Kermanshah

Kermanshah is an ancient Kurdish city in western Iran near the Iraqi border, famed for the Sassanid rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan and the UNESCO-listed Bisotun inscription. RideFly's guide to getting there, getting around, and what to see.

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Overview

Kermanshah lies in western Iran and is among the closest Iranian cities to the Iraqi border, making it a familiar stop for Iraqi travelers. An important center of Kurdish culture, it blends a deep Sassanid heritage with a mountain setting. Its highlights are the rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan carved into the mountainside and the historic Bisotun inscription, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the colorfully tiled Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk. Spring and autumn are mild, winters cold, and the rich Kurdish cuisine adds a distinctive flavor to any visit.

Airports

The city is served by Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport (KSH) near central Kermanshah. Direct flights from Iraq to Kermanshah are limited and seasonal, often charter flights during pilgrimage seasons. The most common route is to fly to Tehran or Isfahan and take a domestic flight to Kermanshah, or travel overland given the city's closeness to the Iraqi border.

Getting around

Within Kermanshah, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses connect the main sights. Taq-e Bostan sits on the city's edge and is easy to reach by taxi, while the Bisotun site lies roughly 30 kilometers east of the city and is best reached by rental car or an organized tour. The city is also a comfortable overland gateway to and from the Iraqi border.

Top highlights

The Sassanid rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan carved into the mountainside
The historic Bisotun inscription, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk with its striking colored tilework
The Grand Mosque, old bazaars, and Kurdish landmarks
Rich Kurdish cuisine and the city's mountain atmosphere

Tips

Check Iran visa requirements before booking; Iraqi travelers need a visa to enter Iran.
If no direct flight is available, plan to arrive via Tehran or Isfahan and take a domestic flight, or consider traveling overland given the city's closeness to the border.
Dress warmly in winter, and set aside a full day for Bisotun as it sits outside the city center.

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FAQ

Are there direct flights from Iraq to Kermanshah?

Direct flights are limited and seasonal, often charters during pilgrimage seasons. The most practical option is usually to fly to Tehran or Isfahan and connect with a domestic flight to Kermanshah, or travel overland given the city's closeness to the Iraqi border.

Do Iraqis need a visa to visit Kermanshah?

Yes, Iraqi travelers need a visa to enter Iran. Review the current Iran visa requirements before you travel.

What are the top sights in Kermanshah?

The most famous are the Sassanid rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan, the UNESCO-listed Bisotun inscription, and Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, along with the city's Kurdish atmosphere and local cuisine.

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Kermanshah visa Kermanshah Tourism Guide – RideFly