Syria Travel Forum

Hi there,
I'll be in Syria in July, and I'd like to to a day trip to Palmyra from Damascus. I realise that it would be better to spend the night in Palmyra, but I simply don't have the time.

Does anyone know how I can get to Palmyra by public transport and how much it costs? Or do you think it's better to hire a guide/car from Damascus instead?

Thank you for your help!

Chris

Buses are leaving from Harasta Garage, but it takes about 4 hour to get to Palmyra. If i remember well they where about 200 Syrian Pounds.

Hi Chris,

Nice to see that there is a person from Cyprus that likes to travel overseas !

I would advise taking a a rental car or hiring a taxi for the day. If you do it on public transport you won't get to see much as counting the time you need to get to the bus station from the hotel, wait for the bus, the bus ride etc you'll have to rush through in 2 hours.
Btw : In July it'll be very hot in the desert. Think old town Nicosia in August and you get an idea of how warm it'll be. I'm not sure I'd want to make a sightseeing tour of Palmyra at mid-day in July.

I highly recommend Palmyra. It was amazing and had hardly any tourists. Take a car and driver and guide. It is a fairly long drive from Damascus.

Thank you everyone for your replies!

Yes George, not many Cypriots like to explore unusual places...They tend to go for the usual Greek islands, which is not my kind of holiday...! I prefer remote/even dangerous places, and I've "done" most of Africa so far (among others...).

Anyway, looking forward to Palmyra!

A car and guide is the best way to go , your hotel can arrange that locally or travel agencies and there are plenty

here is one to get an estimate of the cost etc.

Nahas travel and tourism Syria
www.nahastt.net/home.php?cat=home

Have a nice trip

Thanks Mel!
That's very helpful. I'll try that website...!

Chris