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Getting Around by Air
Iran Air (IR) (website: www.iranair.com) runs services to Ahwaz, Esfahan, Kish, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran and Zahedan and other major cities. Aseman Air (website: www.iaa.ir) also runs services to the major cities. The vast size of Iran makes internal flights the most practical method of transport.
Departure Tax
Rs50,000 for land and sea travel to all counties.
Getting Around by Rail
RAJA Trains (tel: (21) 883 5159; website: www.rajatrains.com) run a comprehensive internal rail network. Major intercity trains operate on five main regional routes: Azarbaijan route (Tehran – Jolfa); Golestan route (Tehran – Gorgan); Hormozgan route (Tehran – Bandar-e-Abbas); Khorasan route (Tehran – Mashhad); and Khozetan route (Tehran – Khorramshahr). There are many areas in the mountains and the desert which can only be reached by rail. There are some air-conditioned trains, and sleeping and dining cars on many trains.
Getting Around by Road
The road network is extensive, but the quality is unreliable. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, link the Iraqi and Pakistani borders and the Afghan and Turkish borders. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: Widespread, cheap and comfortable, although services tend to be erratic.
Taxi: Available in all cities. The urban taxis (orange or blue) carry several passengers at a time and are much cheaper than the private taxis which only carry one person. Unofficial taxis should be avoided; use only legitimate taxis or those ordered through legitimate agencies. Group taxis for up to 10 people are available for intercity travel. Prices are negotiated beforehand and tipping is not necessary.
Car hire: Available in most cities and from airports.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended but it is not a legal requirement. Personal insurance is required. All motorists entering Iran must possess a Carnet de Passage en Douane and an International Certificate of Vehicle ownership.
Bus: Widespread, cheap and comfortable, although services tend to be erratic.
Taxi: Available in all cities. The urban taxis (orange or blue) carry several passengers at a time and are much cheaper than the private taxis which only carry one person. Unofficial taxis should be avoided; use only legitimate taxis or those ordered through legitimate agencies. Group taxis for up to 10 people are available for intercity travel. Prices are negotiated beforehand and tipping is not necessary.
Car hire: Available in most cities and from airports.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended but it is not a legal requirement. Personal insurance is required. All motorists entering Iran must possess a Carnet de Passage en Douane and an International Certificate of Vehicle ownership.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Tehran has an extensive bus system, including double-deckers. Tickets are bought in advance at kiosks.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Tehran to other major cities/towns in Iran.
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Ahvaz | 1.30 | 17.00 | 19.00 |
| B. Abbas | 1.55 | 28.00 | - |
| Esfahan | 1.00 | 8.00 | 9.00 |
| Kerman | 1.30 | 20.00 | 18.00 |
| Mashhad | 1.30 | 14.00 | 15.00 |
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