Basra is accessible by air and road. By air, Basra International Airport (BSR) has direct connections to Baghdad, Erbil, and several Gulf cities (Dubai, Kuwait City, Doha) as well as occasional connections to Istanbul and European cities. The airport is about 15 kilometres from the city centre; taxis are the standard option into town.
By bus or shared taxi, Basra is connected to Baghdad (about 5–6 hours south on a well-maintained highway) and to the Kuwait border at Safwan, which is a short distance further south. Travel from Baghdad by bus is straightforward and significantly cheaper than flying. Shared taxis also run this route but stop less frequently.
Travel security in southern Iraq has improved considerably since the mid-2000s, but it remains important to register with your embassy, travel with a reliable local contact or fixer, and stay current on the security situation before and during your visit.