How to Get to Qom. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Details

Major Airports

Air travel serves as the most common method for foreign tourists entering Iran. Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) near Tehran acts as the main gateway.

Airports Serving Qom

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Tehran: Main international gateway, 120 km north of Qom.
Qom International Airport (QOM): Mainly handles domestic and pilgrimage charter flights. Not for regular international.
IKA is a modern facility with connections to major cities worldwide.

Airlines & Routes

Numerous international airlines operate flights to IKA. These include major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Pegasus Airlines.

Flight Information

Iranian airlines: Mahan Air and Iran Air also serve international routes.
Typical routes: Involve one stop in a major hub city, depending on origin.
No direct flights: From North America due to political reasons. Connect through Europe or Middle East.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices are normally rise during peak travel seasons like Nowruz, summer, and major religious pilgrimage periods. Book well in advance for these times.

Airport Facilities IKA

IKA offers duty-free shops, currency exchange, restaurants, cafes, car rental, and SIM card vendors. ATMs only accept local cards.

Booking Advice

Shoulder seasons (late autumn, the beginning of spring) often present more affordable flight options.

Transfer from IKA to Qom

Convenient Options

Taxi: Most convenient, direct. Licensed airport taxis with fixed rates (€30-€50). Confirm fare beforehand.
Bus: Economical. Shuttle from IKA to Tehran's Southern Bus Terminal, then intercity bus to Qom.
Train: Less direct. Taxi from IKA to Tehran Railway Station, then train to Qom. Check schedules.
Ride-hailing apps: Also a viable option from IKA (Snapp or Tap30).

Considerations for Transfers

Cost: Taxis cost more, buses are significantly cheaper.
Time: Taxis offer the fastest direct route. Bus/train take longer due to transfers.
Convenience: Taxi for ease, bus/train for experience and budget.
Local SIM: Get one at IKA to use ride-hailing apps for transfers.

Land Transportation Overview

Train Services

Qom Railway Station connects to Iran's national rail network. Regular services to Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Yazd. Various classes, "VIP" trains offer more comfort. Book in advance.

Long-Distance Buses

Qom Central Bus Terminal serves as a major hub. Numerous companies, modern air-conditioned buses. "VIP" buses offer comfort. Frequent and affordable services to all major cities. Buy tickets at terminal or through agencies.

Self-Driving

International Driving Permit (IDP) required. Roads between major cities are well-maintained. Iranian driving style is aggressive; not recommended for most first-time visitors. Local companies offer rentals.

Safety & Departure

Road Safety Concerns

Road conditions on main highways are generally good. However, Iran has a high accident rate due to aggressive driving habits.

Driving Safely

Drive defensively: Be extra cautious, especially at night.
Remain alert: Native drivers disregard traffic laws.
Passengers: Choose reputable coach operators or use ride-hailing apps for private transfers.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Iran by understanding exit fees and the airport procedures.

Departure Steps

Exit Fees/Taxes: A departure tax applies; typically included in air ticket price. Confirm with airline.
Timing: Arrive at IKA at least 3 hours before international flight departure.
Procedures: Check-in, security, immigration. Have passport and ticket ready.

Airport Facilities Departing

IKA offers various facilities for departing travelers, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and lounges. Duty-free options are available.

IKA Specifics

Shops & Dining: Restaurants, cafes, and shops available.
Lounges: Traveler lounges present.
Duty-Free: Options are available but may be limited compared to larger international airports.

Station Facilities Departing

Qom Railway and Bus Stations offer more basic facilities for departing travelers.

Station Specifics

Kiosks: For snacks and drinks.
Waiting Areas: Comfortable waiting zones present.
Restrooms: Facilities available.

Border Crossing Note

Qom is an inland city; no direct sea/river arrivals.
Land borders connect Iran with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq.
Research specific border crossing points and procedures if entering by land.

Closest major port: Bandar Abbas (Persian Gulf).
No major navigable rivers connect to Qom for passenger transport.
These ports serve as entry points, then travel by land/air to Qom.

International Entry Points

Air Travel Entry

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) serves as the main international entry point for travelers heading to Qom.

IKA Advantages

Main international gateway.
Up-to-date facilities.
Connections to major cities worldwide.

Land Border Entry

Land borders connect Iran with various neighboring countries. These serve as entry/exit points for Iran, but do not directly connect to Qom.

Common Land Borders

Turkey: Gurbulak-Bazargan.
Armenia: Norduz.
Iraq: Mehran, Shalamcheh.

Visa on Arrival

Available at IKA for many nationalities. Requires travel insurance and a return ticket.

Strategic Location

IKA's location facilitates easy onward travel to Qom by taxi, bus, or train.

Local SIM

Purchase a local SIM at IKA for correspondence and ride-hailing apps.

Practical Travel Advice

Booking & Timing

Book flights and popular train routes well in advance, particularly in high season like Nowruz or major religious holidays. This secures better rates and availability.

Smart Planning

Peak Season: High demand, higher prices.
Advance Booking: Recommended for popular routes.
Shoulder Seasons: Potentially more affordable.

Local Transport Tips

Efficient Travel

Intercity Buses: Frequent and affordable.
Ride-hailing Apps: Transparent pricing, reliable.
Economical: Saves money compared to private cars.

Navigating Iranian Roads

Aggressive Driving

Iranian driving style can be aggressive and unpredictable. Traffic laws are often disregarded.

Self-Driving Caution

Generally not recommended for most first-time visitors due to challenging traffic conditions.

Public Transport Preference

Rely on long-distance coaches, trains, and ride-hailing apps for safer, less stressful travel.

How to Get to Qom