Iraq Taxis and Car Rental
Shared taxis are the safest and most common form of public transportation in Iraq, especially in major cities like Baghdad and Kurdistan. All other forms of public transport are rare as most drivers prefer to stay within the city limits. Some cabs go as far as Kirkuk and Mosul though fares are often expensive. Intra-city taxi rides, on the other hand, are cheap and easy to find. Taxis in Iraq do not have set rates or meters, so be sure to agree on a price before getting in. Fares typically depend on the distance traveled and are negotiable. In Erbil, some companies, such as Hello Taxi, hire English-speaking drivers who mostly serve the airport-downtown route. If you want a private taxi while in the city, you can contact PNK Taxi (+964-750-633-7700).
It is possible to rent a car in Baghdad, and most service providers can be found at the airport. However, road travel is not for the faint-hearted as there are still serious security threats, especially at night. Daytime trips with a convoy are better than traveling alone. When confronted by a military checkpoint, always follow the instructions given by the authorities.
Iraq Trains and Buses
Commuter services are available in Baghdad though they mostly serve areas between the city and the suburbs. A free shuttle bus runs through the Green Zone, but most destinations in the area are within walking distance of each other. Bus services between cities in Kurdistan are available, but trips are irregular. Trains, on the other hand, are currently unavailable though plans are underway to make the rail system operational once again between towns and neighboring Middle Eastern capitals.