ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Iran Air (IR) (Internet: www.iranair.com) flies to Tehran, Ahwaz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Zahedan and other major cities in the country.
Aseman Air (Internet: www.iaa.ir) also offers domestic flights. Due to the size of the country, the plane is the usual mode of transport.
On the way by car / bus
Over 50,000 km of paved roads and 490 km of motorway are available. The road network is well developed and mostly in good condition. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, connect the Iraqi and Pakistani as well as the Afghan and Turkish borders.
Bus: The bus network is well developed, buses are inexpensive and comfortable; Timetables are not always adhered to. It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. Minibuses run in local transport.
Taxis can be found in all cities. City taxis (orange or blue) carry several people at the same time and are cheaper than private taxis that only take one passenger. Shared taxis that can carry up to ten people are available for trips within the cities. Fares should be agreed in advance.
Rental cars are available in most cities and airports.
Documentation: International Driving License and International Green Insurance Card. International vehicle registration and Carnet de Passage when entering the country with your own car.
Traveling in the city
According to areacodesexplorer, Tehran has an extensive bus network with single-decker and double-decker buses and a subway network. Tickets can be bought in advance at the kiosk.
On the go by train
The approximately 6,500 km long route network is operated by RAJA Trains (Internet: www.rajatrains.com). Intercity trains provide connections on five main routes: the Aderbaijan route (Tehran – Jolfa), the Golestan route (Tehran – Gorgan), the Hormozogan route (Tehran – Bandar-Abbas), the Khorasan route (Tehran – Sarakhs) and the Khozetan route (Tehran – Khorramshahr). Other railway lines lead to more remote provinces. There are many mountain and desert areas that can only be reached by train. Most trains have air-conditioned compartments as well as sleeping and dining cars. Trains run daily on all routes. Several new lines are currently being expanded, others are being repaired.
SHOP
Overview
The shops offer a wide range of good quality goods. Local products can be bought in the bazaars. Popular souvenirs are inlaid work, carpets, rugs, silk, leather goods, tablecloths, gold, silver, glass and ceramic goods. Shop opening times: i. A. 9am until late in the evening.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are a few hotels and a good range of accommodation. Hotels with internationally known names are not necessarily operated by the chains of the same name. Student accommodation is also available in small hotels. Schools and private houses also offer rooms. Further information from the Iran Tourist Company or from ITTO (see addresses).
Camping
The number of campsites is limited and camping on private property is not recommended. If you still want to camp, you have to register with the police.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are Persian and Persian dialects (Farsi). Arabic is spoken in southwestern Khuzistan and Turkish in the northwest. Many civil servants and business people understand English, French and sometimes German.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Dry continental climate inland. Summer dry and hot, winter cold. Little rainfall. The best times to travel to the plateaus are spring and autumn.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +98 Area (square km) 1648195 Population 82801633 Population density (per square km) 50 Population in 2016 Member of the EU No main emergency number 115
