IRR Southern Line

Iraqi Republic Railways (IRR)
Iraq
Loading Map...
The Journey

Navigate from Baghdad Central Station to Basra Al Maqal Railway Station across a span of 541km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Mesopotamian Plains
  • Euphrates River Crossings
  • Historic Baghdad Central Station architecture
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    11 hours

  • Distance

    541 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable

Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Chinese-built diesel multiple units (DMU)

Locomotive Weight

Approx. 120–140 tonnes (typical for diesel-electric railcars)

Track Gauge

1,435 mm (standard gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (standard for modern DMU rolling stock)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Crossing the Mesopotamian plain — flat alluvial terrain with limited elevation change

  • Summer temperatures exceeding 50C requiring heat-resistant rolling stock

  • Single-track sections with passing loops at intermediate stations

  • Security protocol requirements adding passenger processing time at stations

Line Length

541 km (336 miles)

Maximum Speed

~100 km/h passenger service

Rolling Stock

Chinese-built AC diesel multiple units with sleeper cabins

Operator

Iraqi Republic Railways (IRR)

Signal System

CTC/block signalling on mainline sections

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    11 hours

  • Distance

    541 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable