| Airport of arrival: | Baghdad International Airport |
| Flight time from Istanbul to Baghdad: | 3 hours |
The Republic of Iraq is famous for being the heart of many civilizations rooted in Mesopotamia. Baghdad is the capital and the largest city in Iraq. It became the commercial, cultural, and intellectual center of the Arab world. The city was called “The City of Peace” back in time. Because of its multicultural and multireligious environment, it was also named " Learning Center".
You can find cheap and affordable tickets to Baghdad via Pegasus.
Transportation
There are direct flights to Istanbul from Baghdad. Also, there are national and international connection flights via Istanbul.
About the Airport
Baghdad International Airport is 16 km away from the city center.
Baghdad International Airport
Baghdad International Airport was opened in 1982 under the name of Saddam International Airport. In 2003, the name has changed to Baghdad International Airport. The airport is used for military and civil purposes. There are two main terminals: Military terminal and Civil terminal. The civil terminal includes three terminals called Nineveh (A), Babylon(B), and Samara (C). It has a capacity of 7,5 million passengers annually. Besides the coffee shops, there are ATMs, banks, an airport hotel, prayer rooms, and a medical center.
Transport from Baghdad International Airport to the City Center
There is a bus that connects the airport and the city. However, there is a lack of information about the details. There are shuttles provided by hotels, as well. The most comfortable, and secure way of transportation in Baghdad is a taxi or renting a car. Pegasus allows you to rent a car in advance by filling the blanks on the web site. Making your reservation in advance is the most convenient and secure way to reach Baghdad.
Public Transport
Bus and metro are the main public transportation. However, pre-arranged transportation is common among visitors of Iraq, such as helicopters or armored buses or taxis.
Accommodation
In terms of accommodation in Baghdad, the international safe zone, which is called Green Zone is suggested. In this area, you can find varied hotel alternatives according to your budget. You can make your hotel reservation in advance via Pegasus. Hence, you can save money and time.
Food
The cuisine of Iraq presents a wide range of delicious food, such as kebaps, Masgouf – an Iraqi fish dish, Quzi – stuffed grilled lamb–, stuffed cabbage, and stuffed chicken breast.
You can learn more about the gastronomy of city on the Baghdad Cuisine Guide.
Useful Information
In this section, you will find useful information about visiting Baghdad.
About Visa
- You have to apply Iraq Consulates or Embassies, to obtain your visa.
- Fill the visa application form, and submit with two recent identical 5x5 cm front-view color photographs.
- Your passport must be valid for six months.
- You need to make your purpose of travel clear with a statement letter. Include your purpose, duration, host company or organizers.
- Provide a phone number.
- Once your application is approved (approximately in 15 business days) you are contacted by the authorities. Then you are required to send your passport via registered pre-paid mail with your visa fee. Visa fees change depending on your visa type.
Neighboring Cities
- Felluce (56,4 km)
- Karbala (88 km)
- Kut (161 km)
- Erbil (353 km)
- Kermanshah – Iran (378 km)
Weather
Baghdad has a hot desert climate. Therefore, summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild. In the summer average, the maximum temperature is 44°C. In summer average temperatures are above 40°C. In winter average the maximum temperature is 18,7°C, while the minimum temperature is 4,2°C. In winter the coldest temperature can drop below 0°C. The highest temperature ever recorded is 52 °C. As a result, autumn and winters are the best seasons to visit Baghdad.
Essential Numbers
- Country Code: +964
- Baghdad Area Code: 1
- Airport Contact: + 964 0790 140 3537
- Emergency Line: 104 (Police), 122 (Emergency)
Places to see
You can visit varied touristic places in Baghdad, such as Hatra remainings, monuments (Iraqi culture monument, Al-Shaheed Monument), and museums (National Museum of Iraq, Baghdadi Museum). Also, there is an international film festival held in September.
You can check Baghdad Travel Guide to learn more.
