Major city · 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.
advisory country
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IQD
- Best months
- check
- avoid check
- Airport
- EBL
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Security advice in this region can change within a dayCheck your own government travel advice for Iraq before a…
- Middle East ↗Security advice in this region can change within a day; re-read your government's page before departure and again before any border or regional flight.
- Middle East ↗Public drunkenness, public displays of affection and offensive gestures or online posts can lead to arrest in the Gulf states and Iran; dress modestly outside beaches and hotels.
- Iraq ↗Check your own government travel advice for Iraq before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Iraq ↗Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region run separate entry rules; check both if relevant.
- Iraq ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to Iraq before you rely on it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Koya112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Koya, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cash in dinars and US dollars covers almost everything: see Insurance & payments above.Iraq-wide
- SafetyKoya is generally safe for day visitors, but stay aware of regional security updates and travel with reputable transport.
- Emergency numbers112 police · 122 Medical (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEBL Erbil International Airport (About 1 h drive to Koya).
- Getting aroundLocal taxis and intercity buses run between Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Koya; a short walk connects the bazaar, shrines and Qshla area.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EBL Erbil International Airport (About 1 h drive to Koya)
Weather and climate
Koya: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Aug
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local taxis and intercity buses run between Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Koya; a short walk connects the bazaar, shrines and Qshla area.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Erbil
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Bus or taxi, about 71 km (44 mi), 1 h driveBus or taxi, about 44 mi (71 km), 1 h drive
Erbil offers more museums, restaurants and an international airport.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City‑centre guesthouses
Simple rooms near the bazaar; easy walk to shrines
Koya University dormitory guest rooms
Budget option for travelers; book in advance
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- IQD 25,000–40,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- IQD 40,000–70,000 excl. bed
- High
- IQD 70,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse room (single or double)2 × 3 nights × IQD 25,000 | IQD 150,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × IQD 40,000 | IQD 240,000 |
| Trip total≈ IQD 65,000 per person per day, bed included | IQD 390,000 |
Basic private room; shared bathroom common in Koya guesthouses.
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Watch out
Safety
- 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.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 122
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KoyaKoya
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Emergency
- Police112
- Medical122
Embassy
My embassy: —
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Koya. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: check · avoid check
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add Erbil airport‑to‑Koya taxi leg to trip budget.
- Include a night in Koya if you want to explore the university campus.
Sources
Ask about Koya
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