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Voykit pocket guide · Iraq
Hatra
Hatra is a half-day stop for those already in northwestern Iraq: see the ruined temples and walls, then move on. Do not plan an overnight stay.
Hatra is an ancient fortified city in northwestern Iraq, 110 km southwest of Mosul. It was damaged by the Islamic State but most structures remain. The site can be visited in a few hours, but security and logistics require careful planning. There is no reliable lodging nearby, so treat it as a day trip from Mosul or another base.
- Country
- Iraq
- Best months
- March–May, October–November
- Avoid
- June–September (extreme heat), December–February (cold and possible rain)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- IQD
- Money
- Cash in dinars and US dollars covers almost everything: see Insurance & payments above.
- Daily spend
- Budget IQD 30,000–50,000 · Mid IQD 50,000–100,000 · High IQD 100,000+ (estimate; check)
- Emergency
- Police 104 · Ambulance 122
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Private taxi Mosul–Hatra (one way) | IQD 20,000–40,000 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 L) | IQD 500–1,000 |
| Simple meal in Mosul | IQD 5,000–10,000 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- EBL · Erbil International Airport
- About 180 km (112 mi) east; the most practical entry for foreigners.About 112 mi (180 km) east; the most practical entry for foreigners.
- OSM · Mosul International Airport
- About 110 km (68 mi) northeast; check current status before relying on it.About 68 mi (110 km) northeast; check current status before relying on it.
Typical fares
- Taxi Mosul–Hatra
- about IQD 20,000–40,000 one way
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Private car or taxi from Mosul or Erbil is the only realistic option. Roads are paved but check the security situation before travel.
See and do
Known for
- Temple of Mrn
- The Grand Temple
- Walls of Hatra
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mosul | Private car or taxi, about 1.5 hours northeast | About 1.5 hours |
| Erbil | Private car or taxi, about 2.5 hours east | About 2.5 hours |
| Kirkuk | Private car or taxi, about 2 hours southeast | About 2 hours |
Sleep
- Mosul
- The nearest city with reliable accommodation, about 110 km (68 mi) northeast.The nearest city with reliable accommodation, about 68 mi (110 km) northeast.
- Erbil
- More options and better security, but about 180 km (112 mi) east.More options and better security, but about 112 mi (180 km) east.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | السلام عليكمas-salamu alaykum |
| Thank you | شكراًshukran |
| How much? | كم؟kam? |
| Where is Hatra? | أين الحضر؟ayn al-hadar? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Scams and watch-outs
- Security situation can change quickly; always check your government's travel advice.
- No lodging at Hatra; the Al Hadr Hotel is no longer operational.
- The site was looted and damaged; some structures may be unstable.
- Bring all supplies (water, food, fuel) as there are no services near the ruins.
Hatra is in a region with a volatile security situation. Always check your government's travel advice before planning a visit. The site itself is isolated and has no services.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Hatra yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Temple of Mrn
- The Grand Temple
- Walls of Hatra
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Hatra, revision 5308346 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5308346
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/hatra). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.