Getting Around Damascus
Damascus offers several transportation options for visitors, though each has distinct characteristics worth understanding before you travel. During rush hours—typically between 10:00 and 16:00—walking is often the most practical way to move around the city. All public transport in Damascus prohibits smoking.
Walking
Walking is essential for exploring Old Damascus, where it is the only realistic way to navigate the historic streets and attractions. In the newer parts of the city, walking works well in the nicer residential areas like Maliki and Abu-Rumaneh. However, pedestrians should exercise caution in the newer commercial districts, as traffic can be heavy and air pollution is noticeable. Damascus drivers do not hesitate to drive very close to pedestrians and other vehicles when passing, so stay alert at street crossings and along busy roads.
Micro-buses (Servees)
Micro-buses, locally called servees, are one of the main forms of public transportation in Damascus. They are an economical way to travel, and most journeys across the city require only one or two trips. To pay, hand your fare to any passenger on the bus and tell them how many people you are paying for (say "waahid" for one person). They will pass your money to the driver and return your change. The route is displayed on the roof sign, though only in Arabic. Micro-buses do not have fixed stops in most areas—simply signal the driver and they will stop near you. You can request a stop by saying "Al yameen, andak iza samaht" (turn right, here if you please).
City Buses
Regular city buses also operate throughout Damascus. Bus #15 is particularly useful for visitors, running from Al-Marjeh Square (in the Souq Sarouja/Old Town area) to the Western Bus Station, which serves major destinations like Beirut and Amman. Upon arrival at the western bus station by intercity bus, city bus #15 will take you directly to Al-Marjeh Square in the Old Town area, where many hotels are located.
Taxis
Taxis are abundant in Damascus and offer a convenient transportation option. Two types of taxis operate in the city: standard taxis and Star Taxi, a private company offering more comfortable and reliable service at higher fares. Standard taxis with the Damascus Governorate logo and a number on the roof sign are normally equipped with meters—use only metered taxis when hailing from the street. During the day, insist that drivers use their meter; at night, drivers often do not use meters, so negotiate the fare before getting in. It is customary to leave a tip in addition to the meter fare.
Service taxis also operate for longer journeys to nearby cities, typically taking around 4 hours to reach destinations like Amman or Beirut. These air-conditioned vehicles run 24 hours and are clean and reliable options for intercity travel.
Driving
Renting a car is not recommended for visitors. Damascus experiences severe traffic congestion, particularly during summer months, and parking is difficult throughout much of the city. While traffic conditions are somewhat better in suburban areas, navigating the city center by car is impractical for most tourists.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Damascus International Airport offers two main options for reaching the city center. Taxis are the most flexible choice—all licensed taxis have meters, and you should insist on their use. Fares vary based on negotiation skills, but metered fares provide transparency.
Alternatively, airport buses depart every half hour, 24 hours a day for Baramkeh bus station in central Damascus. To find the bus, exit the terminal and turn right; you will find the bus stop at the end of the building with a small ticket office. The bus will drop you somewhat distant from the Old City, but many taxis are available at the station to complete your journey to your final destination—again, request the meter.
At the airport, note that exchange counters only accept US dollars for currency exchange. Two ATMs in the main lobby accept credit and debit cards but can be unreliable. Bring a small amount of US dollars to exchange at the airport before attempting to withdraw from Damascus ATMs elsewhere in the city.
Rail and Metro Services
As of early 2025, long-distance train services to Damascus remain suspended, including the historic sleeper trains that once ran from Istanbul and Tehran. The Hejaz station in the city center is closed. When services resume, they will depart from Al-Qadam railway station, located south of the city center. Currently, no metro or tram network operates in Damascus.