There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Sulaymaniyah into a quick city adventure. From ISU, the Taxi can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave ISU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Iraq. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Sulaymaniyah takes about 60 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is IQD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Sulaymaniyah, here are two things worth checking out:
Sulaymaniyah Museum is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Grand Bazaar (Qaysari Bazaar) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ISU, you can spend time at ISU VIP Lounge or try Sulaymaniyah Duty-Free Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From ISU, the Taxi gets you to Sulaymaniyah in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Best Bites Near ISU
For food in Sulaymaniyah, local travelers recommend Chawarmak. If you have time for a second stop, Dolan Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at ISU, Airport Main Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sulaymaniyah, budget roughly $34 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $16 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $8 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ISU should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Iraq and you’re good to go.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at ISU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sulaymaniyah itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at ISU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Iraq also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Sulaymaniyah genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.