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Getting Around Kermanshah

Getting Around Kermanshah

Kermanshah Kermanshah Province, Iran Travel Guide

Rental Options & Driving

Rental options for tourists in Kermanshah are limited. Self-driving has challenges.

Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Not a common or readily available option for tourists. Bike-share Programs and Rentals: No formal programs. Limited options for rental might be found at small local shops, not generally geared towards tourists.

Car Rental & Driving Laws

  • Car Rental: Extremely rare and complex for international tourists. Very few, if any, large global companies operate.
  • Requirements: National driving license, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, often a significant deposit.
  • Alternative: Hiring a car with a driver for longer trips is more common, safer, and recommended.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right-hand side. Speed limits posted but often ignored. Traffic lights and signs exist but not always strictly obeyed.

Traffic & Driving Style

Traffic, specifically in cities, can be chaotic and aggressive. Local driving styles differ significantly from Western norms, with less adherence to traffic laws.

Road Signs & Parking

Road signs are mainly in Persian, a challenge. Finding parking can be difficult in crowded city centers. Designated parking lots are available for a fee.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main inter-city roads are generally well-maintained. Rural roads vary. Iran has a relatively high rate of road accidents. Avoid night driving on rural roads.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas
  • Bazaars: Traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah is wonderfully pedestrian-friendly.
  • Parks: Green spaces within the city for enjoyable walking and relaxation.
  • Attractions: Taq-e Bostan has well-maintained pedestrian paths.
Cycling & No-Go Areas
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated bicycle lanes. Not recommended on city roads due to traffic.
  • Walking Tour Options: No formal self-guided options in English. Guided tours arranged through operators.
  • No-Go Areas: No specific "no-go" areas. Exercise caution in heavy traffic or poorly lit streets at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

No hop-on-hop-off services. Part of pre-arranged package tours or private groups.

Water Transport

Not applicable. Kermanshah is a landlocked city with no navigable waterways.

Unique Transport

No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.

Accessibility Services

Limited infrastructure. Lack of ramps, accessible restrooms, or specialized transport.

General Traffic Advice

Driving on downtown streets can be challenging for tourists due to dense traffic and aggressive road behavior styles.

Driving Caution

  • Local driving styles differ significantly from Western norms.
  • Less adherence to traffic laws is observed by many local drivers.
  • Hiring a car with a driver is a safer and more recommended option for visitors.
  • For long trips or excursions outside the city, a driver is strongly recommended.

Pedestrian Safety

  • When walking, maintain constant awareness of your surroundings.
  • Sidewalks can be crowded, uneven, or obstructed in some areas.
  • Look both ways multiple times, even on one-way streets, before crossing.
  • Cross at designated pedestrian crossings when available.

Local Transport Details

Bus Hours

Generally operate from early morning (around 6 AM) until late evening (around 9-10 PM).

  • Frequency varies by route and time of day.
  • More frequent services during peak hours.
  • Less frequent service during off-peak times or on Fridays.
Taxi Safety

Licensed taxis and ride-sharing apps are generally safe.

  • Snapp and Tap30 provide driver and vehicle details.
  • Hailed taxis: Ensure vehicle appears legitimate.
  • Avoid unregistered "private" cars unless arranged via trusted source.
Airport/Station Taxis

Designated airport there are taxis at KSH.

  • Fares to city center typically fixed or negotiated.
  • Ride-sharing apps also work efficiently from the airport.
  • Similar arrangements apply at bus and railway stations.

Driving Hazards

Night Driving
  • Avoid night driving on rural roads.
  • Poor lighting conditions increase risk.
  • Unexpected obstacles like livestock.
Accident Risk
  • Iran has a relatively high rate of road accidents.
  • Drivers often exceed speed limits.
  • Traffic laws may be loosely observed.

Specialized Transportation Continued

Planning in advance with a specialized tour operator is important for travelers with mobility needs.

Accessibility Limitations

  • Accessibility infrastructure in Kermanshah is limited.
  • Generally, a lack of ramps, accessible restrooms, or specialized transport.
  • Many historical sites have stairs and uneven terrain.
  • Public buses typically lack ramps or designated spaces for wheelchairs.

Arrangements for Mobility Needs

  • If you have mobility needs, planning in advance with a specialized tour operator is important.
  • Operators arrange tailored travel, including appropriate transportation and accommodation.
  • Communicate specific requirements early in your planning process.
  • Consider off-peak travel seasons for easier navigation with special needs.

Tour Buses

No hop-on-hop-off services. Tour buses typically part of pre-arranged package tours or private groups.

Water Transport

Not applicable. Kermanshah is an inland city and province; no navigable waterways for tourist transportation.

Unique Transport

Kermanshah city has no cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.

Walking Tours & Safety

Guided & Self-Guided Options
  • No formal self-guided walking a tour withinfrastructure with English materials.
  • Guided walking tours arranged through local tour operators or hotels.
  • Local guides offer insight into city's history and culture.
Cycling Safety
  • Kermanshah has few dedicated bicycle lanes.
  • Cycling on city streets is not recommended for tourists.
  • Dense traffic and reckless driving styles are present.

Transport Summary

For hassle-free movement, rely on ride-sharing apps (Snapp, Tap30) or licensed taxis. Use public buses for budget travel if comfortable with navigation.

Consider hiring a car with a driver for inter-city travel or excursions into the Zagros Mountains.

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