Asia > 🇸🇾Syria
Should You Hire a Car in Syria? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Syria (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Syria - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
Syria has some of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Middle East, yet the country remains deeply affected by conflict, instability, and infrastructure damage. Because of that, most travellers face strict limitations, and the question “Should you rent a car in Syria?” needs a very cautious answer.
⚠️ Current reality — travel remains extremely limited
Although a few controlled areas receive small numbers of visitors on tightly managed tours, movement across governorates can change quickly. Checkpoints sit on major roads, and access often depends on permits or escorts. Because of that, independent travel simply does not function the way it does in neighbouring Jordan or Lebanon.
🚗 Car rental — essentially unavailable
You will find no practical car rental market for visitors in Syria. Large agencies withdrew years ago, and the few local companies that still exist almost never rent to foreign tourists. Even if you could hire a car, you would face:
-
frequent checkpoints,
-
unpredictable security conditions, and
-
road damage or diversions.
Therefore, renting a car is neither realistic nor recommended.
🚐 So how do visitors travel inside Syria?
Most travellers use one of the following:
-
pre-arranged private drivers, approved by the local operator
-
official guided tours, often required for entry to major sites
-
pre-booked transfers between cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Homs
These options handle permits, route planning, and interactions at checkpoints. Consequently, they remove the stress and risk that an independent driver would face.
🏛️ What about public transport?
Some long-distance buses still run, and shared taxis operate between cities. However, schedules can vary, and routes may change at short notice. Travellers who rely on these services must remain flexible and avoid travelling after dark. Because of that, most visitors choose private arrangements instead.
⭐ Verdict — Should you rent a car in Syria?
No. Renting a car in Syria is neither feasible nor safe. If you do visit under permitted conditions, stick to licensed guides, official transfers, or operator-provided drivers. That’s the only practical way to explore cities like Damascus or Aleppo in the current situation.
