Iran Transport

Air
Many international visitors to Iran arrive by air, with Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran having excellent worldwide connections including to destinations such as London, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Beijing, Seoul, Bangkok and New Delhi.

Mehrabad International Airport: airline companies operating flights to Terhan’s Mehrabad International Airport include: Lufthansa, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Emirates, Gulf Air, Etihad and British Airways as well as domestic airlines such as Iran Air, Mahan Air and Caspian Airlines.

Facilities at the airport include outlets for dining and refreshments, basic passenger services and limited transport options for getting into the city. Arriving passengers can choose from taking a taxi or a bus into the city, or alternatively, those with pre-booked accommodation can arrange to be met by a hotel representative. The airport is situated only a short drive from the centre of the city.

In addition to the airport at Tehran, the following Iranian airports offer some limited international flights: Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran), Mashhad International Airport (Mashhad), Shiraz International Airport (Shiraz), Bandar Abbas International Airport (Bandar Abbas), Esfahan International Airport (Esfahan), Tabriz International Airport (Tabriz) and Zahedan International Airport (Zahedan).

Car
Iran can be reached by car from various neighbouring countries, although drivers are encouraged to research their journey well in advance as the security situation at border crossings can change without warning.

Visitors are not advised to travel overland to Iran from Pakistan and anyone who must travel in this area should exercise extreme caution. We advise that you only travel on main roads and avoid travelling at night if you intending on reaching Iran by car via an international border. The border areas with Afghanistan and Iraq are considered insecure and visitors are strongly advised to avoid travel in these areas. The border with Turkey is frequently used by visitors wanting to access Iran by road.

Rail
Two international train routes are available to Iran; one is from Istanbul to Tehran, with a once weekly departure (72 hours) and the other is from Damascus to Tehran, again a once weekly departure (64 hours). Journeys are long, but prices are reasonable and most overnight services offer sleeping cars that have a capacity for four people.

Sea
Although it is possible to arrive in Iran by using a sea route across the Persian Gulf, this method of arrival is rarely used nowadays, with air travel being considered much more convenient.

Bus
Travelling by bus from Turkey to Iran is feasible, although journey times can be very lengthy. Prices of bus tickets are cheap and there are various levels of comfort available, with first class coaches offering reclining seats, air conditioning and free water. SimaSadar International Bus Company operates services along this route.

Air
Flying is the most convenient way to cover long distances in Iran, with domestic flights being surprisingly affordable. As a vast country, travelling by air from one city to another will allow you to fit more into your trip. There are four airline companies serving the most significant cities. Tickets should be booked well in advance if you want to take advantage of the more affordable flights on offer.

Train
The railway network in Iran is not very extensive; however, it is possible to travel from Tehran to the Turkish border, with the capital being the epicentre of all train travel. In addition, Tehran has an easy-to-use subway system that can take you from one part of the city to another for a nominal fee.

Bus
Domestic bus travel in Iran is very popular and long-distance buses are surprisingly comfortable. Bus connections are frequent and reliable, with various levels of comfort available. Journeys can be lengthy, so it is good to board well prepared.

Urban buses are usually segregated, with women sitting at the rear and men at the front. Men and women should not sit together on any bus. Water is served on all buses.

Car
Travelling by car can be a god way of covering long distances in Iran, with road signs available in English. However, visitors should be aware that some areas of the country are unsafe and should seek advice before embarking on any road trips. Roads in the urban centres can be very chaotic, with a high level of accidents, making it essential that you exercise great caution if you choose to drive in Iran.

Taxi
Taxis are available in all cities and usually come in the form of a private car. There are both private and shared taxis, with the latter being cheaper. Drivers of shared taxis pick up as many people that they can along the way. Motorcycle taxis are also available as well as boat taxis in some coastal locations. Taxis can be hailed in the street or ordered through your hotel, and it is always best to agree on a price before embarking on your journey.