How to use the Bus in Iran

Using the bus in Iran can seem daunting with there being little information online on how to do it, the booking sites aren’t in English and the Terminals can seem like crazy places to go. But in reality, it is actually quite easy. In this guide, i will run through some different ways to book the bus, what to do at the terminal, how to find your bus and what to expect on the bus.

What to Expect?

The Bus in Iran is a great way to travel. It is very comfortable and spacious. It is also very affordable. Some routes like Tehran to Isfahan can be less than $3. They have plenty of leg room, normally free water and even sometimes free snacks.

How to book the Bus?

There are 4 common ways to book the bus

• In Accomodation
• Travel Agent
• At the Terminal
• Online

In Accomodation

By far the easiest option, In your hotel or hostel is the easiest way. Not only will they handle it for you but most of the time they will also translate the ticket into English for you and explain where to do at the terminal. This is the option i recommend for those who are coming to Iran for the first time.

Travel Agent

A travel agent is a good way if your hotel doesn’t do bookings or if you’re trying to travel on busy and booked out days, Travel Agents can sometimes get you tickets for buses that can’t be seen online. One thing to keep in mind though, Travel Agents normally are more expensive by a tiny bit than other options due to they need to make money somewhere.

Travel Agents are also everywhere in Iran. Especially interested areas. Just go into any office and they will be happy to help.

At the Terminal

At the Terminal can be a good option if you are trying to travel same day as your ticket and most times it is easy to go to a bus terminal and get a ticket same day you want to travel. If you’re going to some smaller or far cities it can be wise to book in advance though. Normally I wouldn’t suggest going to the Terminal to book in advance since normally they are out of the way out side the city.

Online

The one everyone wants to do but is actually the most difficult. Firstly, the main Website to book on is Alibaba.ir There are some requirements do this. You will need

• To be able to read and write in Persian Language
• You will need an Iranian bank account, International payment methods aren’t accepted. If you have Mahcard this works fine. (See Currency guide for more information)
• You will need an Iranian National ID number. All booking websites these days require a National ID number that tourists can not get. But it is possible for you to use a friends number if they are willing to give it to you.

What to do at the Terminal?

When you arrive at any Bus Terminal in Iran, they all have the same vibe. You will come to the front and there will be men yelling city names and they will either be related to shared taxis or they will work for bus companies. If you don’t have a ticket for the bus yet, just tell one of these men the city you want to go to and someone will take you to the right office for the right bus. If you have a ticket, these men are actually helpful and you can just show them your ticket and they will point you in the right direction.

The Terminals all have convenience stores to buy snacks, fast food shops, toilets and some random stores too.

Best Bus Companies

There are many Bus operators in Iran but some are better than others.
Hamsafar & Royal Safar are the two best options for traveling around the classic route in Iran. They will cover all major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Mashhad and more.

ADL is a smaller company but is a common way of getting to Yazd or other Eastern cities in Iran like Kerman.

Terminal Locations

Tehran

Kashan

Isfahan

Yazd

Shiraz