Day Trips from Persepolis. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Historical sites readily accessible from Shiraz as day trips. Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rustam, and Naqsh-e Rajab are often seen together. Pasargadae, founded by Cyrus the Great, also merits attention.

For transport, private taxis offer flexibility. Ride-sharing apps like Snapp or Tapsi work with a local SIM. Shared taxis or minibuses exist for budget travel, although they need patience.

Trip Types & Time

Organized tours are convenient, with a guide and logistics handled.
Persepolis/Naqsh-e Rustam/Naqsh-e Rajab: 4-7 hours total.
Combined with Pasargadae: a full day (7-9 hours).
Independent go by taxi provides freedom on site timing.

Natural Escapes

Beyond historical sites, Fars Province showcases a beautiful natural setting.

Parks and Reserves

No major nature reserves exist directly next to Persepolis. The drive through the Marvdasht Plain offers scenic views.

Shiraz's Gardens

Eram Garden
Delgosha Garden
Narenjestan-e Ghavam

Diverse Landscapes

Fars Province is geographically diverse. Mountains offer hiking. Rural villages are accessible via expert local tours.

Seasonal Beauty

Spring brings green to the Marvdasht Plain.
Zagros Mountains surround the region.
Wildflowers appear in spring.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Major Sites

Pasargadae is a historical site.
Rural villages offer traditional life insights.
Specialized tours access ranches and small communities.
Shah Cheragh Shrine is a major pilgrimage site in Shiraz, not near Persepolis.

Local Experiences

The area around Persepolis and Shiraz is agricultural.
Local guides share opportunities for rural immersion.
Pilgrimage places in the immediate Persepolis vicinity are absent.
Extensive natural exploration requires moving beyond the Shiraz-Persepolis corridor.

Multi-Day Extensions

Yazd:Desert city, UNESCO, adobe architecture, Zoroastrian sites.
Isfahan:Cultural jewel, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Islamic architecture.
Shiraz to Yazd:Bus or train (4-5 hours).
Shiraz to Isfahan:Bus, train, or flight.

Yazd to Isfahan:Frequent bus service.
Isfahan to Kashan/Tehran:Well-connected by bus and train.
Classic Route:Tehran → Shiraz → Yazd → Isfahan → Kashan → Tehran.
Southern Start:Fly into Shiraz, then north.

Travel Tip

Building your itinerary from Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan forms a natural path for Iran's historical sites.

Nearby Attractions Map

Visualize locations around Persepolis for better trip planning.

Persepolis Location

Located in Fars Province, about 60 km northeast of Shiraz.

Naqsh-e Rustam & Rajab

A short distance west of Persepolis, easily combined.

Pasargadae Distance

Approximately 87 km northeast of Persepolis, a further journey.

Shiraz Gateway

Shiraz serves as the main base for visits, offering hotels and tour services.

City Attractions

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
Vakil Bazaar
Eram Garden

Regional Connections

Intercity travel options link Persepolis to broader Iranian itineraries.

Connected Cities

Yazd
Isfahan
Tehran

Travel Distances Approximate

Shiraz to Persepolis:~60 km (1 hour drive)

Persepolis to Naqsh-e Rustam:~6 km

Persepolis to Pasargadae:~87 km

Shiraz to Yazd:~450 km (4-5 hours)

Shiraz to Isfahan:~480 km (5-6 hours)

Yazd to Isfahan:~320 km (4-5 hours)

Planning Note

Consider grouping geographically close sites.
Allow ample time for travel between cities.
Start early for full-day excursions.
Domestic flights connect major towns for faster travel.
Buses and trains offer affordable intercity links.

Guided Tours & Excursions

Organized tours simplify exploring Persepolis and more.

Small Group Tours

Join a small group for a cost-effective and social experience to major sites.

Tour Benefits

Share costs with fellow travelers.
Opportunity for social interaction.
Fixed departure times and itineraries.

Private Guided Tours

For personalized trips and flexibility, a private tour offers tailored experiences.

Private Tour Advantages

Dedicated guide for in-depth insights.
Flexibility with timing at each place.
Customizable itineraries.

Day Trips from Shiraz

Popular day trips from Shiraz include ancient Persian capitals and rock reliefs.

Destinations

Persepolis, the ceremonial capital.
Naqsh-e Rustam and Naqsh-e Rajab rock carvings.
Pasargadae, Tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Booking Services

Pre-booking tours can streamline your travel and secure availability.

Online Platforms

Online tour operators for Iran experiences.
Local hotels and guesthouses.
Ticket and entry arrangements for sites.

Benefits of Organized Excursions

Structured tours offer ease and depth to your visit.

Expert Guides

Guides provide historical background plus insights into the culture.

Seamless Transport

Transportation to and from sites is arranged.

Time Optimization

Itineraries are designed for efficient site coverage.

Consider Guided Tours

For a comprehensive and stress-free visit, especially for Persepolis, organized tours are recommended. They handle the details, letting you focus on history.

Independent Exploration

For those preferring to travel independently, options exist for visiting Persepolis and its surroundings.

Transportation Choices

Private Taxi

Hire a taxi ride for a fixed price, including waiting time at sites. Offers maximum flexibility.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Snapp or Tapsi (with local SIM) provide transparent pricing for trips.

Shared Transport

Collective taxis or minibuses exist, mainly for Persepolis's nearby town, slower but cheaper.

Self-Guided Benefits

Freedom to manage your own pace.
Flexibility to choose departure and return times.
Private experience, without a group itinerary.
Opportunity for spontaneous stops.
Control over budget for transport and food.
immersion into local transport culture.

Considerations for Independent Travel

Need to negotiate taxi fares (outside of apps).
No immediate historical commentary from a guide.
Requires self-management of all logistics.
Language barriers might arise with some drivers.
Research opening hours for attractions.
Secure local SIM for apps.

Preparing for Your Trip

Offline Maps

Download maps of Shiraz and Persepolis areas for offline use.

Translation Apps

Have Google Translate with Farsi pack ready for communication.

Local Currency

Bring enough cash for prices and entrance fees, foreign cards do not work.

Your Own Way

Independent travel for Persepolis offers freedom, with taxis or ride-sharing apps as transport.

Day Trips from Persepolis