Iran transport information

Iran Transport Information

If you are travel to Iran by yourself without the help of a tour operator, you might need to know about Iran transport information. To arrive in Iran you can choose air, rail, or bus system depending on where are you coming from. Once you are inside the country the public transportation in big cities are available in a low price for everyone.

If you are planning to travel to Iran, here is the link to online Iran visa.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in big and small cities. You can either hail a private or a shuttle taxi. Shuttle taxis travel between the main streets and squares of the city so you need to know the name of the street or the square. Sometimes to arrive at your destination you might need to hop on more than one shuttle taxi or you can hail for a private ride which will be more expensive. To hail a private taxi you can say ‘Dar Bast’ to the driver and he will take you to your destination at any location in the city. It is the best to agree on a price before you get in the car.

For a shuttle or a shared taxi, you can find the taxi stations on almost all the squares and most of the main streets of the city. You will see a lot of yellow or green taxis waiting on their stations to be filled and take off toward their destination. Taxis wait on lines with the name of their destinations written on a sign next to each line. If you do not see a taxi station step on the road and shout the name of your destination for the taxis going on your way and the one that is going to your destination will stop.

There are also agency taxis or telephone taxis that every hotel and household knows one and has the number of their local agency taxis and they can call and ask for a car to your destination. The agency taxi is more expensive than the shuttle and it can stick around with you all day or you can hire it for your entire stay.

Also there is a special taxi for ladies only, in the big cities. All the drivers are women and they will accept lady customers only. You can reserve a taxi by calling them at 1814 and they are starting their online services on their website http://taxibanovan.com/.

  • If you are going to use Tehran’s subway and bus services pretty often during your stay, purchase an electronic ticket from a bus or metro station. Using the electronic ticket for the metro will cost you less than purchasing a regular ticket for every trip, but it has the same price for the bus trips. The e-tickets are easy to use since you charge it any amount you wish and do not need to stay in the line of purchasing a ticket for every trip you want to take.

Bus

There is bus transportation in all cities of Iran, and in big cities like Tehran, it is the best way to escape the traffic and crowded streets of city centers. Tehran has BRT (bus rapid transit) system which runs 24/7 in ten different lines throughout the city. You can check out the map here. The fee for every trip is 30000 Rials for the bus with or without the e-ticket.

Minibusses in Tehran are almost extinct since the bus system has improved in the recent years, except in some less developed areas of the city.

Metro (underground subway)

Tehran’s subway has four lines running in different directions plus one extra line that goes to Karaj. Subway gives you the fastest reach to almost any location in Tehran, you just need to find out which line is the best for your destination and if you need to change your train figure out on which station you must move to another line. Plus on the boards in the trains the name of the stations are in Farsi only but in the stations and on this map the English name is available. Keep in mind that the subway during the rush hours 7-9 am, 4-7 pm is very crowded. The fee for a trip with the e-ticket starts from 20000 Rials and it goes up depending on the time you were using the metro. If you do not use the e-ticket and purchase a ticket, the one-way ticket is 28500 Rial.

On the Road

If you are looking for Iran transport information, travel between the cities is the best by train and bus. Both are very comfortable and have fair pricing. There are VIP buses for longer trips that are very comfortable with a service box of juice and cookies. You can purchase the bus tickets at the terminal since the websites are in Farsi only also visa or master cards do not work in Iran yet, due to banking sanctions.

For transportation between cities you can choose railway as well and if you are traveling in a group you can purchase the ticket for a four to six seated wagons that the seats turn into a bed for a comfortable night sleep as well. Some railways systems, such as Tehran-Mashhad, have different quality levels, from more luxuries to ordinary classifications. For the railways, you need to purchase the tickets at the terminal.

There are private cars as well to transport you between the cities which will take four passengers to the destination and might be at the same price as the bus fare but it is less comfortable compared to the bus or train specially for longer journeys.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours.

Safety and Health Information for Iran Travelers

Iran Safety and Health Information for Travelers

“Even the tap water Iran is safe!” This sentence, among all the weblogs written by numerous travelers that wrote about their travel experience in Iran, was the simplest yet most comprehensive statement about safety and health information for Iran travelers. The sentence is from Silvia’s weblog a dual American and Norwegian citizen who traveled to Iran with her Norwegian passport in 2014. Silvia is not the only female traveler who had a journey across Iran by herself and was absolutely surprised by the safety of the country for a solo female traveler. Obviously reading about real experiences such as Silvia’s is more trustworthy than the travel guides by the governments who picture a scary image of Iran on their guides for the readers.

