Getting There & Away: Shiraz

Air Travel

Airport and Connections

Shiraz is well-connected by air, mainly through its international airport. Direct international flights are limited, typically connecting via regional hubs.

Air Travel Info

Major Airport: Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), also Shahid Dastgheib International Airport.
Domestic Airlines: Iran Air, Mahan Air, Aseman Airlines, Zagros Airlines, Kish Air, Qeshm Air. Routes to Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Kish Island.
International Flights: Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Flydubai). No direct flights from North America or Europe.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Shiraz International Airport offers essential services for travelers. Transfer options from the airport to the city are readily available.

Onward Journey

Seasonal Pricing: Domestic flight prices increase significantly during Nowruz (late March) and national holidays.
Airport Facilities: Basic amenities, currency exchange (less favorable rates), few shops/cafes. Local ATMs do not accept international cards.
Transfers: Taxis are readily available (agree on fare or use Snapp/Tapsi). Metro Line 1 connects the airport to the city center.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Explore car rental options at DiscoverCars.com.

Mobile Connectivity

Consider eSIMs from Airalo for quick data access.

Land Transportation

Intercity Travel

Train connections: Shiraz railway station connects to Tehran (approx. 15 hours) and Mashhad. Trains are comfortable, safe, and affordable. Book in advance.
Long-distance buses: Most common mode, extensive network from Shiraz's Karandish Terminal to major cities. Companies like Royal Safar Iranian offer VIP services.
Typical travel times: Tehran (10-12 hours), Isfahan (6-7 hours), Yazd (6-7 hours).
Border crossing: Not directly relevant for Shiraz arrivals. Overland crossings from neighboring countries vary in entry requirements and safety.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Self-driving: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license. Traffic can be chaotic, driving styles aggressive. Fuel is inexpensive.
Road conditions & safety: Major highways are maintained. City traffic can be congested. High rates of traffic accidents; inconsistent adherence to laws.
Night driving: Not recommended on rural roads due to poor lighting and unexpected obstacles.
Car rental: Available from local companies, but hiring a car with a driver is generally more stress-free for tourists due to payment and navigation.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Location

Shiraz is an inland city, situated far from any major coastlines or navigable rivers.

No Direct Water Access

Therefore, sea or river transportation does not directly apply to reaching Shiraz itself.

Iranian Ports

While Iran has coastal ports, these do not serve as direct entry points for travelers heading to Shiraz.

Departure Information

Airport Procedures

Ensure a smooth departure from Shiraz International Airport by planning your arrival time accordingly and having all documents ready.

Departure Checklist

Exit fees: Iran typically does not charge an exit tax for tourists.
International flights: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic flights: Arrive 1-2 hours before departure.

Airport Facilities

Shiraz International Airport provides necessary facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Amenities

Limited facilities in departure area, including duty-free shops.
A few cafes and basic amenities are present.
No lounges are available for most travelers.

Customs Declarations

Be ready for customs procedures upon departure.

Things to Note

Customs declarations are required for certain goods.
Limits apply to currency, gold, and certain handicrafts.
Inquire about specific restrictions before purchasing high-value items.

Documentation Check

Ensure all travel documents are ready before heading to the airport.

Required Documents

Valid passport.
Boarding pass (either printed or mobile).
Any other necessary travel documents (e.g., visa copy if separate).

Prohibited Items

Alcohol.
Pornographic materials.
Narcotics.

Gambling tools.
Weapons (including replica firearms).
Drones without explicit permission.

Getting Around Shiraz

Public Transportation

Shiraz offers efficient and affordable public transportation, notably its metro system.

Transit Options

Shiraz Metro: Line 1 connects Shahid Dastgheib International Airport (SYZ) to city center. Clean, efficient, air-conditioned.
Buses: Extensive network covering most areas. Can be crowded. Some routes have separate sections for men and women.
Ticketing: Rechargeable electronic fare card (Shiraz Card) is the most convenient; available at metro stations. Fares are inexpensive.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps provide flexible and competitively priced options for city movement.

Convenient Choices

Licensed Taxis: Yellow or green. Agree on fare before trip. Shared taxis (Savari) are common for specific routes.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Snapp and Tapsi are popular, similar to Uber/Grab. Offer set fares and GPS tracking, cheaper than traditional taxis. Payment in cash to driver.
Safety: Ride-sharing services are generally safer due to tracking. Confirm driver/car details on app.

Walking Friendly

Shiraz city center and historical gardens are very walkable. Self-guided walks are easy with offline maps.

Rental Options

Car rental is available, but hiring a car with a driver is more practical for most foreign tourists due to traffic and payment issues. Motorcycles/scooters not typically for tourists.

Cycling

Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited. Cycling in traffic can be challenging. Pleasant for cycling within parks or recreational areas.

Practical Tips for Transit

Navigating Public Transport

Optimizing your use of Shiraz's public transport system for efficiency and local cultural awareness.

Transit Efficiency

Purchase a Shiraz Card upon arrival for metro and bus.
Use offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) for route planning.
Be aware of separate sections for men and women on buses (women typically sit at the back).

Road Rules and Driving

Driving Considerations

Driving laws: Speed limits exist but are often disregarded. Traffic lights and signs are generally present.
Parking: Often difficult in city centers. Hotels typically have guest parking.
Accessibility: Generally limited on public transport for those with mobility challenges.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Hop-on-hop-off services are not widely available in Shiraz.

Water Transport

Shiraz lacks significant waterways for public boat taxis or river transportation.

Unique Local Transport

Cable cars or funiculars are not a feature of Shiraz.

Final Transit Note

While public transportation is efficient, for specific needs or detailed city exploration, combining metro/bus with ride-sharing apps (Snapp/Tapsi) offers the best balance of cost and convenience.

Getting There & Away