Getting to and from Aleppo is relatively easy, and once there every place in Aleppo can be easily accessed by foot. This proves to be a blessing as the city's modus operandi where buses are concerned is a puzzle. The City Bus Station is prominently located behind the Amir Palace Hotel, just off the Sharia Bab Antakya. However, since there is hardly any information about routes and tickets have to be purchased from the driver, it is not the easiest means of getting around.
If you're a car buff you may like to take a ride in the large, lumbering American limousines of the 1940s and ‘50s. Painted a bright yellow and sparkling with polished chrome, the limousines are an exciting way to explore the country.
Use our Aleppo, Nothern & Coastal Syria Transportation Guide below to find out how to get to and around Aleppo. One of the best ways of getting around and exploring this ancient city is by taking an exciting tour in Aleppo. You should also take a look at our Syria Transportation Guide for more information on getting to and around the country.
Aleppo Transportation Guide
Getting to Aleppo
By Plane
Aleppo has an international airport, which has connections to Europe, Turkey and a few other cities in the Middle East. However, you may find it difficult to find travel agents who are willing to organise an international flight to Aleppo.
Most visitors to Syria fly into Aleppo International Airport situated about 18 miles (30 km) to the south of the city. The arrivals section offers a host of services like car hire, tourist information office, ATM, a 24/7 currency exchange office, car hire, Internet access and bar.
A dual carriageway connects the airport to the city, allowing you to get to the town in a matter of about 30 minutes. From 6 am to 11pm, at regular half hour intervals, airport buses leave for the town. Outside the terminal, you will also find yellow taxis. The prices for these are fixed; whether you are hailing one directly or buying a taxi ticket within the airport, it would cost you the same.
Once you reach Damascus, travelling to Aleppo is easy as internal flights are available. The journey takes about an hour by air and there are two or three flights leaving daily.
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By Train
Trains ply regularly to and from Aleppo, making stops at Hama and Homs. The most prominent train station is the one at the southern suburb of Qadam. The service between Damascus and Aleppo is pretty good.
By Bus
In Aleppo, long-distance buses can be boarded from the luxury Aleppo Bus Station that is about 500 m towards the west of the National Museum. Almost 30 private companies operate from here, including Al-Ahlia and Qadmous. Many of these companies set up shacks around the edge of the bus bays and do their sales from there.
The most popular destinations are Damascus and Deir ez-Zur, 5 hours away; Hama, 2.5 hours away; Homs and Raqqa, 3 hours away, and Lattakia, 3.5 hours, Tartus, 4 hours and Qamishle, 8 hours away, respectively. Since bus departures are quite frequent, you will find that there is no need to make prior bookings.
Getting Around Aleppo
By Micro bus
Micro buses or servees are a popular means of transport in Syria, including Aleppo. The route taken is written on the roof in Arabic only. Generally, micro buses do not stop at fixed points, only at very busy spots. If you want to get on to a bus, simply hail the driver with a gesture. These buses prove to be a cost-effective means of transport-journeys within the city should cost you about 10 Syrian pounds (roughly about 20 American cents).
By Taxi
Taxis are a common and popular mode of transport in Syria and since there are so many around, you can easily find one. The taxis operated by Star Taxi, a relatively new private company, tend to be more expensive than the normal ones. However, they are much safer and even more comfortable. To get a Star Taxi, place a call to their headquarters and they will arrange to have the nearest taxi at your door.
By Van
Van services are another great way to travel within the country. You can get in and out whenever the van has slowed down enough.
Visa Formalities
Before you enter Syria, make sure that you get your visa ready. The procedure required varies from country to country; make sure you check the details by consulting a reputed travel agent. Also, while you're getting your visa ready, be prepared beforehand-you will require to pay an amount towards the airport departure fee.
If you're travelling by land and are counting on getting a visa at the border, bring along a stash of US Dollars or other currency. This can be exchanged for Syrian pounds in the official exchange office at the border. Remember that Syria does not have any services for debit/credit cards. Moreover, unlike many other tourist spots, Syria does not accept traveller's cheques.