Table of Contents

Iran Safety

Any traveler who enters Iran regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or multiple nationalities are warmly welcomed by Iranian guards as long as their Iran visa or documents to obtain visa upon arrival is official and they do not have the Israel stamp on their passport.

The countries on the region such as Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan have been experiencing conflicts for so long now, but thanks to all the strict control by Iranian military, Iran is absolutely a safe country. Iran also managed not to become a target for Isis attacks.

Travelling to Sistan and Balouchestan province close to Afghanistan and Pakistan border for those who want to visit the Burnt City, one of 19 UNESCO world heritage of Iran, is absolutely possible if you request it from your tour operator or if you are a solo traveler by using the help of a guide who is familiar with the area.

In general, for any traveler who wants to visit any country it is advised to look for their security and do lookout for weird situations but do not let it to be your entire focus during your travel. For example, you are expected to watch for your valuable belongings, documents and passport especially in crowded places such as bazaars or in public transportations.

The crime rate in Iran, especially for tourists, is very low because Iranians love their guests especially if they come from a different country. Iranians are so interested to know about the tourist’s country and culture so come to Iran leaving aside all your preconceptions that are created by the western media.

The tourists in Iran must know photographing the military or governmental building such as the senate house is prohibited and if the police see you with your camera at these areas they might check your camera and if they see you have captured any image they will ask you to delete them right away.

Iran Health

Fortunately Iran has managed not to have any outbreaks for so long. Also, it has managed to control the entrance of the diseases that some countries in the region are dealing with. When traveling to any destination in the world it is the best to see your physician in advance to make sure you are in a good health and to discuss any health risks you might face at your destination, it will be a good opportunity to update your routine vaccination since it has been recommended by World Health Organization that all travelers regardless of the region they are traveling to should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, as well as hepatitis B.

As you must have heard or read Iran’s traffic and driving, mostly in Tehran, can be an issue for our tourists. We can recommend you to use Iran public transportation such as BRT buses and the subway when it is available for the route you are taking or the registered taxis. Also for traveling on the road, between the cities, train and bus are the best and safest options since they do not cross the speed limit and are concerned with their passenger’s safety.

When you travel you will realize our world is not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be. All those who travel to Iran for the first time are extremely surprised by the huge difference they see between the reality and what they have heard before. In fact, so many travelers who have toured across Iran, describe this country as the safest country they have ever visited. In Iran, the first and most powerful enrichment of the travel becomes the kindness of its people and they are all friendly, trustworthy, and willing to help you.

I would love to write some of comments about safety and health information for Iran travelers:

Mandy Tay ‘Video Producer’

A last minute decision turned into 2 weeks worth of friendship, passion and magic. Iran has shown me how to be friends without using a word, to hope without borders and to be free in love.

Rick Steves’ Travel Journal’

Iran is the Most fascinating and surprising land I’ve ever visited.

Shara Johnson 

is Iran safe? You won’t meet people any more friendly than Iranians. They were even extra friendly if they found out we were American – they were so pleased that we weren’t afraid of them and were visiting their country.

Anthouny Bourdain ‘American Chef ‘

We’ve seldom been treated with such overwhelming generosity, hospitality and kindness by strangers

Shane Delia ‘Australian Chef’

I met some of the most beautiful people I have every met in my life. Endless generosity and humility. Such an amazing country, rich in history, culture, art, poetry and food. I could have lost myself in Iran.

Safety and Health Information for Iran Travelers-Shane-Delia

Andrew Burke ‘Lonely Planet Writer’

If travel is most rewarding when it surprises, then Iran might be the most rewarding destination on Earth.

Garham Hughes ‘World Traveler’

If you want any more proof that the Iranians are the most beautiful people on the planet, I humbly suggest you visit the place yourself. Iran has gone straight into my top ten countries in the world, above Australia and above the US.

Brandon Stanton ‘Humans of New York’

The country is beautiful, the history is rich, and the people are eager to demonstrate their almost-sacred commitment to hospitality.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours.

Traditional Resturant in Iran

Iran, the Best Destination for Halal Tourism in the World

Whether choosing a tour to Iran for your Islamic Holidays or any other occasion during the year this country is the best fit for Halal tourism. Persians were followers of Zoroastrianism. After the arrival of Islam in this land, it became the official religion of the country. As a result, the entire country operates under Islamic rules. In other words, Iran is a 100% Halal destination for those who want to enjoy their vacation without neglecting their beliefs.

