You can travel from Dohuk to Zakho by shared taxi, minibus, private driver, or rental car. The drive covers about 50 kilometers along the main road and takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes, though checkpoint queues can add time.
Available transport options:
- Shared taxi or minibus. Shared taxis and minibuses depart from transport ranks in central Dohuk. Vehicles leave once all seats are filled, usually every 30 minutes during the day. A single seat costs between 8,000 and 10,000 IQD. Travelers can also pay for the remaining seats to depart immediately without waiting.
- Private driver or hotel transfer. Hotels in Dohuk can arrange a private car, or you can negotiate directly with a local driver. A round-trip private car with waiting time costs about 60,000 to 90,000 IQD, while one-way private trips require agreeing on a fare with the driver or requesting a quote through your hotel. Confirm before departure whether the quote covers fuel, waiting time at sights such as Delal Bridge, and return transport.
- Rental car. You can rent a car in Erbil or Dohuk and drive northwest along the main road. The route is a paved dual carriageway that connects directly to Zakho.
What to check before booking:
- Identity documents. Carry your physical passport and valid Kurdistan Region entry stamp or visa slip. Asayish and regional security forces inspect documents at checkpoints along the highway.
- Cash payments. Drivers, ticket desks, and local shops accept cash only. Carry sufficient Iraqi Dinars, as card payments are not accepted on transport.
- Return travel. If visiting Zakho for a day trip, agree on return terms with your driver or plan to catch a return shared taxi from Zakho central garage before late afternoon.
- Border crossing status. If you plan to continue past Zakho to Turkey through the Ibrahim Khalil crossing, check border operating status and verify your Turkish visa eligibility before departure.
Sources: Visit Iraq: Zakho Guide, Visit Iraq: Dohuk Guide, Visit Iraq: A First Visit to Dohuk, UK FCDO Iraq Travel Advice: Safety and Security, and UK FCDO Iraq Travel Advice: Regional Risks.
Checked on 2026-10-20.