Buses

Qum's cheap and extensive public bus network — how to navigate routes without a map, the cashless Qum Card, and what to expect on board.

As one of Iran’s largest cities, Qum has an affordable public bus service covering over 20 routes — connecting neighbourhoods, landmarks and transport hubs — with a fleet of more than 300 buses.

Finding your route

Unlike Tehran, where routes are clearly mapped at stops, in Qum you’ll need other methods to navigate. You can read the destination displayed at the front of the bus, ask the driver, or use the recently developed bus-tracking system: each stop has a QR code that, when scanned, opens the Qomyar website showing the real-time location of the bus serving that stop and an estimated arrival time. The stops are shown on a topological map rather than a city map, which can be tricky if you don’t know the area — but a separate website displays each route on an actual city map, so you can click a route and see its full path and stops.

On board

Inside, seating is segregated — women at the back, men at the front — and the buses have ventilation systems for comfort.

Paying with the Qum Card

A key advantage of the buses is their very low fares. All buses are now cashless, so you can only pay by bank card or with the Qum Card — a contactless smartcard for public transport, available to buy and top up at kiosks near certain bus stations. A single fare is less than $0.10, dropping to around half that if you pay with the Qum Card.

As with any public transport, there are challenges: buses can get crowded at peak times, and traffic congestion may affect schedules, so plan your journeys accordingly.