BGWUpdated March 18, 2025

Getting to and from Baghdad airport

Baghdad · Iraq

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Departures Arrivals Airport map & meeting point
BGW · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Baghdad airport (BGW), 16 km from Baghdad. See also the airport guide for general information.

Ride-sharing

A viable alternative to public transport is to book a ride through the Bolt app. Select the airport as your pick-up point and wait for a vehicle to be assigned to you. Then, simply follow the instructions in the app to meet your driver.

Bus

Some services are available to different parts of the city centre. Tickets can be purchased at a counter located in the Arrivals Hall.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the safest ways to reach Baghdad and get around the city. Taxi ranks are located just outside the Arrivals area, on the outer pavement of the terminal. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 25 minutes, and surcharges apply for night-time travel. You can book in advance by calling Hello Taxi (Tel +964 750 418 0000). Note that taxi drivers only accept cash payments in local currency.

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Tips for getting to and from BGW

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Baghdad airport is 16 km from Baghdad. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at BGW.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Looking for the taxi rank, the train station or the rental desks, or meeting someone? See the BGW airport map and share a meeting point.
  5. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at BGW.
  6. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near BGW.
German Giudici

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