Syria Transportation Tips by morgr

Boat on Euphrates

At the Qalaat Jaabar Fortress it was possible to hire a boat and go around the island to get a good view of it. I don't remember how much it cost, but there were a few of us and split that many ways, it was pretty cheap.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Ship/Boat

Fancy Ride

While the large coach buses are just as bland and sterile as in Canada (but with service!!), the smaller ones are really something else. Many of the smaller local buses / mini-buses are decorated by the driver, making each bus quite unique. It almost gives the buses an individual sense of personality, something not found here in Canada, and it definitely makes the ride a fun experience.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Bus

Coach bus

Buses in Syria are truly excellent value for what you pay. Most of the buses are relatively comfortable and the distances are never too long anyways.

Bus depots however are a different story. Here in Canada we only have one major option, Greyhound, wich means they can give us *** for service and we have to like it. In Syria (and other middle eastern countries I visited) on the other hand there are dozens of companies. At a bus depot in a major city there will be dozens (usually more) booths with different companies vouching for your business. Shop around and see wich company has the departure time that best suites you, the prices are pretty uniform throughout.

Also, as an added perk, on the big coach buses there are attendants of sorts. They hand out this perfume type soap stuff as well as tea (or cola or water) and snacks. This will, however, stop once Ramadan kicks in, after wich they offer water (no tea or cola) and some mint type candy to any non-muslims.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Bus