Erbil grew around a mound of stacked settlement layers in the north of the Mesopotamian plain. The citadel, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014, is considered one of the longest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, and the Qaysari Bazaar at its foot is still the city's trading centre. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from Turkiye to Erbil, and the flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Direct routes from Gaziantep and Adana show where the city sits on the trade line with Turkiye.
Looking for cheap flights or monthly payment flight packages to Erbil?
Suso is a travel-planning platform that turns your Erbil trip from Turkey into a buy now, pay later flight package: the ticket is issued by travel agencies, booking sites or airlines, and the payment plan runs on consumer credit from partner finance institutions. One click in the basket completes the purchase and the financing together; you pay over 3 to 24 months. No credit card limit needed.
See flights to Erbil →When to visit Erbil
March to May and October to November are the best stretches, with the surrounding hills turning green in spring. From June to September the plain gets very hot, while the mountain towns to the north stay cool. Winters are mild and wet.
Things to do in Erbil
The Erbil Citadel
Climb the citadel on the mound rising thirty metres above the plain, and see the city and the textile museum from its walls.
The Qaysari Bazaar
Browse spice, fabric and tea stalls in the covered bazaar at the foot of the citadel.
The Mudhafaria Minaret
See the twelfth-century brick minaret standing alone in its park, and its octagonal base.
Sami Abdulrahman Park
Walk around the lake in the city's largest park and join the late afternoon crowd.
Rawanduz and Gali Ali Beg
Cross the suspension bridge in the deep gorge to the north and see the country's best-known waterfall.
Shaqlawa
Escape the summer heat in the hillside town and stop at its honey and walnut stalls.
Flights from Turkey to Erbil
Erbil is served by Erbil International Airport (EBL), about 5 km from the city centre and reached in about 15 minutes by taxi. Direct flights depart from both Istanbul airports and from Ankara, Gaziantep and Adana.
Erbil FAQ
How can I get an Erbil flight package?
You can split the cost of your Erbil flight package with Suso over 3 to 24 months, and no credit card limit is required.
Which airport serves Erbil and how do I reach the city?
Flights land at Erbil International Airport (EBL), about 5 km from the centre, reached in about 15 minutes by taxi.
Where in Turkiye are there direct flights to Erbil from?
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from both Istanbul airports and from Ankara, Gaziantep and Adana. The flight from Istanbul takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Buy now, pay later flights to Erbil
Fly now, pay later. Plan your trip, pay over up to 24 months. One click at checkout sets up the plan, no credit card limit needed.
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