Yemen Travel Guide - Getting Around

Yemen Airways (IY) (website: www.yemenia.com) operates services between Sana’a, Ta’izz and Hodeida. There are also flights from Aden. It is advisable to double-check flight reservations and times before departure.

Local ferries connect local ports. For details, contact port authorities. Mariners should be aware that there is the possibility of attacks against ships and, in particular, yachts off the Yemen coast, especially in the Gulf of Aden. Travellers are advised against yachting in this area.

Road conditions and driving standards are quite poor and many roads are in a state of disrepair, with mountain roads particularly hazardous. Within Sana’a and from Ta’izz to Mokha, the roads are reliable. From Aden to Ta’izz is three to five hours’ driving time. A road links Aden and Sana’a, otherwise the road network is mainly limited to desert tracks. Use of 4-wheel drive vehicles and a guide is recommended. There is a road from Aden to Mukalla of 500km (310 miles). Officially, traffic drives on the right but sometimes drivers travel on the left.

Bus: There are regular intercity bus services.

Taxi: Recognisable by yellow licence plates. Taxi-sharing is the cheapest transport between cities. There are minimum charges within main cities but fares should be negotiated beforehand for intercity journeys.

Car hire: Available in main towns; 4-wheel drive is recommended. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available.

Regulations: The maximum speed limit is 100kph (62mph) but this is rarely enforced. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a fine or prison sentence.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. A temporary licence valid for three months is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid national licence.

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Sana’a to other major cities/towns in the Republic of Yemen.

	Air	Road
Ta’izz	0.45	3.30
Hodeida	0.40	3.00
Aden	0.45	4.30