Al Basrah Al Qadimah Basra, Iraq Travel Guide
Iraqi Airways is the national carrier. Other airlines here include Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian, and Pegasus Airlines.
Basra International Airport (BSR) has basic facilities: a few cafes, duty-free shops, and currency exchange. Wi-Fi availability may be limited. Security at BSR is very high. Expect multiple checkpoints and thorough screenings.
No direct flights from major global hubs like London, New York, or Frankfurt. Connections through West Asian hubs are necessary.
Flights are generally consistent year-round. Prices may fluctuate based on demand, local holidays, and regional events. Book in advance for better rates. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner.
Wi-Fi availability may be limited or unreliable at the airport. Do not rely on it for pressing communications.
Basra International Airport (BSR) is the main airport.
International flights connect through Middle Eastern hubs (Doha, Dubai, Istanbul).
Expect very high security at BSR with multiple checkpoints.
Basra shares borders with Kuwait and Iran. Safwan Border Crossing (to Kuwait) mainly for commercial traffic. Passenger crossings are possible. Shalamcheh Border Crossing (to Iran) is known for pilgrims and some trade.
Bus services connect Basra with other major Iraqi cities: Baghdad, Nasiriyah, and Najaf. Private operators run these services. Safety standards may not meet Western expectations. Exercise caution.
Passenger rail service in Iraq is limited. A railway line connects Basra to Baghdad, but services are infrequent. International tourists do not typically use them.
Basra's port is mainly for cargo. No regular international passenger ferry services or cruise ship calls. A boat operated by localss transport people on the Shatt al-Arab for short trips.
Basra does not have a metro or tram system. A public bus system exists. It is extensive but informal. Foreign visitors may find it challenging to navigate. Buses are often crowded. Routes are not always clearly marked in English. Security can be a concern on crowded public transport.
Buses typically operate from early morning until late evening. Frequency varies by route. Main routes have more frequent service. Public transportation is generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. Buses lack ramps or other accessibility features.
Taxis are a main mode of transport for visitors. Hailing procedures involve agreeing on the fare Before starting. Uber and Careem are not officially available. Use hotel-recommended taxis for safety.
Vehicle rentals without a driver are not recommended for international tourists due to security risks. Local companies require an IDP. Motorcycle/scooter rentals are not available. Auto-rickshaws exist for short distances.
Al Basrah Al Qadimah walking is the best way to explore it. The Shatt al-Arab Corniche welcomes pedestrians. Basra lacks dedicated bicycle infrastructure; cycling on roads is unsafe. Avoid walking alone at night.
You can hire traditional boats (Mashoof) for short trips on the Shatt al-Arab. They also explore the canals of the Old City.
Basra lacks specific infrastructure for accessibility. Sidewalks are uneven. Public transport is not adapted. Travel with an assistant is necessary for individuals with mobility impairments.
Driving laws may be less strictly enforced compared to Western countries.
Road conditions vary greatly, from paved to unpaved, with many potholes.
Finding parking can be difficult in crowded areas of Basra.
