Getting Around Iraq
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use shared taxis for Baghdad and Erbil. Rural: Rent a car for Kurdistan exploration. South: Buses and minibuses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Baghdad to your destination.
Train Travel
Iraqi Republic Railways
Limited passenger network connecting major cities with infrequent services, mainly Baghdad to Basra.
Cost: Baghdad to Basra 5,000-10,000 IQD (~$4-8), journeys 10-12 hours.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through agents, cash preferred, no widespread app.
Peak Times: Book in advance for holidays, services can be delayed due to maintenance.
Rail Passes
No national rail passes available; single tickets are affordable for occasional use.
Best For: Long-distance travel like Baghdad-Basra, budget option for 1-2 trips.
Where to Buy: Major stations in Baghdad, Basra, or Mosul, with ID required.
High-Speed Options
Under development; current lines are standard gauge, no high-speed yet, but plans for Baghdad-Erbil.
Booking: Monitor updates via official railway site, future discounts expected.
Main Stations: Baghdad Central, with connections to Basra and northern lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Kurdistan and rural areas. Compare rental prices from $30-50/day at Baghdad and Erbil airports.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21-25, security deposit.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify with provider.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on major roads like Highway 1, pay cash at checkpoints.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for pedestrians.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid in city centers $1-3/hour, use guarded lots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at 450-600 IQD/liter (~$0.35-0.45) for petrol, subsidized prices.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, signal variable.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Baghdad, caution for checkpoints and road quality.
Urban Transport
Baghdad Metro & Trams
Under construction; currently limited light rail plans, rely on buses for now.
Validation: No formal system yet, pay driver directly for informal services.
Apps: Use local apps like Careem for ride-hailing in major cities.
Bike Rentals
Limited in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, $5-10/day through hotels or apps.
Routes: Safe paths in Kurdish regions, avoid southern cities due to traffic.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Erbil citadel area for cultural sightseeing.
Buses & Local Services
Minibuses and shared taxis operate in Baghdad, Erbil, Basra with extensive networks.
Tickets: 1,000-5,000 IQD (~$1-4) per ride, negotiate or pay fixed rates.
Regional Buses: Connect cities like Erbil-Baghdad for 10,000-20,000 IQD.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near airports or city centers in Baghdad or Erbil for easy access, secure areas preferred.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for spring (Mar-May) and major holidays like Eid.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for security-related travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, AC, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Erbil and Baghdad, 3G in rural areas, 5G emerging.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Asiacell, Zain Iraq, and Korek offer prepaid SIMs from 5,000-10,000 IQD (~$4-8) with coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 10,000 IQD, 10GB for 20,000 IQD, unlimited for 50,000 IQD/month.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and malls in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Available at airports and major tourist sites.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, no daylight saving time.
- Airport Transfers: Baghdad Airport 16km from city, taxi 20,000 IQD (30 min), or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and hotels (5,000-10,000 IQD/day).
- Accessibility: Limited ramps in older areas, modern hotels in Erbil more accessible.
- Pet Travel: Restrictions on public transport, check hotel policies in advance.
- Bike Transport: Not common on buses/trains, use rentals independently.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Iraq
Baghdad Airport (BGW) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Baghdad International (BGW): Primary gateway, 16km west of city with taxi connections.
Erbil International (EBL): Key for Kurdistan, 15km from city, shuttle $10 (20 min).
Basra International (BSR): Southern hub with regional flights, convenient for oil areas.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for spring travel (Mar-May) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Amman or Dubai and bus/train to Iraq for savings.
Budget Airlines
Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Turkish Airlines serve Erbil and Baghdad with regional connections.
Important: Include baggage fees and visa-on-arrival when calculating costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport processes can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees 1,000-5,000 IQD, use bank machines to minimize costs.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard in hotels and malls, cash dominant elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in urban areas, but carry cash as backup.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, small shops, keep 50,000-100,000 IQD in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but 5-10% in restaurants for good service appreciated.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid unofficial exchangers.