Getting Around Iran
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros for Tehran and Isfahan. Rural: Rent a car for desert and historical sites exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries along Caspian and Persian Gulf. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tehran to your destination.
Train Travel
RAI National Rail
Efficient and affordable train network connecting major cities with daily services across the country.
Cost: Tehran to Isfahan 500,000-1,000,000 IRR (~$10-20 USD), journeys 6-10 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via RAI website, app, or station counters. Advance booking recommended for sleeper trains.
Peak Times: Avoid holidays like Nowruz (March) for better availability and prices.
Rail Passes
Tourist rail cards offer unlimited travel for 5-15 days from ~2,000,000 IRR (~$40 USD), ideal for multi-stop itineraries.
Best For: Extended trips visiting Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad, savings on 4+ journeys.
Where to Buy: Major stations, RAI offices, or online with passport verification for activation.
High-Speed Options
Emerging high-speed lines like Tehran-Mashhad (under development for 2026), plus international connections to Turkey and Armenia.
Booking: Reserve seats 1-2 months ahead for premium classes, discounts up to 30% for early birds.
Key Stations: Tehran Railway Station is central, with links to Tehran South for international routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring remote sites like Persepolis. Compare rental prices from 1,500,000 IRR (~$30-50 USD)/day at Tehran Airport and cities.
Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, deposit; minimum age 23, local guide often required for foreigners.
Insurance: Basic liability included, opt for full coverage due to variable road conditions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90-110 km/h rural/highways.
Tolls: Electronic tolls on major intercity roads (~50,000 IRR per 100km), pay via app or stations.
Priority: Yield to roundabouts, pedestrians in cities; strict enforcement of hijab for female drivers.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in cities ~20,000 IRR/hour; use guarded lots for safety.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at ~15,000 IRR (~$0.30/liter) for subsidized petrol, ration cards for locals.
Apps: Use Snapp Maps or Google Maps (VPN needed), offline mode essential in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Tehran during rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM) and holidays.
Urban Transport
Tehran Metro & BRT
Extensive network in Tehran with 7 lines, single ticket 15,000 IRR (~$0.30 USD), day pass 100,000 IRR.
Validation: Use magnetic cards loaded at stations, gender-segregated cars on some lines.
Apps: Tehran Metro app for routes, real-time info, and electronic ticketing.
Bike Rentals
Bicycles available in Tehran and Isfahan parks via apps like Tochal, ~50,000 IRR (~$1 USD)/hour.
Routes: Dedicated paths along boulevards and historical sites, eco-friendly for short trips.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Caspian coast areas, combining culture with light cycling.
Buses & Local Services
TAPDKO (Tehran) and local operators run buses nationwide, intercity from ~200,000 IRR (~$4 USD).
Tickets: Buy onboard or at terminals, women’s sections available on many routes.
VIP Buses: Comfortable overnight services connecting cities like Tehran to Shiraz, ~500,000 IRR.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in Tehran for easy access, old towns in Isfahan or Shiraz for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for spring (March-May) and major holidays like Nowruz.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to potential visa or flight changes.
- Amenities: Confirm WiFi (VPN needed), halal meals, and transport links before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for cultural norms and service reliability.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities like Tehran, 3G/4G in rural areas including deserts.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 500,000 IRR (~$10 USD) for 5GB, bypasses sanctions.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, works across networks.
Local SIM Cards
MCI, Irancell, and Rightel provide prepaid SIMs from 200,000 IRR (~$4 USD) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, mobile shops; passport registration required for tourists.
Data Plans: 5GB for 500,000 IRR, 10GB for 1,000,000 IRR, top-ups via apps.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, teahouses, and malls; VPN essential for unrestricted access.
Public Hotspots: Available at bus terminals and tourist sites, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Iran Standard Time (IRST), UTC+3:30, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) 35km from Tehran center, metro/taxi 200,000 IRR (~$4 USD, 45 min), or book private transfer for 1,500,000 IRR (~$30 USD).
- Luggage Storage: At bus terminals and hotels (~100,000 IRR/day), limited at smaller stations.
- Accessibility: Metros and modern buses wheelchair-friendly in cities, ancient sites often have steps.
- Pet Travel: Restricted on public transport, check hotel policies; international flights allow small pets.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains for extra fee (~50,000 IRR), free on buses if space allows.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Iran
Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Imam Khomeini (IKA): Primary international gateway, 35km south of Tehran with metro connections.
Mehrabad (THR): Domestic hub 5km west of city, taxi to center 300,000 IRR (20 min).
Shiraz (SYZ): Regional airport for southern Iran, serves European and Middle East flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for spring travel (March-May) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Dubai or Istanbul and bus/train to Iran for visa-on-arrival ease.
Budget Airlines
Iran Air, Mahan Air, and regional carriers like Flydubai serve IKA with Middle East connections.
Important: Include baggage and visa fees in cost comparisons; sanctions limit some carriers.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, airport processes can be lengthy.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, withdraw IRR (fees ~50,000 IRR), use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Limited acceptance due to sanctions; Visa/Mastercard rare outside hotels.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in urban areas via local apps like Shetab, but cash dominant.
- Cash: Essential for most transactions, carry USD/EUR for exchanges, small IRR notes for markets.
- Tipping: Not customary but 10% appreciated in restaurants; round up for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for transfers, exchange at authorized banks or hotels for best rates.