Driving Guide in Syria

Damascus traffic is busiest in the morning and late afternoon, and slows further around markets and the old city. Lanes are loosely observed, so keep a calm, defensive style and leave space at junctions.

Motorcycles and microbuses move unpredictably and stop without warning. Watch for pedestrians crossing mid-block in residential and market streets, and avoid rushing through tight intersections.

Main routes in and around Damascus are generally usable, but surfaces vary: expect occasional potholes, unmarked speed bumps and poorly lit stretches after dark.

Outside the city, conditions change more often. If you plan to travel beyond Damascus, ask the Auris team in advance so expectations are realistic — we would rather tell you honestly than overpromise.

Google Maps generally works for getting around Damascus, but coverage can be patchy in the old city and some districts, and live traffic data is less reliable than in larger regional capitals. Download an offline map of Damascus before you set off so you are not dependent on mobile data.

Treat directions as a guide rather than gospel: for narrow old-city lanes, ask locally or follow signage, and keep the Auris contact number handy if a route looks blocked. A car with a driver removes the navigation problem entirely.

Central Damascus and market areas fill up quickly, and street parking near the old city is tight. Where an attended lot or paid space is available, use it rather than leaving the car in an awkward spot.

Keep some small cash for informal parking attendants, do not block narrow streets, and note where you left the car — landmarks are easier than addresses in dense districts. For families moving across the city, a driver who handles parking is often worth it.

If you are arriving at Damascus International Airport, decide in advance whether you want to drive immediately or be met. Pickup can be arranged when the service is available; share your flight details so timing is confirmed before you land.

After a long flight, some travelers prefer a car with a driver for the first leg into the city, then switch to self-drive once rested. Both can be arranged through Auris.

Keep your passport and licence with you, wear seatbelts, and avoid driving in unfamiliar areas after dark when you can. Use offline maps as a backup where mobile data is weak.

Plan your route before setting off, confirm any seasonal road closures with local advice, and keep the Auris contact number reachable in case you need roadside support.

For families, a mid-size SUV or a van gives room for luggage and children, and a baby seat can be requested when booking. Plan shorter driving windows around children's routines and the midday heat in summer.

If you are visiting relatives across different parts of the city, a car with a driver can remove the stress of parking and directions while you focus on the visit.

Returning Syrian expats and first-time visitors often book ahead on WhatsApp so the car is ready on arrival. Confirm documents, pickup point and the fuel policy before you travel.

If it has been years since you last drove in Syria, give yourself an easy first day, or start with a driver until you are comfortable with the roads again.