How to Get to Zahedan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Zahedan

Major Airports & Airlines

Zahedan International Airport (ZAH) is the main airport. Domestic airlines include Iran Air, Mahan Air, Aseman Airlines, and Qeshm Air.

Domestic Flight Routes

Connections to Tehran (THR), Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz.
Occasionally Bandar Abbas.
International flights from ZAH are limited and intermittent.

International Connections

No direct international flights from major global hubs. Travelers connect using Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or another major Iranian city, then take a domestic flight.

Booking & Transfers

Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight searches.
Taxis are available outside ZAH terminal. Snapp (ride-sharing) may be a choice.
Hotel pick-up services can be pre-arranged.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Domestic prices change based on demand, Iranian holidays (e.g., Nowruz), and season.

Advance Booking

Booking in advance is advisable, especially for popular routes or during peak travel periods.

Airport Facilities

ZAH is a relatively small regional airport. It offers a few small shops, cafes, and limited currency exchange.

Airport Transfers

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
Agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Snapp (ride-sharing) may be available for convenient and transparent pricing.
Some hotels offer pick-up services; confirm at the time of reservation.

Travel Time

Allow at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights.
For international connections, allow 3+ hours.
Traffic to and from the airport is usually manageable.
Factor in security checks and check-in times.

Land Transportation Options

Border Crossings

Mirjaveh (Iran) / Taftan (Pakistan) is the main land border, ~90 km southeast of Zahedan. Check current travel advisories due to security concerns.

Train Services

Zahedan Railway Station connects to Bam, Kerman, and Tehran (~24 hr journey). International passenger services to Quetta are often suspended or irregular.

Long-Distance Buses

Zahedan Central Bus Terminal serves routes to major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, Kerman, Isfahan, and Shiraz. VIP buses offer more comfort.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Self-Driving Essentials

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country license is necessary for driving in Iran.

Driving Points

IDP and home country license needed.
Road conditions vary; primary roads are paved.
Fuel is inexpensive; plan stops in remote areas.

Road Safety Tips

Driving standards can be erratic. Drunken driving is illegal. Vigilance is necessary on the roads.

Safety Measures

Exercise heightened caution on remote roads and at night.
Travel during daylight hours.
Be aware of heavy truck traffic, especially on highways.

Roads & Traffic

Main roads are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads can be rough or unpaved.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic can be chaotic, especially in the city center.
Expect reckless driving styles.
Safety concerns near border areas call for extra caution.

Regional Security Context

Specific safety concerns exist in Sistan and Baluchestan province because of its proximity to borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and historical issues.

Heightened Caution

Travelers should exercise heightened caution.
Avoid remote roads, especially in the evening.
Security concerns relate to drug trafficking and occasional skirmishes.

Important Driving Rules

Drive on the right-the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are required for all.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Respect speed limits, though they are often disregarded.
Pedestrians do not always possess the right of way.
Drunken driving is illegal and severely punished.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Not applicable. Zahedan is an inland city.

Nearest Major Port

Chabahar, on the Arabian Sea.
Approximately 650 km south of Zahedan.
No direct sea hyperlinks to Zahedan.

River Transportation

Not applicable. Zahedan does not have options for go on the river.

Inland City Status

No major rivers for navigation in the region.
Surrounding geography is arid desert.
Focus on air and land travel for Zahedan.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable to Zahedan; immigration procedures occur at air or crossing borders overland.

Connections to Land Transport

Not applicable for sea/river arrivals in Zahedan. Overland connections for other cities.

Best Arrival Methods

Air or long-distance bus/train are the most practical ways to reach Zahedan.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Currently, an exit tax applies to Iranian citizens. Foreigners usually do not pay an exit tax upon departure by air. It's a good idea to review current regulations before your trip, as policies can change.

Departure Timing

Air travel: Arrive at Zahedan International Airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights.
Land travel (bus/train): Arrive at the terminal at least 30-ONE hour prior to departure.
For any international connections, allow 3 or more hours.

Departure Facilities

Zahedan Airport offers basic amenities, mainly small waiting areas and rudimentary services.

Terminal Services

Small shops and eateries are available.
Basic waiting areas.
Bus/train stations also provide basic amenities.

Important Departure Reminders

Reconfirm Schedule

Always reconfirm your flight or bus schedule the day before departure.

Changes Possible

Changes to schedules can occur, specifically for domestic transport.

Plan Ahead

Factor in potential delays or unexpected events.

Final Departure Tip

Carry a local SIM card with enough credit for last-minute communications or booking Snapp to the airport/station.

How to Get to Zahedan