What is Halal Tourism?

The word ‘Halal’ refers to food or activities that are allowed by the Shariah of Islam. Halal food must have halal meat which means the meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic law (dhabiha) as instructed in the Quran. Halal leisure activities involve separate beaches, swimming pools and spa and nonalcoholic drinks served in restaurants and cafés.

Why is Iran a proper destination for Muslims?

Iran has it all; halal food in restaurants and markets, prayer facilities, and Islamic bathrooms in all cities.

Our Muslim tourists do not need to worry about the food in Iran’s restaurants because by law all restaurants must serve halal food. The drinks served in restaurants and cafés are all nonalcoholic. When they travel to Iran, they do not need to ask the hotel receptionist to give them the list of halal restaurants in the city that they are staying.

All the public places such as shopping malls, subway stations, entertainment centers, parks, and even mountain shelters have separate prayer rooms for men and women.

Also in Tehran and Mashhad, there are parks and water-parks designed for women only.

Major religious cities in Iran

Iran has two major holy cities: Mashhad and Qom. The holy shrine of Imam Reza the eighth Imam of Shi’as is located in Mashhad. The complex holds the largest mosque in the world by dimension and the second-largest by capacity. Non-Muslim tourists enjoy visiting this atmospheric place too, especially at night. Annually millions of tourists visit Imam Reza Shrine.

Qom holds one of the main Hawzas in the world, the other one is in Najaf, Iraq.  Hawza is a seminary where Shi’a Muslim clerics are trained. It has been centuries that Qom has Shi’a academic centers and it accepts students from around the world in its institution.

Our Muslim tourists can enjoy all Iranian coasts during their tour to Iran too. There are private beaches designed for men and women so everyone can freely enjoy the beach with their swimming suits. There are also mixed beaches that ladies can enjoy their time with their family members and the Islamic outfit.

Besides being a perfect destination for the admirers of culture, history, and natural attractions Iran is one of the most multi-ethnicity and multi-cultural countries in the world, in fact, it has always been this way from the days of Cyrus the Great. As a result, all our dear guest travelers can truly enjoy their vacation in Iran regardless of their religion and beliefs. Rich historical past and a unique culture added to breathtaking sceneries, mountains, safaris, deserts, seas, and subtropical forests plus great food and super-friendly locals make Iran the ideal destination for those who want halal services.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran Religious tours.

Travel to Iran as the U.S, U.K, or Canadian citizen

Iran visa for US, UK or Canadian citizens

Travel to Iran as the U.S, U.K, or Canadian citizen is legal. The first advice for citizens of the three countries is to apply for their Iran visa 2-3 months before their trip.

Before applying for a visa , American, British, and Canadian travelers must obtain a travel authorization number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign affair (MFA). In order to obtain the number form MFA the traveler must have an itinerary that will be given to him/her by an Iranian travel agency. The travel agency that is organizing your trip can help you with the authorization number process. Once you have the number you can apply for your visa and you can choose which consulate or embassy you wish to pick up your visa from.

There are three choices for travelers. First is to book a trip with a tour guide that gives you the opportunity to have a totally tailor-made tour itinerary. It is just like solo traveling.

Second option to pay less for the travel is to book a small group tour. It is cheaper than traveling with a tour guide and you will have fellow travelers on your trip.

And the third is to book a tour with a bigger group that will be even cheaper and more people will accompany you during your Iran travel.

All the travelers including those travel to Iran as the U.S, U.K, or Canadian citizen can enter all the seven Iran’s Free Trade, Industrial & Special Economic Zones (Kish and Qeshm Island, Chabahar, Aras, Anzali, Arvand, and Maku) without a visa.

Whether you are traveling with a private tour or a group tour you will be warmly welcomed by the Iranian officers at the gate. The only occasion in which your admission to Iran will be denied is if you have Israel visa or stamp in your passport.

Another rule that Iran travelers must be informed of is the Iran dress code. Headscarves and loose clothing are mandatory for Iranian and tourist ladies. Gentlemen are required to wear long pants.

Once the mentioned citizens are inside the country, everything is as normal as it is for other tourists. Despite what the western media is trying to show, Iran is a safe country for tourists. In fact, all Iran travelers enjoy the hospitality and warm welcomes from Iranians during their trip.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours.