Yemen Transport

Air
Options for getting to Yemen are limited with air travel generally proving to be the most popular means for the majority of holiday makers. There are road routes into the country from Saudi Arabia and Oman, but the complicated and troublesome bureaucracy at borders can make this far from the most attractive option.

Sana’a International Airport (SAH) is the chief gateway into the country and the means by which most international visitors arrive. The facility is located 13km north of Yemen’s capital city and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by ground transportation. The airport maintains connections with Russia, Western Europe, north, south and east Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The airport operates a single passenger terminal which offers all essential facilities including a bank with bureau de change services, a duty free shop, restaurants and car hire.

Taxis provide the only options for getting to and from the airport unless you take a rental vehicle or are fortunate enough to be offered a free shuttle service by your hotel.

Other airports by which visitors may arrive in Yemen are those at Taiz, Hodaidah and Aden; facilities at these airports are generally basic but cover the essentials.

Car
Yemen shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman and crossings from the former are available at Haradh and Al Bura' in North Yemen and from the latter at Hadnut in East Yemen. Few visitors drive into Yemen and as a rule, this means of reaching the country is discouraged.

Air
The country’s national airline, Yemenia, operates internal flights between its four airports. Flights are considerably cheaper if booked from within the country as opposed to via the internet or with a foreign travel agency.

Bus
Public buses operate both within and between all of the major cities in the country however they are often crowded, noisy and smoky so may not offer the most comfortable means of getting around. Fares are cheap however, which is their most attractive point.

Car
Yemen’s roads are not the best for driving as many are poorly maintained while others barely pass as roads at all and would make driving very difficult for many vehicles. If however, you are not put off by such things then a hire car might be a good option for you. Be sure to grab a map or ask for some good directions from your hotel staff as road signs are largely in Arabic only. Alternatively, it’s possible to hire a car with a driver which is often a safer option as the locals know the roads better and are obviously more accustomed to dealing with Yemeni driver’s idiosyncrasies.

Taxi
Service taxis, which are shared between three to five passengers travelling to similar destinations, often operate along known bus routes and can be faster and more comfortable than the public buses (although more expensive also). Private taxis are available and operate on tariff systems; it’s wise to establish the price for your journey ahead of embarking on it so as not to get stung on arrival at the destination.

Water
Ferries run between the country’s ports; for more information, ask at your hotel reception or at a local travel agency.