World Country Guide

Travel - Internal

Note
Iraq continues to undergo a period of transition following the US-led war against Saddam Hussein’s regime in March/April 2003. Most of the country’s political, social, physical and economic infrastructures have, by and large, been destroyed and need to be rebuilt. The USA has formed the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) to administer the country on an interim basis, provide humanitarian aid, rebuild infrastructure and help establish a representative government. As a result of the uncertain situation, some of the following information may be unreliable or inaccurate.

Air
Aircraft are not normally allowed into Baghdad. However, before sanctions there were regular flights between Baghdad, Al Basrah and Mosul.

Rail
Rail services are operated by the State Enterprise for Iraqi Railways. The country has over 2000km (1242 miles) of track, most of which is standard gauge. A further 300km (200 miles) or so is under construction. The principal route is from the Syrian Arab Republic border at Tel-Kotchek to Mosul, Baghdad and Al Basrah. Trains also run from Baghdad to Kirkuk and Arbil. A service operates three times daily between Baghdad and Al Basrah. Some sleeping cars, restaurants and air-conditioned coaches are available.

Note
Many tracks were destroyed during the fighting and it is uncertain if any passenger services are running at all.

Road
Travel by road is not wholly recommended at present, due to the continuing threat of car-jacking, robbery and random attacks; these have often occurred on the Baghdad-Amman highway, in particular. Road closures must also be expected. Traffic drives on the right. There are 36,500km (22,680 miles) of road. Principal routes are from Baghdad to Kirkuk, Arbil and Zakho; Baghdad to the Jordanian frontier; Baghdad to Kanaquin (Iranian border); Baghdad to Hilla and Kerbela; and Baghdad to Al Basrah and Safwan (Kuwait border). Bus: Services run from Baghdad and other main cities. Taxi: Services are available both in cities and for transit. Fares should be negotiated in advance. Metered taxis charge twice the amount shown on the meter. Tipping is not necessary. Car hire: Available at the airport and in Baghdad. Documentation: International Driving Permit required. Third Party insurance is necessary.

Urban
Baghdad has an extensive bus system with double-deckers, and also private minibuses and share-taxis. Bus tickets should be pre-purchased at kiosks. A metro is under construction.