Getting Around Sanaa
Sanaa is a sprawling city, and visitors will almost certainly need to use motorised transport to move between different areas. The street layout can be confusing, so it helps to know your options before arriving.
Taxis and Private Hire
Taxis are the most straightforward way for tourists to navigate Sanaa. Fares are negotiable, so you should be prepared to bargain with your driver. As a rough guide, a taxi from the city centre to the airport should cost around 1,000 rials, though you can often reduce the quoted price by roughly a third through negotiation. Many vehicles in the city are 4x4s or pick-up trucks, and drivers tend to use their horns frequently, which is normal in this congested city.
Public Transport: Minibuses and Dabaabs
For budget-conscious visitors, Sanaa has public minibuses known locally as "Dabaabs," which operate on fixed routes around the city. These serve as the main public transport option and are quite inexpensive, typically costing between 15 and 30 rials per ride. However, as with other transport modes in the city, you may need to ask for directions or local advice to identify the right dabaab for your destination.
Walking
The source material does not provide detailed information about the walkability of Sanaa's streets or neighbourhoods for tourists.
Metro, Tram, and Rail Networks
Sanaa does not have metro, tram, or commuter rail services. Public transport relies on taxis and minibuses.
Getting from Sana'a International Airport to the City
Sana'a International Airport is the city's main airport for international travel. Taxis are available from the airport to reach the city centre. Based on August 2008 pricing, expect to pay around 1,000 rials for this journey, though fares are negotiable and can often be reduced through haggling. The airport also serves as a transport hub, and taxi drivers can typically direct you to minibuses or other transport if needed.
Travel Permits for Overland Travel
If you plan to travel beyond Sanaa by bus or car to other cities in Yemen, you will need to obtain a travel permit (tasirih in Arabic) from the Ministry of Tourism before departure. These permits are issued free of charge. When applying, bring your passport, a list of the places you intend to visit, and your planned travel dates. Military checkpoints throughout the country will request your permit; travel without one may result in refusal of entry at checkpoints.
It is advisable to carry multiple photocopies of your travel permit, as each checkpoint may request one. You should also carry copies of the biographical page of your passport (the page with your photo). Many bus drivers will collect these copies from passengers to present at checkpoints on behalf of the group. Make sure the bus driver and military officials know your nationality.
Note that traffic police checkpoints exist separately from military checkpoints. Traffic police are not interested in your travel permit; only uniformed military personnel with large weapons will enforce permit requirements.
Inter-City Bus Travel
Sanaa is connected to all major cities in Yemen, including Aden, Ta'izz, Marib, and Sayun, by bus services. One of the better-regarded bus companies is Raha, established in 2008, which operates modern, well-maintained buses at reasonable fares. Buses depart from a central station, though you may need to ask locals for the exact location.