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Back to Koya

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Voykit pocket guide · Iraq

Koya

Visit Koya for a half‑day cultural stop from Erbil; one day is enough to see the bazaar, shrines and the university campus.

Koya is a small Kurdish town in Erbil Governorate, known for historic shrines, a centuries‑old bazaar and Koya University. It lies about 71 km (≈1 h drive) east of Erbil, making it suitable for a day‑trip or an overnight stay if you prefer a slower pace.

Al DiwaniyahAlqoshAmarahAmediAr RutbaBabylonBaqubahBartellaBasraBatifaChomanCtesiphonFallujahGundikKoya200 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Iraq
Best months
check
Avoid
check
Stay
0–1 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 25,000–40,000 excl. bed · Mid IQD 40,000–70,000 excl. bed · High IQD 70,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
Emergency
Police 112 · Medical 122

Get in

By air

EBL · Erbil International Airport
About 1 h drive to Koya
Show 6 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Local taxis and intercity buses run between Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Koya; a short walk connects the bazaar, shrines and Qshla area.

See and do

Known for

  • Shrine of Marbina Qadisha
  • Koya Bazaar
  • Koya University
  • Historic Qshla barracks

Day trips

WhereHowTime
ErbilBus or taxi, about 71 km (44 mi), 1 h drive≈1 h

Sleep

City‑centre guesthouses
Simple rooms near the bazaar; easy walk to shrines
Koya University dormitory guest rooms
Budget option for travelers; book in advance

Etiquette, safety and scams

Scams and watch-outs

  • Security situation can change; check current travel advisories before arrival.
  • Bus schedules vary; confirm times at Erbil bus station (check).
  • Some shrine opening hours are limited; verify locally.

Koya is generally safe for day visitors, but stay aware of regional security updates and travel with reputable transport.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Koya yet. Suggested stay: 0–1 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Shrine of Marbina Qadisha
  • Koya Bazaar
  • Koya University
  • Historic Qshla barracks

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Koya

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/koya). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.