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How to Get to Rasht

How to Get to Rasht

Rasht Gilan Province, Iran Travel Guide

Air Travel to Rasht

Airport & Routes

Sardar Jangal International Airport (RAS) serves Rasht, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of downtown. It connects to other Iranian cities and a couple overseas locations.

Flight Information

  • Domestic flights to Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan.
  • Limited overseas flights (Baghdad, Najaf, occasionally Baku or Istanbul).
  • The majority of foreign visitors route through Tehran's IKA, then connect.

Pricing & Facilities

Domestic flight prices change during peak seasons (Nowruz, summer holidays); book in advance. RAS offers basic facilities. Transfer options from RAS include taxis, ride-ride-hailing apps (Snapp!, Tap30), and limited public buses.

Airport Services

  • Currency exchange, ATMs (local cards only).
  • Cafes, car rental agencies.
  • Taxis readily available outside terminal; agree on fare beforehand.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights through Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Utilize Skyscanner for global flight comparisons.

Car Rental Offers

Explore car rental options via DiscoverCars.com.

Domestic Flight Details

Airlines

  • Iran Air
  • Mahan Air
  • Aseman Airlines
  • Kish Air, Zagros Airlines

Domestic Routes

  • Tehran (Mehrabad Airport)
  • Mashhad
  • Shiraz
  • Isfahan

Ground Transfers from RAS

Taxis

Readily available, agree on fare (5-10 USD to the downtown area) before departure.

Ride-hailing Apps

Snapp!/Tap30 offer affordable rates in case you have a local SIM card.

Bus

Limited public bus connections to the city center.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Rasht has a train station with services connecting to Tehran via Qazvin. This trip provides scenic views of the northern Iranian landscape.

Booking Trains

  • Book in advance, especially for popular routes and holidays.
  • Check schedules through local travel agencies or online Iranian platforms.
  • Trains offer comfortable travel for longer distances.

Long-Distance Buses

Rasht's central bus terminal (Terminal-e Markazi) has wide-ranging connections to almost all major cities in Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz.

Bus Services

  • Numerous private bus companies offer different classes of service.
  • VIP buses provide more legroom, snacks, and air conditioning for comfort.
  • Buses offer a charge-works well and frequent mode of intercity travel.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary along with your national driving license. Traffic can be chaotic in urban areas; defensive driving is something that is necessary. Iranian drivers often employ aggressive driving styles.

Driving Information

  • IDP required for car rental.
  • Fuel is inexpensive.
  • Vehicle hire choices in major cities; limited directly in Rasht.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads and highways connecting Rasht to other cities generally remain in good condition. Rural roads can vary in quality. Driving might create obstacles for foreigners due to aggressive road behavior styles.

Safety Awareness

  • Lack of strict adherence to traffic laws.
  • Road accidents are a concern; heightened caution if behind the wheel.
  • Road conditions: good on main highways, variable on country roads.

Border Crossing Info

  • Not directly relevant to Rasht (inland city).
  • International land borders connect Iran with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iraq.
  • Travelers using these crossings should research specific requirements.
  • Maritime journeys options to Rasht are limited for tourists.
  • Anzali Port (FORTY kilometers away) handles cargo and some passenger ferries.
  • River transportation for intercity/international travel is not available.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Iran typically does not have separate exit fees for foreign tourists departing by air. It is advisable to check current regulations before your trip. Ensure all visa requirements for your next destination are met before leaving Iran.

Timing Recommendations

  • Domestic flights (RAS): Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • International flights (RAS or IKA): Arrive 3-4 hours prior.
  • Factor in security checks and potential queues, specifically at IKA.

Station Facilities

Airports (RAS and IKA) feature duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges. Train and bus stations provide basic amenities, waiting areas, and often small eateries. These facilities allow for comfortable waiting before your departure.

At the Departure Point

  • Duty-free shopping (airports).
  • Cafes and restaurants for refreshments.
  • Lounges (select airports).

Visa Check

Confirm entry requirements for your subsequent destination.

Reconfirm Schedule

Reconfirm flight or bus schedules 24-48 hours before departure.

Small Bills

Carry small denominations of cash (Tomans) for taxis and buses.

Getting Around Rasht

Local Bus & Savari

Rasht''s public transport network mostly caters to local residents but remains accessible for tourists. It mainly consists of the urban area buses and shared cabs, known as Savari. There isn't any metro or tram system.

Bus & Savari Details

  • Buses cover most main roads; require a reloadable electronic card.
  • Collective taxis (Savari) operate on fixed routes with fixed fares; pay cash.
  • Main squares (Meydan-e Shahrdari, Sabze Meydan) are important hubs.

Efficiency & Accessibility

Buses typically operate from early morning until late evening (06:00 to 9 PM). Shared taxis are more frequent, operating as long as passengers need rides, often late into the night. Public buses and shared taxis are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Navigating Tips

  • Learn Farsi phrases for destinations like "Meydan-e Shahrdari".
  • Inquire with locals or hotel staff for recommendations on routes.
  • Use Snapp! Or Tap30 for door-to-door convenience.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Yellow or green, with a roof sign. Signal for a taxi on the street or at stands. Negotiate fare before starting.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Snapp! (اسنپ) and Tap30 (تپسی) are popular. Require a local SIM card. Transparent, competitive pricing.

Safety Tips

Licensed taxis plus mobile apps are generally safe. Confirm driver/vehicle matches app details. Women ideally sit in the back seat.

Local Transport Note

Always carry small denominations of cash (Tomans) for taxis and buses. This makes payments easier and rapider.