Overview
Iran is a country in Asia according to mathgeneral. Iran is a remarkable travel destination in many ways, not least because – contrary to its reputation as a harsh, unfriendly country – it is a place where visitors are generally very hospitable. It is undisputed that the Iranian government enforces the prevailing civil law with an iron fist, but for a tourist, a visit to Iran usually means an endless list of friendly invitations to drink tea (although travel and security advice should certainly be heeded). Persian heritage is evident throughout the country, both in terms of historical landmarks such as
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Iran’s national airline Iran Air (IR) offers connections from Frankfurt/M., Hamburg and Cologne as well as from Vienna several times a week. Turkish Airlines (TK) and Pegasus (PC) fly from Frankfurt am Main, Vienna and Zurich to Tehran via Istanbul. There are non-stop flights to Tehran from the end of March to the end of December with Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and with Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna with feeder flights from Switzerland, which are also offered by Swiss (LX).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Tehran: 5 hrs 5 mins (non-stop) or 7 hrs 15 mins with stopover; Vienna – Tehran: 4 hours 15 minutes non-stop or 6 hours 55 minutes with intermediate stops; Zurich – Tehran: 8 hours 15 minutes (with stopover).
Arrival by car
There are no reliable international road connections. Entry by land is possible from Turkey (Bazargan, Esendere), Azerbaijan (Astara and Jolfa) and Armenia (Nurduz-Mogri). The Mirjaveh crossing from Pakistan should be avoided for safety reasons. Sometimes the border crossings from Turkey and Iraq are closed. The border to Turkmenistan is currently closed. The border areas with Afghanistan, Iraq and the Pakistani province of Balochistan should be avoided. Details at the embassies. Long-distance buses: Seiro Safar offers bus connections between Tehran and Istanbul (journey time: 36 hours). Toll: Some highways as well as the Shahid Kalantary Bridge, on the Tabriz-Urmia route via Lake Urmia, are subject to tolls. Documents: The German driving license is valid for up to 6 months; after that, the international driver’s license is also required. The Swiss driver’s license is only valid in conjunction with the international driver’s license.
Arrival by train
Arrival by train via Turkey from Istanbul is possible once a week on the Trans Asya train, a night train. Also from Van (Turkey) there is a train to Tabriz once a week. The rail connections from Damascus (Syria) to Iran also pass through Turkey.
Arrival by ship
The country’s main port is Khorramshahr. Regular calls are also made to the ports of Bandar Abbas, Bandar Bushehr and Imam Khomeini in the Persian Gulf, as well as Nawshahr and Anzali in the Caspian Sea.
Ferry provider
Valfajr Shipping Company ferries connect Bandar Abbas with Sharjah (UAE), Khorramshahr with Kuwait and Basra (Iraq) and Bandar Lengeh with Dubai.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Iran Air (IR) flies to Tehran, Ahwaz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and other major cities in the country. Iran Aseman Airlines (EP) also offers domestic flights.
Traveling by car/bus
The Iranian road network has a total length of 167,000 km; 2,500 km of these are motorways. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, connect the Iraqi and Pakistani as well as the Afghan and Turkish borders. Tolls: Some highways, as well as the Shahid Kalantary Bridge, on the Tabriz-Urmia route across Lake Urmia, are subject to tolls. Gas stations are sufficiently available. However, diesel in particular is only available with a fuel card, which the gas station attendants usually have with them.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The road network is generally very good and roads are well maintained. The country roads are paved; Side roads can often only be driven on with all-wheel drive. In winter, mountain roads are sometimes impassable.
Road classification
In Iran there are highways, expressways, country roads and mountain roads. The freeways are marked with white freeway symbols on a blue background; Expressways with a white dual carriageway symbol on a green background.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in most cities and airports.
Taxi
Taxis can be found in all cities. Shared taxis, which can carry up to ten people, are also available. Shared taxis only leave when all the seats are taken, which can be avoided if you are willing to pay for the remaining seats. Fares should be agreed in advance.
Coach
The bus network is well developed throughout the country. Inexpensive and comfortable buses run regularly between all cities in the country. Tickets are available at the bus stations; for longer routes it is advisable to buy the ticket one or two days before departure. Minibuses are used for local transport.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰ (absolute alcohol ban). Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on country roads: 70-110 km/h (observe the signs!); – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Iran is the Touring and Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
The German driving license is valid for up to 6 months; after that, the international driver’s license is also required. The Swiss driver’s license is only valid in conjunction with the international driver’s license. When entering the country with your own car, you must also carry an international vehicle registration document and a Carnet de Passage. The international insurance card for motor transport must always be carried with you.
Traveling in the city
Tehran has an extensive bus network and a subway network with various lines. Tickets are available at the train stations.
Locally on the way by train
Iran’s extensive railway network is operated by RAJA Rail Transportations Company for passenger transport. Intercity trains run regularly on the main routes between Tehran and Jolfa, Gorgan, Bandar-Abbas, Sarakhs and Khorramshahr. Other railway lines lead to more remote provinces. Many mountain and desert areas are only accessible by train. Most trains have air-conditioned compartments as well as sleeping and dining cars.
Traveling by ship
The country’s main port is Khorramshahr. Other ports are at Bandar Abbas, Bandar Bushehr and Imam Khomeini in the Persian Gulf, and Nawshahr and Anzali in the Caspian Sea. There are ferry connections from Bandar Abbas to the islands of Kish, Qeshm and Hormuz.
