Cheapest Flights to Baghdad
About Baghdad
Baghdad, the capital and largest city of Iraq, is situated along the Tigris River in the central part of the country. As of 2024, the city's population is estimated at approximately 7.9 million residents. Baghdad has long been a center of cultural, commercial, and intellectual activity in the Arab world.
The city experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, while winter temperatures average around 15°C during the day, with cooler nights. Rainfall is sparse, primarily occurring between November and March. The most comfortable time to visit Baghdad is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are more moderate.
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) serves as the main gateway to the city, located approximately 16 kilometers west of the city center. Travelers from Saudi Arabia can access Baghdad via connecting flights, as there are currently no direct flights from Riyadh to Baghdad. Airlines such as Gulf Air operate flights with stopovers, offering services from Riyadh to Baghdad with connections through Bahrain.
Baghdad's culinary scene reflects the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine, featuring dishes such as masgouf (grilled fish), kebabs, and dolma (stuffed vegetables). The city's markets, like the historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, offer a variety of local delicacies and traditional sweets. Tea houses are integral to Baghdad's social life, where sweetened black tea is commonly enjoyed.
Tourists in Baghdad can explore numerous attractions that highlight its historical and cultural significance. The National Museum of Iraq houses artifacts that chronicle the region's ancient history. The Al-Shaheed Monument stands as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Iran-Iraq War. Other notable sites include the Abbasid Palace and the Al-Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest universities in the world.
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Al-Zawraa Park, Baghdad's largest recreational area, featuring gardens, a zoo, and amusement rides. The Tigris River banks are popular spots for picnics and social gatherings, offering insight into the daily life of Baghdad's residents.
Saudi Arabian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival when traveling to Iraq, allowing for a stay of up to one month. This visa is issued directly at entry points such as Basra International Airport or Al Najaf International Airport. For visits exceeding one month or for purposes other than tourism, it's necessary to apply for the appropriate visa through the Iraqi embassy or consulate prior to travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Transportation to Baghdad City Center from Airport
Baghdad Intl. Airport
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.
