Transportation in Iraq

Iraq's transport mix runs from shared taxis that cost a fraction of a private car to long-distance coaches that connect the major cities overnight. Inside towns, minibuses and yellow taxis dominate. Flag one down, agree on the fare before you board, and expect to share the ride unless you pay for the whole cab. For inter-city travel, the coach stations in Baghdad and Erbil dispatch comfortable, air-conditioned buses that are cheap and run throughout the day, book at the terminal or through the widely-used Al-Bilad app. First-time visitors should know that ride-hailing apps Careem and Uber work in Baghdad and Erbil, giving fixed fares and sparing you the haggle. Avoid unmarked cars at transport hubs. Stick to the official taxi ranks or the app. When leaving Baghdad International, the prepaid taxi desk inside arrivals is the least stressful option, moderate price, no surprises. If you're on a tight budget, the airport shuttle bus drops at a central square where local minibuses fan out across the city; it's cheap but slower and less comfortable after a long flight.