How to get fromIstanbul to NajafBy plane, or car

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There are 4 ways to get from Istanbul to Najaf by plane or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly Istanbul to Al Najaf International Airport
best
1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Al Najaf International Airport (NJF)plane IST - NJF
8h 38m
$273–504
Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Baghdad International Airport, drive
cheapest
1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Baghdad International Airport (BGW)plane SAW - BGW
2. Drive from Baghdad International Airport (BGW) to Najafcar
8h 15m
$147–962
Fly Istanbul to Baghdad International Airport, drive
1. Fly from Istanbul (IST) to Baghdad International Airport (BGW)plane IST - BGW
2. Drive from Baghdad International Airport (BGW) to Najafcar
8h 5m
$166–670
Fly Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Al Najaf International Airport
1. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Al Najaf International Airport (NJF)plane SAW - NJF
9h 58m
$158–503

Istanbul (IST) to Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) flights

14Weekly Planes

7h 34mAverage Duration

$156Cheapest Price

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Istanbul to Najaf.

Launch map view

Distance: 1,784.2 km
Duration: 8h 38m

What companies run services between Istanbul, Turkey and Najaf, Iraq?

Royal Jordanian, Kuwait Airways, and five other airlines fly from Istanbul (IST) to Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) twice daily.

Airlines

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Najaf(opens in a new window), Iraq(opens in a new window)

Al-Najaf (Arabic: ٱلنَّجَف) or An-Najaf al-Ashraf (Arabic: ٱلنَّجَف ٱلْأَشْرَف), is a city in central Iraq about 160 km (99 mi) south of Baghdad. Its estimated population in 2018 was about 747,000 people. It is the capital of Najaf Governorate. It is widely considered amongst the holiest cities of Shia Islam and one of its spiritual capitals, whilst also remaining the center of Shia political power in Iraq. It is reputedly the burial place of Muhammad's son in law and cousin, Imam ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib. It is also the location of the largest cemetery in the world, Wadi-us-Salaam, of one of the most important seminaries in the Shi'i Islamic world, and a major pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims.

Things to do in Najaf

Great Mosque of Kufa(Opens in a new window)

The Great Mosque of Kufa, or Masjid al-Kūfa (Arabic: مسجد الكوفة المعظم), or Masjid-al-Azam located in Kūfa, Iraq, is one of the earliest mosques in the world. The mosque, built in the 7th century, contains the remains of Muslim ibn ‘Aqīl - first cousin of Imām Husayn ibn ‘Alī, his companion Hānī ibn ‘Urwa, and the revolutionary Mukhtār al-Thaqafī.

Imam Ali Mosque(Opens in a new window)

The Imām 'Alī Holy Shrine (Arabic: حرم الإمام علي), also known as Masjid Ali or the Mosque of 'Alī, located in Najaf, Iraq, is the Holy site for Shia Muslims. 'Alī ibn Abī Tālib, the cousin of Muhammad, the first Imam (according to Shia belief) and fourth caliph (according to Sunni belief) is buried here. According to Shi'a belief, buried next to Ali within this mosque are the remains of Adam and Noah. Each year millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine and pay tribute to Imam Ali.

Ezekiel's Tomb(Opens in a new window)

Ezekiel's Tomb, located in Al Kifl, Iraq, is believed by Jews and Muslims to be the tomb of the biblical prophet Ezekiel.

Rome2Rio makes travelling from Istanbul to Najaf easy.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Istanbul to Najaf right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.