Getting around Iran
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
No (1-2 stopovers)
Duration
No direct flight: 6-9h with 1 stopover (Istanbul, Doha, Dubai)
Indicative round-trip price
350-650 EUR A/R
Book
1-3 months ahead
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Very comfortable, ultra-cheap VIP buses between all the major cities (Tehran-Isfahan-Shiraz-Yazd). Book at the bus station or via an app.
Train
Decent rail network, handy overnight trains (Tehran-Yazd, Tehran-Mashhad). Comfortable and economical, to be booked in advance.
Taxi
Taxis partout mais sans compteur : negocier avant. Bien plus simple : les apps Snapp et Tapsi (equivalents Uber), fiables et pas cheres.
Metro
Modern metro in Tehran (several lines), Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad. Very cheap, women-only cars available.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teheran | Isfahan | VIP bus | 5-6h | 5-10 EUR |
| Isfahan | Shiraz | VIP bus | 6h | 5-10 EUR |
| Teheran | Yazd | Night train | 7-8h | 8-20 EUR |
| Teheran | Shiraz | Vol interieur | 1h30 | 30-70 EUR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
Rare, not recommended for tourists
Car
25-50 EUR / day
International driving licence required
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Taxi without a meter
Drivers quoting an inflated price at the end of the ride, especially at airports and stations.
Tip :Utilise Snapp ou Tapsi, ou fixe le prix avant de monter.
Rial / toman confusion
The mental math isn't the same: a price in tomans is worth 10 times the figure in rials.
Tip :Always ask whether the price is in rials or tomans.
Fake guide or fake policeman
Someone approaching you for a service or a check and demanding money or your foreign currency.
Tip :Never hand over your cash; a real police officer won't ask for it.
Practical tips
- Get an Iranian SIM card (Irancell/Hamrahe Aval) at the airport: essential for using Snapp and Tapsi.
- VIP buses are the best comfort/price value for long distances — book the day before in high season.
- Google Maps works for navigation, but also install a local app like Balad for offline use.
Other transport guides
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