Damascus – Solo female traveller

My Experience end of 2025 – Summary

✔️ Departure: Buses leave from the station here starting around 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM.

✔️ Companies & Prices: There are several operators and prices vary — usually up to $20, depending on the company. I personally paid 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman.

✔️ Arrival: In Amman, buses typically arrive at the International Bus Station mostly. My bus stopped at here, and it was very convenient.

✔️ Duration: The journey takes about 8 hours, mainly because of long border procedures — around 6 hours of passport checks, searches, and scans.

I arrived very early, before 7:00 AM, and that turned out to be a great decision. At the station, I was directed to the first office on the right here exacly. I handed over my ticket and passport, and from what I understood, they told me the Jett bus wasn’t running that day. Instead, they pointed me to another bus. They took my ticket and passport, showed me the bus, and surprisingly it left at 7:15 AM. Just before departure, we got our passports back. I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my Jett ticket was accepted, though I still have no idea how that worked. Honestly, I was a bit stressed because I don’t like leaving my passport anywhere, but everyone had to do it for border control data collection. And off we went.

For the info on the bus from Amman to Damascus, click here.

✅ Where it departs from

The bus from Damascus to Amman departs from the bus station here. When I arrived, I was directed to the first office on the right after entering. I handed over my ticket and passport

✅ Timing

I had a Jett ticket for 8:00 AM, but arriving early (before 7:00 AM) was the best decision. Online sources say that buses from different companies usually leave between 7:00–7:30 AM. So I strongly recommend being there before 7:00, even if your ticket says 8:00. In my case, the alternative bus left at 7:15 AM.

✅ Price

I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my original Jett ticket was accepted, even though I ended up on a different bus. I purchased my return ticket at the Jett office in Abdali, Amman for 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman. More about this in my post here.

Prices can go up to 20 USD, depending on the company.

✅ Stops on the way

The bus made a few stops between Damascus and the border to pick up additional passengers.

✅ Border experience

At the border, our passports were checked around 8 times, the bus was searched twice, and all bags were scanned like at an airport. The whole process takes time. We had two stops of around 30 minutes each: one to stamp out, and another to get a visa in the office. Just follow the crowd or ask the border officers — they will guide you.

On the Jordanian side, go first to the cashier to pay for your visa or to activate your Jordan Pass. They will give you a receipt, and with that you can join the queue for your entry stamp.

Important: There is no exit tax when leaving Syria.

For Jordan VISA:

I had a Jordan Pass, so my visa was included. If you plan to visit Petra, it’s much cheaper to get the Jordan Pass, as it includes both the visa and major attractions.

Otherwise:

1) Single Entry – Visa 40 JOD Valid for 1 month. Available on arrival at most borders and airports

2) Double Entry – Visa 60 JOD Valid for up to 3 months. Not available on arrival — must be obtained at a Jordanian embassy

3) Multiple Entry – Visa 120 JOD Valid for up to 6 months. Also only available at an embassy

Jordan Pass options (all include visa if you stay min. 3 nights):

Jordan Pass Wanderer – 70 JOD (1‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
Jordan Pass Explorer – 75 JOD (2‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
Jordan Pass Expert – 80 JOD (3‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)