Job Discussion Forums

[akolsky1]

I have been reading lots of info about the ME on this site--but wondering about this question--Does the ME have a series of bus and/or train lines similar (as comparable as one can get) to Europe's Eurail? As a female backpacking, besides the common sense precautions, knowing that there is a systematic transport system feels reassuring. I know I have much research to do via LPlanet and the internet but want to get just a general idea of what I am up against. These are the countries where want to visit--where US citizens don;t need a visa--Egypt, Jordon, morocco, Tunesia, Israel/Palestine, UAE, maybe Oman. Would love to go to Lebanon and Syria, but that requires serious visas and not sure if would have time anyway. (I know about the Israel passport factor and would plan accordingly)--but if anyone has any recommended favorite ME routes, that would be great info to know. Also I am assuming "L Planet" would be the best/practical guide of all the books since I am going at it alone.
Many thanks,
Amy

[veiledsentiments]

As I recommended on the other thread... consult the LP Thorntree website. There are really no convenient trains... and while most of these countries have usable in-country bus systems... not so much between countries. There is nothing systematic like Europe has, but I have traveled around most of it on my own (as a female) and found it quite easy. I always traveled around by air though.

BTW... US citizens need a visa in every country, but the difference is that in many of them you can get them at the airport.

[scot47]

Bus routes all over the Peninsula. I am not sure about female backpackers though. The concept of |backpacking" is not familiar to my students who are quite a sophisticated lot.

But then you won't be coming to Saudi Arabia will you ?

[Pikgitina]

As VS said, nothing like the comprehensive system as in Europe, but a system definitely exists.

Transport bewteen Jordan/Egypt/Israel is covered well by buses.

Jordan to Syria is possible by train or bus or even shared taxi. A Jordanian taxi takes you to the Syrian crossing and after you've crossed you get into a Syrian taxi onwards to Damascus (or wherever you're heading to).

From Syria you can travel onwards to Turkey and even Iran (I think) by train! Buses are of course available too. Taxis and buses to Lebanon, too.

Why not leave Israel for last - gets rid of all the visa issues?

I took a bus from Riyadh to Amman once - 24 hours! - and it was an interesting experience. Jordanian and Palestinian women shared their children's snacks with me and zipped up my jacket for me when we got to a FREEZING Amman at 5 in the morning. On this route there weren't any single (Western) female travellers, of course.

If you do end up using the buses and the trains on your own, as other women must have done, you will most likely get lots of unwanted attention. Best to dress very modestly, etc.

From the northern ME, you'll have to fly to Oman/the UAE. Have a look at Air Arabia - cheaper flights via Sharjah.

Sounds like a great trip!

[veiledsentiments]

Some of border crossings can cause difficulties for Americans at times, which I why I recommend LP. There are always "budget travelers" traveling about and they can give the latest on borders and visas. The Levant is so small and compact that it would be the easiest. Is the train running? I have never found anyone who had ever been able to use it.

I don't believe crossing North Africa by bus is possible now for Americans because of visa problems for Libya and the sporadic political problems of Algeria.

VS

[Pikgitina]

Yes, it's running.

For those interested in fantastic train journeys, check out www.seat61.com.

According to that site, the Istanbul-Aleppo overnight has been cancelled till further notice due to construction in Turkey.