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How to Get to Homs

How to Get to Homs

Homs Syria Travel Guide

Air Travel to Syria

Airport and Airlines

Damascus International Airport (DAM) serves as the main international entry point. Flights to DAM are limited due to international sanctions and safety concerns.

Flight Information

  • Airlines: Syrian Air, Cham Wings, FlyDubai, Iraqi Airways, Mahan Air.
  • Routes: Mainly from regional hubs like Dubai, Sharjah, Beirut, Tehran, Baghdad, Moscow.
  • Direct Flights: No direct flights from major Western global hubs. Layover in a regional hub is always needed.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

DAM has basic facilities. Services might be limited compared to major international airports. Cash (USD or EUR) is essential for any airport purchases.

Transfer to Homs

  • Homs is approximately 160-180 km (100-112 miles) north of Damascus.
  • Private Taxi: Negotiate fare in advance (often in USD). Arrange through trusted area contacts.
  • Shared Taxi/Buses: Cheaper but higher security risks. Not recommended for foreign visitors.

Cash Transactions

Expect cash (U.S. dollars or EUR) only for airport purchases; credit cards are not accepted.

Flight Availability

Availability stays confined but typically consistent. Prices can be high.

Pre-Arranged Transfers

Pre-arrange all airport transfers through a trusted local contact or organization.

Affiliate Resources for Air Travel

Flight Deal Alerts

  • Monitor flight prices through services like Dollar Flight Club.
  • Set up price alerts for designated ways to Damascus.
  • Be aware that bargains for this region are infrequent.
  • Limited competition might keep prices high.

Flight Search Engines

  • Use airfare comparison sites such as Skyscanner to find available routes.
  • Filter by direct flights or minimal layovers from regional hubs.
  • Verify airline operational status and routes before booking.
  • Always prioritize reputable airlines and secure booking platforms.

Important Travel Advisory

Avoid On-Arrival Taxi Search

Don't depend on finding a taxi upon arrival at Damascus Airport without prior arrangements.

Pre-Book Transfers

Pre-arrange all airport transfers with a trusted local contact or organization for safety.

Expect Security Checks

Prepare for extensive security checks and potential delays at the airport and on the road to Homs.

Land Transportation to Homs

Border Crossing Information

Land borders with neighboring countries are officially open but operate under severe restrictions and extensive security checks. Self-driving is highly discouraged.

Open Borders

  • Lebanon: Masnaa crossing (Jdeidet Yabous on Syrian side) is officially open.
  • Jordan: Nassib-Jaber crossing is officially open.
  • Expect severe restrictions, extensive security checks, and potential closures at these crossings.

Train and Bus Options

The Syrian railway network is largely non-operational or unreliable for public passenger transport due to war damage. No viable train options exist for Homs.

Intercity Travel

  • Train Connections: No viable train options for Homs.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Limited intercity bus services connect Damascus to Homs.
  • Not Recommended: These local services are often crowded and subject to delays and numerous security checkpoints; not suitable for foreign visitors.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving is highly discouraged and often not permitted for foreign visitors due to extreme risks. Road conditions are poor, navigation is difficult.

Driving Risks

  • Road conditions: Frequently damaged, poorly maintained, and unlit.
  • Security Risks: Numerous military and security checkpoints, armed groups, unexploded ordnance.
  • Insurance: Unlikely to be valid. Driving after dark is extremely dangerous.

Disallowed Land Borders

Certain land borders are extremely dangerous or closed for admission to Syria. Do not attempt to cross these routes.

Avoid These Routes

  • Turkey: Crossings from Turkey are highly dangerous or closed.
  • Iraq: Crossings from Iraq are highly dangerous or closed.
  • Always travel with a trusted local driver and escort for any land journey.

Critical Land Travel Warnings

  • Do not attempt self-driving.
  • Avoid public buses or shared cabs without escort.
  • Roads have frequent damage and unexploded ordnance.
  • Travel with trusted local driver and escort always.
  • Be prepared for lengthy delays and questioning at checkpoints.
  • Travel after dark is extremely dangerous.

Sea and River Arrivals

Sea Transportation to Syria

Homs has no immediate access to the sea. Syria has a Mediterranean coastline (e.g., Tartus, Latakia), but no regular a ferry to another country services or cruise ship calls operate.

Coastal Access

  • No direct sea access for Homs.
  • No regular international ferry services.
  • No cruise ship calls to Syrian ports.

River Transportation

The Orontes River flows through Homs, but no mass river getting around services exist that are suitable or safe for travel.

Orontes River Travel

  • The Orontes River flows through Homs.
  • No mass river transportation services are available.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Homs.

River Access

The Orontes River runs through Homs but is not a travel route.

Coastal Cities

Syria's coastal cities (Tartus, Latakia) have limited sea connectivity.

Maritime Travel

No maritime routes currently serve for international passenger travel to Syria.

Departure Information from Syria

Departure Planning

Plan your departure well in advance. Expect similar security processes and potential delays as upon arrival. Departure from Syria will generally be via Damascus International Airport (DAM).

Pre-Departure Steps

  • Exit Fees: Exit fees might apply, usually payable in SYP or USD at the airport. Verify current fees locally.
  • Timing: Arrive at DAM well in advance (3-4 hours) due to extensive security checks and potential delays.
  • Travel to The airport: Allow extra time for travel from Homs to Damascus, considering road quality and checkpoints.

Airport Facilities

Facilities at Damascus International Airport (DAM) are basic. Expect limited dining and shopping options.

Airport Amenities

  • Dining: Limited dining options.
  • Shopping: Limited shopping options.
  • Cash: Have sufficient cash for any last-minute purchases, as credit cards are not accepted.

Departure Checklist

Valid Documents

Ensure your passport and any exit permits are valid and easy to reach.

Financial Readiness

Verify exit fees and have enough local currency or USD for last-minute expenses.

Early Arrival

Plan to arrive at the airport with sufficient time, allowing for protection and delays.

Departure Reminder

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