Transportation in Iran

Transportation in Iran for visitors centers on a mix of modern and traditional options. For intercity travel, domestic flights are a time-saving premium choice, while VIP buses offer a comfortable and moderate-cost alternative with extensive routes between major cities. Within cities, official taxis are ubiquitous. Always insist the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharges. Ride-hailing apps like Snapp are widely used in major urban areas, providing a convenient and typically budget-friendly alternative to hailing a cab on the street. For first-time visitors, understand that while intercity trains exist, the network is less extensive than the bus system, making buses the backbone of ground travel for most routes. A key tip: when arriving at an international airport like Tehran's Imam Khomeini (IKA), avoid the informal drivers soliciting inside the terminal. Instead, proceed directly to the official taxi desk or use the Snapp app for a ride into the city, which will cost a fraction of what an unnegotiated private car might charge.