Iraq offers an extraordinary journey through the cradle of civilization, from the ancient Mesopotamian ruins to the bustling streets of Baghdad and the stunning mountains of Kurdistan. Experience authentic Middle Eastern culture, world-class archaeological sites, and warm hospitality in this historically rich nation.
- Public
- Public buses operate in major cities but are not recommended for tourists — irregular schedules, language barriers, overcrowding, and security concerns make them impractical. City buses cost $0.25-0.50/ride but are best avoided.
- Taxi
- Taxis and Careem (ride-hailing app) are the primary transport for tourists. Careem operates in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and other cities with transparent pricing. Standard taxis: base fare ~$2, then $0.50-1/km. Always negotiate before departure or use Careem.
- Rental
- Car rental is available at major airports (Europcar, Fox, local companies) and practical for Kurdistan Region exploration where roads are generally good. International Driving Permit recommended. Minimum age 21-25. Not recommended for Baghdad due to security and traffic complexity.
- Walking
- Historic city centers in Erbil (around the Citadel and Qaysari Bazaar) and Sulaymaniyah (city center) are walkable for sightseeing. Baghdad's attractions are spread across the city requiring transport; some areas like Al-Mutanabbi Street and the Karrada district are walkable within themselves.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Private transfer (pre-booked recommended): $30-50
- Shuttle
- Local taxi: $20-35 (negotiate price before departure)
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle: Varies by hotel, often complimentary for guests
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public buses operate in major cities but are generally not recommended for tourists due to irregular schedules, language barriers, and overcrowding. City buses cost approximately $0.25-0.50 per ride.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis are widely available in all cities. Standard taxis: base fare approximately $2, then $0.50-1.00 per km. In Baghdad: expect $3-8 for typical city journeys. In Erbil: $2-6 for most trips. Always negotiate price before departure or insist on meter usage.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Numerous bus companies connect major cities. Routes include Baghdad-Erbil ($10-15, 5-6 hours), Baghdad-Basra ($8-12, 6-7 hours), Baghdad-Najaf ($5-8, 2-3 hours), Erbil-Sulaymaniyah ($5-7, 2 hours). Buses range from basic to VIP with air conditioning. Major companies include JETT Bus and Kurdistan buses. Book through hotels or bus stations.
Flights
Iraqi Airways, Fly Baghdad, and other carriers operate domestic flights between major cities. Popular routes: Baghdad-Erbil (1 hour, $80-150), Baghdad-Basra (1 hour, $60-120), Erbil-Sulaymaniyah (30 min, $40-80). Booking in advance recommended, especially during pilgrim seasons.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Baghdad International Airport
From centre: 16 km west of downtown Baghdad
Options: Private transfer (pre-booked recommended): $30-50; Local taxi: $20-35 (negotiate price before departure); Hotel shuttle: Varies by hotel, often complimentary for guests; Limited public bus service: $2-5 (not recommended for tourists)
Erbil International Airport
From centre: 6 km from Erbil city center
Options: Airport taxi (official): $10-15; Private transfer: $15-25; Hotel shuttle: Often complimentary or $5-10; Ride-sharing apps available
Basra International Airport
From centre: Approximately 20 km from Basra city center
Options: Taxi: $15-25; Private transfer: $20-35; Hotel shuttle: Varies by hotel
Sulaymaniyah International Airport
From centre: 15 km from Sulaymaniyah
Options: Taxi: $12-20; Private transfer: $15-25; Hotel pickup available from most hotels
Najaf International Airport
From centre: About 10 km from Najaf city center
Options: Taxi: $8-15; Private transfer: $12-20; Shared minibus to city: $2-3 per person
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Careem
Primary ride-hailing app for Iraq — covers Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Basra, and other cities. Most reliable and safest taxi option for tourists with upfront pricing and driver tracking.
Bolt
Available in Erbil and Kurdistan Region as an alternative to Careem. Generally comparable pricing with similar reliability.
Iraqi Airways App
Book domestic flights between Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, Sulaymaniyah, and Najaf. Fly Baghdad is an alternative carrier on the same routes.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Careem before arrival — it operates in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and other cities and provides transparent pricing and safety features unavailable with street taxis
Pre-arrange airport transfers through your hotel — it's safer and removes the stress of negotiating a fair price on arrival, especially at Baghdad International Airport
For day trips to archaeological sites (Babylon, Ctesiphon, Ur), arrange private hire through your hotel — negotiate a full-day rate ($60-120) rather than paying per trip
Domestic flights between Baghdad and Erbil ($80-150) are strongly recommended over road travel to save time and avoid the long drive through potentially insecure areas
In Kurdistan Region, shared taxis (servis) connect cities like Erbil-Sulaymaniyah (2 hours, $7-10) and Erbil-Dohuk cheaply and reliably — ask at any bus station
On long intercity journeys, opt for air-conditioned VIP bus services (Kurdish bus companies) rather than basic local buses — the quality difference is significant for $2-5 extra