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How to Get to Baghdad

Air Travel to Baghdad

Baghdad International Airport BGW

This is the principal international airport serving the capital. All international flights typically arrive here. BGW offers basic facilities including duty-free shops, cafes, currency exchange, and vehicle rental desks. Wi-Fi availability may be limited or unreliable.

Airlines & Routes

  • Iraqi Airways: The national carrier, offering connections to local and some overseas locations.
  • International Carriers: The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Qatar Airways, Emirates, flydubai, Middle East Airlines (MEA), Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Pegasus Airlines.
  • Connecting Hubs: Most travelers connect via major hubs in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amman, Beirut, Cairo) and some European cities.

Airport Transfers from BGW to City

Strongly recommended due to safety concerns, pre-arranged private transfers often include a security escort provided by your tour operator or hotel. Public transport is generally not available or recommended for foreign tourists from BGW to the city.

Recommended Options

  • Pre-arranged Private Transfers: The least risky option, often with security escort.
  • Taxi Services: Arrange through reputable sources or your hotel. Avoid hailing unmarked taxis directly.
  • Public Transport: Not recommended for foreign tourists from BGW.

Airport Facilities

BGW offers basic facilities including duty-free, cafes, currency exchange, and car rental. Wi-Fi availability differs.

Security Protocols

Expect multiple checkpoints and thorough screenings upon arrival and departure. Cooperation and patience are helpful.

Flight Planning

Direct flights from major Western global hubs are limited. Plan for at least one layover. Prices vary seasonally and by holidays.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

  • Exit Fees: May be included in your air ticket price. Verify with your airline or tour operator.
  • Departure Timing: Arrive at Baghdad International Airport at least 3-4 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Security: Expect multiple checkpoints and thorough screenings on approach to and within the airport.
  • Cooperation: Patience is helpful during the security process.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

  • Basic Amenities: BGW offers basic amenities including cafes plus some restaurants.
  • Duty-Free Shops: Some duty-free opportunities to shop are available.
  • Lounge Access: Lounge access may be limited.
  • Final Checks: Ensure passport and boarding pass are readily accessible.

Departure Considerations

Communication

Inform your travel company or local contact of your departure time and flight details.

Local Currency

Convert any remaining Iraqi Dinars or plan to spend them prior to your departure.

Important Documents

Keep boarding passes and passports readily accessible during the exit process.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Train Services

Land travel to and from Baghdad involves specific difficulties and security considerations. It is generally not the recommended mode of entry for international tourists.

Considerations for Land Travel

  • Border Crossings: Land borders exist with neighboring countries (Kuwait, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey).
  • Safety and Feasibility: Vary greatly depending on the current political and security situation in specific border regions. Some may be closed or dangerous.
  • Train Services: Passenger rail service within Iraq is limited (e.g., Baghdad to Basra) and not a main tourist transport method. No international connections.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-cross-country buses operate between major Iraqi cities but are mainly used by locals. Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists from other countries.

Road Travel Details

  • Long-Distance Buses: Generally not recommended for independent foreign tourists due to safety concerns and variable road conditions.
  • Self-Driving: Not recommended. Complex security situation, challenging road conditions, aggressive driving styles, numerous checkpoints.
  • Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required, but self-driving is discouraged.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

The condition of the roads changes from well-maintained highways to poorly surfaced rural roads. Security checkpoints are frequent, and you must cooperate fully with personnel.

Road Risks

  • Variable Road Conditions: From well-maintained to poorly surfaced.
  • Frequent Checkpoints: Cooperate fully with security personnel.
  • High Traffic Accident Rates: Due to lax enforcement of traffic laws and aggressive road behavior.

Security Measures for Land Travel

Road safety poses a significant concern due to high traffic accident rates and the risk of roadside incidents. Travel outside Baghdad requires careful planning.

Mitigating Risks

  • Risks: Risk of roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or criminal activity in some locations.
  • Escort: Travel outside Baghdad requires a security assessment and usually an escort.
  • Independent Decisions: Avoid making independent decisions about land crossings. Seek updated information.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

  • Ferry Services: Baghdad is a landlocked city on the Tigris River. No international ferry services.
  • Cruise Ports: No cruise ports on the Tigris River for international passenger travel.
  • River Transportation: Not much local river taxi services or private boats may operate for fun purposes within secure zones, not for primary modes of transport.
  • Immigration Procedures: Not applicable as no international seaports serve Baghdad.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Not applicable for international tourists arriving by sea/river.
  • International Travel: Sea/river arrivals are not applicable for international travel to Baghdad.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Your departure from Baghdad International Airport requires similar planning and adherence to security protocols as the arrival. Arrive at Baghdad International Airport at least 3-4 hours before your scheduled departure.

Departure Steps

  • Exit Fees: May be included in your air ticket price. Verify with your airline or tour operator to avoid surprises.
  • Early Arrival: Allows ample time for extensive security checks and potential delays.
  • Security: Expect multiple checkpoints on the approach to and within the airport. Cooperation and patience are helpful.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

BGW offers basic amenities for departing travelers, including cafes, a few restaurants, and duty-free shops. Lounge access may be limited.

Terminal Features

  • Cafes & Restaurants: Limited choices available for refreshments.
  • Duty-Free Shops: Some retail possibilities are present.
  • Lounge Access: May be limited or vary by airline affiliation.

Final Document Check

Ensure passport and boarding pass are readily accessible for all checkpoints.

Inform Your Contacts

Notify your tour provider or local host of your exact departure time.

Local Currency

Spend or convert any remaining Iraqi Dinars before passing security.

Departure Reminders

Preparing for Departure

To ensure a smooth departure, double-check all requirements and allow ample time for the airport procedures. Security measures are thorough.

Last-Minute Checks

  • Printed Tickets: Have physical copies of your boarding pass and e-ticket confirmations.
  • Baggage: Confirm baggage allowances with your airline to avoid last-minute fees.
  • Electronics: Keep all electronics charged and easily accessible for security screening.

Security and Time

Security inspections are extensive and require time. Plan accordingly to avoid stress and ensure you make your flight without incident.

Time Management

  • Buffer Time: Build in extra time for unforeseen delays at security checkpoints.
  • Group Travel: If traveling with a group, coordinate arrival times carefully.
  • Questions: Do not hesitate to ask airport staff or security personnel for guidance.

Departure Checklist

Passport

Ensure it is easy to reach and valid.

Boarding Pass

Keep it printed or on your mobile device.

Baggage

Confirm all luggage is properly tagged.

Depart with Confidence

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport well in advance of your flight. Security checks are extensive and take time.

How to Get to Baghdad. Flights, Transportation, Airlines