Scenic Rail Journeys: Exploring Iran's Best Train Routes
What are the most scenic railway routes in Iran?
Iran boasts several picturesque railway routes, notably the Trans-Iranian Railway, stretching from the Caspian Sea in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south. This route offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and rivers, especially through the Alborz mountain range.
Are there any luxury train services in Iran?
Yes, Iran offers luxury train services, such as the Fadak train, providing premium amenities. These services often include plush seating, dining cars, and private compartments, offering a luxurious way to explore the country’s historic and natural sites.
Can I visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran by train?
Many of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are accessible via the country’s extensive railway network. For instance, the route to Yazd allows travelers to explore the ancient city’s rich history and architecture, emblematic of Persian civilization.
What is the best way to book train tickets in Iran?
Train tickets in Iran can be booked online through official railway websites, local travel agencies, or at the station. For international travelers, booking through a reputable travel agency or hotel concierge service in Iran might be more convenient to navigate language barriers and payment methods.
Are train journeys in Iran suitable for families with children?
Yes, train travel in Iran is considered a family-friendly option. Trains provide a safe and comfortable environment for children, with more freedom to move around compared to other modes of transport. Additionally, family compartments are available on many trains, ensuring privacy and convenience.
FAQ: Iran's Railway Routes
What you will read in this article:
Tehran-Sari Train Route
One of the most beautiful railway routes in Iran is the Tehran to Sari route. This route is so stunning and picturesque that even foreign tourists prefer to travel by train from Tehran to Sari to witness this beautiful and fantastic path. On the Tehran-Sari route, there are 24 different stations, and after passing the Garmsar station, you can see the beautiful parts of this rail route. As you cross the “White Bridge,” you’ll enter the forests of the North and can observe the Lafour Dam and Javarem Forest Park. Another tourist attraction visible on the Tehran-Sari train route is the “Varsak” bridge. This bridge began in 1933 and was completed in 1936, representing a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of the railway in Iran. The Varsak bridge is 86 meters long and has a height of 110 meters. The “Gadook” tunnel is another feature you can observe on the Tehran-Sari route. This tunnel is 2887 meters long and is known as the longest tunnel in the country.
Mashhad-Sari Train Route
The railway route from Mashhad to Sari passes through the pristine forests of northern Iran, providing a breathtaking view. Kashmar, Shahroud, Damghan, Semnan, Firoozkooh, Qaemshahr, etc., are on the Mashhad-Sari train route. Throughout the journey, you can witness astonishing mountains and cliffs. The travel duration to Sari via this route is 14 hours, and after crossing the mountains, you’ll enter the northern regionNortherving the unparalleled forests and nature of the North. There are also many beautiful villages along the Mashhad-Sari train route, and seeing rural honors is one of the delightful parts of traveling to the North from Mashhad.
Qazvin-Rasht Train Route
The Qazvin to Rasht train route is one of the newest railway routes in Iran. This route is 164 kilometers long, with 52 tunnels and 17 bridges. Undoubtedly, the Qazvin-Rasht rail route can be compared with the Tehran-Sari route, as both provide breathtaking and untouched natural sceneries. To construct this route, the country’s largest railway bridge, the “Manjil Bridge” with a length of 1430 meters, was used. Other sceneries along this railway route include forests, rice paddies, and various rivers.
Lorestan Tourist Train Route
You can board the tourist train of Lorestan province and witness the recreational and tourist attractions of this beautiful province. The train covers a distance of 74 kilometers, starting from the city of Dorud and continuing to Keshvar station. Along the way, there are various tourist stops that you can visit. Among the most important tourist attractions of Lorestan province along the route are the warm waterfalls, Azgan wetland, Bisheh waterfall, sulfur water springs, and more. To enjoy this scenic rail journey, you can purchase the complete Lorestan tourist train package, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Furthermore, you can also stay in the rural and eco-tourism houses of this province and add four more days to your trip.
Tehran-Garmsar Train Route
While working forests, rice paddies, rivers, and more in the North of Iran are a sight to behold, if you head east of Iran, you can witness the desert landscape. Observing the stars in the heart of the desert is an extraordinary feeling that few people get to experience in their lifetime. If you want to see such a sight, we recommend you take the train route from Tehran to Garmsar. The Tehran-Garmsar train operates on a rail route drawn in the heart of the desert, allowing you to see the astonishing vastness of the desert and intriguing mirages during the journey. To truly appreciate the desert’s beauty, our recommendation is to choose a train that travels this route at night, as the desert’s charm multiplies under the starlit sky.
Tehran-Ahwaz Train Route
The route from Tehran to Ahwaz is one of the most beautiful rail routes in the country. During the journey, you can see the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning plains in Lorestan province and Zagros. Valleys, rivers, tables, and waterfalls are just breathtaking views and sceneries on this route. However, an essential point to consider is that to enjoy the beauty of the Tehran to Ahwaz train route; you must plan accordingly and purchase a train ticket that enters Lorestan province during the day, ensuring you can witness these views in daylight.
