Your browser is out of date.
This site may not function properly in your current browser. Update Now
Train station in Dorud
Photo by Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock.com

Ride the Trans-Iranian Railway

The Trans-Iranian railway will take you from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf, through breathtaking viewpoints and gorgeous scenery.

Iran is one of the largest countries along the Silk Road and traversing across its lands can be quite an expedition. But if you're interested in an authentic way to experience the journey, the Trans-Iranian railway is a fantastic option to see the entire country and appreciate its diverse nature and culture. Along the route, you will go through four climatic areas, along 1394 kilometres of railway, crossing the country from one side to the other.

© Gustavo Frazao / Shutterstock
© Gustavo Frazao / Shutterstock

The Trans-Iranian railway is an engineering marvel and showed impressive technical skills when it was completed in 1938. To manage to cross the country with a railway, the Iranian government had to build 360 bridges and 235 tunnels. This is one of the most challenging constructions in the country as it passes through mountainous areas.

Tunnel in the trans-Iranian railway © Kirill Skorobogatko / Shutterstock
Tunnel in the trans-Iranian railway © Kirill Skorobogatko / Shutterstock

The railway has recently added Tehran as a stop, making it easier for visitors to hop on this adventure. The original railway, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connected Bandar Shahpur to Bandar Shah. You don't have to go the whole way, though. Travellers can choose to ride the railway from different stops across the country.

SurfIran offers train tours and you can find one that suits your trip here