Flying from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Baghdad International Airport (BGW): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport is 2 hours 55 minutes.
Istanbul and Baghdad are in the same timezone, UTC+3.
Every week, there are 31 Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport flights. To take off as soon as possible, jump on the 01:15 Turkish Airlines flight. If you'd rather make the most of your day before you fly, the last flight is at 22:00 with Iraqi Airways.
To ensure you get on your IST to BGW flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying during a peak month like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can result in longer lines at airport checkpoints. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
You'll find a range of airlines operating direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport. When you're ready to start your Baghdad adventure, let one of these carriers take you to this memorable corner of Iraq:
Most travellers choose to travel with Turkish Airlines on this route.
If you'd like to add a stop to your trip, just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport. These are the most popular stopovers between IST and BGW:
Cairo Airport
Amman Queen Alia Airport
Beirut Airport
Handy information about Istanbul Airport (IST)
To reach Istanbul Airport from central Istanbul, it takes about 45 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 40 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
You can expect a trip time of about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
Looking for a convenient hotel near IST? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport, these accommodation options will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Arriving at Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
Stay moments from your arrivals gate if you're touching down on a late Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport flight. Palm Hotel is one option close to BGW. Or check in and relax at Baghdad Intl. Airport Hotel before heading to your final destination.
Book a Baghdad International Airport rental car and see parts of the region that most travellers miss. Europcar and Fox - Rent A Car can hook you up with a set of wheels for your adventures through Baghdad and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your ride from Baghdad International Airport about four weeks ahead of your trip.
Getting from Baghdad International Airport (BGW) to central Baghdad
Baghdad International Airport is approximately 19 kilometres from central Baghdad. The drive time takes around 30 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes about 45 minutes.
When to fly to Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
September is the busiest month for flights from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport. For a quieter experience, head to Baghdad in March.
When booking your flight from Istanbul Airport to Baghdad International Airport, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Baghdad, with the temperature ranging from 30ºC (86ºF) to 47ºC (117ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 5ºC (41ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF). Search for cheap tickets from IST to BGW sometime then if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
Explore more of Iraq
You've done Baghdad, now it's time to discover more of Iraq. Journey around 354 kilometres north to Mosul to tick off its leading attractions. From Rabban Hormizd Monastery to Al-Hadbaa Tower and Mosque of Prophet Yunus A.S. (Jonah), you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 322 kilometres north of Baghdad, Erbil is another favourite stop in Iraq. No visit is complete without checking out Jalil Khayat Mosque, Saint George Church and Citadel of Arbil.