Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Baghdad (BGW) airport: 18 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Iraq with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Domestic flights within Iraq resumed in June 2006, with an Iraqi Airways flight from Baghdad to Basra. Flights are now also available to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah (in the Kurdistan region).

Many rail tracks were destroyed during the war and repair work is underway. The principal route is from the Syrian Arab Republic border at Tel-Kotchek to Mosul, Baghdad and Al Basrah. Trains also run from Baghdad to Al Basrah, and from Baghdad to Kirkuk and Arbil.

The principal road routes are from:

• Baghdad to the Jordanian frontier
• Baghdad to Kirkuk, Arbil and Zakho
• Baghdad to Hilla and Kerbela
• Baghdad to Kanaquin (Iranian border)
• Baghdad to Al Basrah and Safwan (Kuwait border)

However, travel by road is not wholly recommended at present, due to the continuing threat of car-jacking, robbery and random attacks. It is recommended to travel in convoys of at least four per vehicle in daylight hours only. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and/or mines are used on some roads. Road closures should also be expected.

There are some bus services running from Baghdad and other main cities. However, buses are poorly maintained and they are often involved in accidents. Taxis are also available for travel within and between cities. Fares should be negotiated in advance when using un-metered taxis. Metered taxis charge twice the amount shown on the meter. Tipping is not necessary.