How to get to Sanaa

Sanaa is the ancient capital and heart of Yemen, located in a picturesque mountain valley at an altitude of over 2000 metres. This open-air museum city attracts travellers with its unique architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and its atmosphere of an Arabian fairytale.

Despite the challenging terrain, Sanaa can be reached in various ways using a combination of air and ground transport. The route here usually lies through neighbouring major cities, from where tourists continue their journey by car or bus, enjoying authentic views of the Arabian Peninsula.

Since there is currently no active passenger air service for tourists directly to Sanaa, travellers are advised to plan their flight through the nearest airports in neighbouring regions. Convenient transit points can be the cities of Jizan or Najran, located approximately 250 kilometres from the capital.

An alternative option is a flight to Aden, which is located at a distance of about 300 kilometres. The airports in these cities accept flights and serve as a starting point for further travel by ground transport to the destination.

Rail transport is not a common method of travel in this region, and the city of Sanaa does not have its own railway station. Tourists considering rail travel options should take into account that the nearest major settlements with developed transport infrastructure are located at a significant distance.

The nearest reference points for planning a route are Jizan and Najran, as well as Aden. However, for the final stage of the trip to the capital of Yemen, a transfer to a car or bus will be required in any case.

Although the exact schedule of international bus services to Sanaa may vary, bus transport remains one of the accessible ways to travel within the region. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that there may be no direct routes from far abroad, and a transfer in neighbouring major transport hubs will be required.

Usually, intercity buses and private shared taxis operate between major cities, offering a budget-friendly travel option. It is recommended to check current information regarding seat availability and departure times at local bus stations directly before the trip.

Travelling by car allows you to plan your schedule independently and enjoy the mountain views. One of the routes leads from the city of Najran: the distance is about 416 km, and the travel time will take approximately 6 hours. An option is also available from Jizan, from where you can reach the capital in 6.7 hours, covering 364 km.

For those departing from the city of Aden, the road will take about 8.3 hours, and the length of the journey will be 381 km. Using a taxi or a rented car provides flexibility but requires attentiveness on local roads.

A trip to Sanaa is an immersion into a unique culture that requires respect for local traditions and careful preparation. To ensure your journey is comfortable, please pay attention to the following recommendations.

1. Clothing and belongings. Given the conservative traditions, choose modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Considering the high-altitude location of the city, evenings can be cool, so be sure to bring warm clothes with you.
2. Transport. To move around the city, it is best to use official taxis or rent a car with a local driver who knows the roads and traffic nuances well.
3. Finances. The main currency is the Yemeni Rial. Bank cards are rarely accepted, so always carry a sufficient supply of cash, which is best exchanged at official exchange points.
4. Health and safety. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. It is recommended to carry a personal first aid kit and arrange medical insurance.
5. Communication. The official language is Arabic. English is not understood everywhere, so it is useful to learn a few basic phrases of greeting and gratitude.
6. Local etiquette. Greet locals politely; use your right hand for eating and passing items. Photographing people, especially women, is permitted only with their explicit permission.
7. What to avoid. Do not wear revealing clothing, consume alcohol in public places, or display affection in public.
8. Additional tip. Be sure to take a walk through the Old City of Sanaa to see the famous "gingerbread" houses decorated with white gypsum, which are the hallmark of the country.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and fully enjoy the hospitality of this historic city.