The 15 Best Day Trips from Erbil

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 15 good day trips from Erbil, Iraq, led by Al Mawşil al Jadīdah, Mosul, Kirkuk. The closest is 'Ākra, about 1 hr 10 min by car. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 15 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Erbil

  1. 1

    Al Mawşil al Jadīdah, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car83 km west of Erbil

    Known for الدواسة.

  2. 2

    Mosul, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car81 km west of Erbil

    Known for الدواسة.

  3. 3

    Kirkuk, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car87 km south-east of Erbil

    Known for اندورا ستي.

  4. 4

    Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car146 km south-east of Erbil
  5. 5

    Dihok, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car118 km north-west of Erbil
  6. 6

    Bayjī, Iraq

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 20 min by car148 km south of Erbil
  7. 7

    Piranshahr, Iran

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car116 km north-east of Erbil
  8. 8

    Ash Sharqāt, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car103 km south-west of Erbil
  9. 9

    Simele, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr by car127 km north-west of Erbil
  10. 10

    Sumayl, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr by car128 km north-west of Erbil
  11. 11

    Qeładizê, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car101 km east of Erbil
  12. 12

    Sīnah, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 45 min by car111 km north-west of Erbil
  13. 13

    Rānyah, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 30 min by car79 km east of Erbil
  14. 14

    'Ākra, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 10 min by car61 km north of Erbil
  15. 15

    Soran, Iraq

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car70 km north-east of Erbil

A sample day: Erbil to Al Mawşil al Jadīdah

  1. 08:30Leave Erbil
  2. 09:50Arrive in Al Mawşil al Jadīdah (1 hr 20 min drive)
  3. 10:05الدواسة
  4. 12:05Lunch
  5. 13:20Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Al Mawşil al Jadīdah
  6. 15:50Head back to Erbil
  7. 17:10Home in Erbil

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Erbil?
The best day trips from Erbil are Al Mawşil al Jadīdah, Mosul, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, Dihok. The closest is 'Ākra, about 1 hr 10 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Erbil?
'Ākra is the closest, 61 km north of Erbil, roughly 1 hr 10 min by car. Best as a full-day trip.
What is the biggest city near Erbil for a day out?
Al Mawşil al Jadīdah is the largest city in day-trip range, 83 km west of Erbil and about 1 hr 20 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Erbil?
For a weekend away from Erbil, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Bayjī (148 km, 2 hr 20 min), Sulaymaniyah (146 km, 2 hr 15 min), Sumayl (128 km, 2 hr), Simele (127 km, 2 hr). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Erbil?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Bayjī at 148 km, around 2 hr 20 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.

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