Search flights to Baghdad Intl. Airport

Saddam Hussein International Airport was built in 1979 in order to make flights to Baghdad which is the capital of Iraq, which is one of the oldest and largest countries of the Middle East.  Due to the Iraq-Iran War the airport opened in 1982. Following Iraq's invasion on its neighboring Kuwait in 1991, the United Nations imposed restrictions on all flights and Saddam Hussein Airport lost its international status.  In 2003 the US invaded the whole country and seized the airport and changed its name from Saddam Hussein Airport to Baghdad International Airport and was used by American warplanes for a while. The airport gained international status in 2004 and control was returned to the Iraqi government. With three active terminal buildings the airport welcomes more than seven million passengers each year. Part of Baghdad International Airport is still being used by the US military for military purposes.

Baghdad does not have a developed public transportation network and vehicles, so transportation from one point to another is usually provided by taxi or private vehicles. There are also armored passenger buses that provide transportation services in the city, where taxis and private vehicles are recommended, especially for safety reasons.

It is more convenient and safer to use a taxi or car rental services instead of using buses and similar public transportation vehicles while traveling to the city from Baghdad Airport, which is 16 kilometers away from the Baghdad city centre.

Taxi

The safest and the most comfortable way for transportation in Baghdad is to use taxis. In the city, where shared taxis are also quite common, traveling to city centre from the airport by taxi is the most economical option. As the prices are usually determined by mileage, it is a good idea to bargain with the taxi driver.

Baghdad Airport is 16 kilometers away from the city centre, and a journey by taxi takes about 20-25 minutes. It is also possible to use the private taxis, which can be found at the exit of the terminal building, or the taxis operated by the airport. If you want to reach the city centre by taxi from Baghdad Airport, you need to pay around 37.000 Iraqi Dinars. You can make a pre-reservation before coming to the Baghdad Airport by calling the company PNK Taxi (+964-750-633-7700).

Bus

Buses are also a popular public transportation vehicle like taxis, and they provide transportation service to many locations in Baghdad. There are airport transfer coaches that go directly to the city centre from Baghdad Airport. Compared to taxis, using these buses are much more affordable. It is quite easy to get bus tickets from the airport terminal building. There are also express buses which has regular runs between the airport and Baghdad city centre.

Rent a Car

You can choose one of the world’s leading rent a car companies such as Hertz, Europcar or Avis at the airport terminal and by making a pre-reservation, you can rent a car at more affordable prices.

As the roads in Baghdad are quite well-maintained and convenient, tourists usually turn to rent a car companies. After carrying out the procedures at the Baghdad Airport terminal, you can drive to the city centre in 20-25 minutes in your rented car.

Traveling to Baghdad Airport from the city centre by Baghdad city buses, taxi or rental cars is quite easy. You can make a both safe and affordable journey by means of transportation such as private or shared taxis, armored or normal coaches or rental car, all of which can easily be found in the city.

Bus

Baghdad buses, which are called Rhino Runners, provide transportation to several locations in the city and to Baghdad Airport from the city centre. Due to some security problems going on in Baghdad and Iraq, these buses are armored. Locals and the tourists visiting the city usually prefer taxis and their own private vehicles for transportation.

Taxi

If you don’t have an internationally valid driver licence, taxi is the safest means of transportation in Baghdad, where public transportation is under-developed. Contrary to popular belief, traveling by the yellow and white taxis, which can be found anywhere in the city, is budget friendly.

Nearly none of the taxis in Baghdad have taximeter, so tell your destination to the taxi driver and try bargaining before getting on the car. You can easily travel to Baghdad airport by taxi from any location in the city, and this journey takes about 30 – 35 minutes. Also, you can travel at a cheaper price by choosing shared taxis.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel in Baghdad, where urban roads are quite developed. You can find rent a car companies in many locations in the city. You will get a fairer price by booking a car in advance, but local rent a car companies in Baghdad also offer reasonably priced options. By following the road signs, you can drive to Baghdad Airport in about 20 – 25 minutes in your rental car. There is not much urban traffic in Baghdad and as the public transportation in the city is under-developed, traveling by your own car is a much more convenient option.

Airport Information

There are three passenger terminals in Baghdad International Airport, Iraq’s largest airport. There are many services, including ATMs, banks, exchange offices, duty free shop, 7/24 in service tourist information office, eatery area, smoking and resting lounges, souvenir shops and markets, provided in Baghdad Airport, like in every international airport.