Arriving at Damascus Airport: From the Plane to Your Hotel, Step by Step
Arriving at Damascus airport: passport and visa, money and SIM, taxis and rental cars into the city — and how to get through the first hour smoothly.
In this article
The first hour after landing sets the mood of the whole trip. Damascus International Airport is neither big nor complicated, but knowing the steps in advance saves time and money. This is what happens between the aircraft door and your hotel door.
1. Passport and visa
Go to passport control. Most nationalities get a visa on arrival, with the fee usually paid in cash in US dollars. Have the amount ready in clean notes, together with the address and phone number of your first hotel. Visa details by nationality are in our travel guide — check before you fly, as rules change.
2. Luggage and customs
After baggage claim you may pass a customs check. Don't carry anything that looks like an antiquity, or a drone — read what to pack and what not to.
3. Money and SIM
- The airport has official exchange desks: change a small amount for the taxi and your first days. Read our money and new pound guide.
- Look for Syriatel and MTN counters to buy a SIM; you'll need your passport. See our internet guide.
- Free Wi-Fi in the terminal lets you reach your hotel or driver.
4. From the airport into the city
The airport lies about 25–30 km south-east of central Damascus: thirty to forty-five minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Taxi: agree the full fare before you get in, in new pounds.
- Hotel pick-up: many hotels send a car for a fee — ask when you book.
- A rental car from the airport: easiest if you will travel outside Damascus. Collect it on arrival, or ask for one with a driver.
On Bytnaa you can choose Damascus airport pick-up when you book a car, and the airport fee is shown before you confirm. You pay the office at pick-up, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before.
5. The first night
If you land at night, pick a hotel that is close and easy to reach, and tell them your arrival time. In the morning, start with a day in Old Damascus.
Aleppo and Latakia airports
If your trip starts in the north or on the coast, Aleppo airport is close to the city and Latakia airport is about twenty minutes south of town. The steps are much the same.
- Distance
- About 25–30 km from central Damascus
- Time
- 30–45 minutes by car
- Have ready
- Cash in dollars for the visa
- Internet
- Free Wi-Fi in the terminal
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