Syria Transportation Tips by TheWanderingCamel Top 5 Page for this destination

Hama's old cars

Hama is the best place in Syria to observe the country's fleet of veteran cars though even here they are disappearing. Years of relative isolation and a struggling economy have meant that cars that elsewhere have been long superceded are kept on the road by all means possible. Big American saloons of the 40s and 50s are becoming a rarer sight, though there is a driver who works out of the Riad hotel who has an immaculate white 40s Pontiac for hire. Imagine swanning around in that - you'd feel like Humphrey Bogart or Bette Davis. There are still alot of early 60s cars around though, some lovingly tended, and some not!

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Driving youself

Driving yourself around Syria is probably the best way to go if you want to make the most of your time and get to out-of-the-way places.
The roads are reasonable and, apart from the Damascus/Aleppo and Latakia/Aleppo Highways, they are rarely very busy once you get out of the cities.
Driving in Damascus and Aleppo can be a little daunting at first, but take it carefully, watch out for the signs, be prepared to go around the roundabouts more than once, don't panic, do as our friend Ahmed advised us "You must learn to use the horn, Mr L" and you'll be fine.
Signage is adequate, with road signs in both Arabic and English. Sometimes, way out in the country, they may seem to disappear, but just as you think you've taken a wrong turn, another one will appear - a bit rusty and battered maybe, but still there.
The German Freytag and Berndt map of Syria is excellent.
We rented with Europcar and were very satisfied with their service.
Petrol is cheap.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Website: http://www.europcar.com