Capital city in Damascus Governorate, Syria
Getting around Damascus
How to get around Damascus
The Old City is walkable by day. Beyond it, hire a driver recommended by your guesthouse; yellow taxis have no meters and checkpoints are frequent.
Ways to get around Damascus
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hired driver or guide car | About 30–60 USD per day | Best for checkpoints and day trips; arrange via guesthouse |
| Yellow taxi | About 3–6 USD in town | Agree the price first |
| Microbus | Under 1 USD | Local routes with no signs; confusing for visitors |
Taxis in Damascus
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps work for visitors. Ask your hotel for a driver and agree fares in dollars or new Syrian pounds before setting off.
Arriving in Damascus
Damascus International (DAM)
Taxi to the center about 20–30 USD, 40–60 min. Flights are limited, and the airport road has checkpoints; arrange a driver in advance.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Self-driving is unwise: checkpoints, mines off-road and poor roads. Hire a driver; avoid night travel.
- Onward travel in Syria: Buses link Damascus, Homs, Hama and Aleppo, with frequent checkpoints. Most visitors hire a driver-guide and avoid night road travel.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Damascus?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps work for visitors. Ask your hotel for a driver and agree fares in dollars or new Syrian pounds before setting off.
What's the best way to get around Damascus?
The Old City is walkable by day. Beyond it, hire a driver recommended by your guesthouse; yellow taxis have no meters and checkpoints are frequent.
How do I get from the airport to Damascus?
Taxi to the center about 20–30 USD, 40–60 min. Flights are limited, and the airport road has checkpoints; arrange a driver in advance.
Is Damascus walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Damascus
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.