20-30 minutes
- Shuttle
- Private transfer arranged by hotel: $20-$30
- Bus
- Shared taxi/van: 30,000-50,000 SYP ($3-$5) when available
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public buses available in major cities but routes/schedules can be unreliable. Fares: 50-100 SYP ($0.05-$0.10). Damascus has microbuses (servees) running set routes for 100-200 SYP.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- White metered taxis in Damascus: Base fare 500 SYP, approximately 200-300 SYP per km. Always agree on price before departure or insist on meter. Yellow taxis also available. Typical Damascus ride: 5,000-20,000 SYP ($0.50-$2).
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Main bus stations: Harasta (Damascus) and various terminals. Modern buses connect Damascus-Aleppo (5-6 hours, 5,000-10,000 SYP/$0.50-$1), Damascus-Homs (2-3 hours, 2,000-4,000 SYP), Damascus-Lattakia (4-5 hours). Pullman buses more comfortable and expensive. Companies: Kadmous, Al-Ahliah, Karnak.
Flights
Syrian Air operates limited domestic flights between Damascus, Aleppo, Lattakia, and Qamishli. Flights irregular - check current schedules. Often faster to drive between cities.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Damascus International Airport
From centre: 25 km southeast
Options: Taxi to Old City: 50,000-150,000 SYP ($5-$15), 20-30 minutes; Private transfer arranged by hotel: $20-$30; Shared taxi/van: 30,000-50,000 SYP ($3-$5) when available
Aleppo International Airport
From centre: 10 km east
Options: Taxi to city center: 30,000-80,000 SYP ($3-$8), 15-20 minutes; Hotel transfer: $15-$25; Airport bus: Limited service, check locally
Lattakia Airport (Bassel Al-Assad International)
From centre: 25 km southeast
Options: Taxi to Lattakia: 50,000-100,000 SYP ($5-$10), 25-30 minutes; Taxi to Tartus: 150,000-200,000 SYP ($15-$20), 45-60 minutes; Hotel transfer available at most coastal resorts
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Maps.me
Best offline maps for Syria - download Syria map before arrival as GPS and Google Maps coverage patchy
Most Syrian drivers and guides communicate via WhatsApp; save hotel and driver numbers before arrival
Google Maps Offline
Download Damascus and Aleppo areas for offline use - walking navigation within cities reasonably accurate
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always agree on taxi fare before getting in or insist on meter use - negotiate firmly but politely
For intercity travel, hiring a private driver through your hotel is safest and most reliable option
Keep your passport accessible at all times - military checkpoints on intercity routes will ask to see it
Download offline Syria maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before traveling - signage often in Arabic only
Shared taxis (servees) between cities depart when full - cheaper than private taxis but wait can be long
Syrian Air domestic flights exist but are irregular - confirm schedule locally rather than relying on online booking
Bus stations (Harasta in Damascus) serve intercity routes with Pullman-style coaches for major cities