Mosul International Airport resumed civilian flights in 2021 after years of closure. Service is limited but expanding, with connections to Baghdad and Erbil. Flying into Erbil — the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, about 90 kilometres east — is often easier, with better international connections, and the road to Mosul is well-travelled and generally secure, taking about an hour and a half by road.
From Baghdad, the overland journey is around 400 kilometres north on the main highway, passing through Tikrit. The road is open and used by trucks and buses, but check current conditions before travelling independently. Intercity buses and shared taxis connect Mosul to Erbil, Baghdad, and Kirkuk. Travelling with a fixer or guide who knows the city is advisable for first-time visitors — someone who can navigate checkpoints, arrange access to restoration sites, and provide local context adds considerably to what you'll get from a visit.