Modes of Transport

Getting around Iran — domestic flights from Tehran, the comfortable and affordable rail network, and coaches and taxis by road, with sample fares.

Air

Besides international airports in Tehran and Mashhad, Iran has many domestic airports. Qum currently has no airport of its own, so the nearest is Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, which has six terminals — Terminals 1 and 2 handle ATA Airlines, Iran Air, Iran Airtour, Kish Air, Meraj Airlines, Qeshm Air and Zagros Airlines, while Terminals 4 and 6 handle all other airlines.

Air travel is pricier than other options but still relatively affordable, and especially worthwhile for long distances when time matters. A one-way, off-peak flight from Tehran to Mashhad costs around $40 and takes about 1.5 hours. There are two types of flights: chartered (cheaper, but non-changeable, non-refundable) and scheduled (more flexible, allowing itinerary changes, often with discounts for children and infants).

Rail

A popular choice, Iran’s extensive rail network is known for being safe and comfortable. Qum’s train station is conveniently in the city centre, about a five-minute taxi ride from the shrine. With direct and indirect routes to many cities, the train is a convenient, affordable way to travel; several operators offer varying quality and service, some with different classes on a single train.

Many long-distance services are sleeper trains with beds, fresh linen and bedding, plus refreshments and meals depending on the operator and service. Washrooms at each end of a wagon (which holds ten cabins) are usually fitted with an “eastern” squat toilet. Cabins seat either four or six passengers — the six-passenger ones are significantly cheaper but can feel cramped, especially when sharing with strangers. Unlike flying, there are no luggage size or weight limits and bags aren’t checked in: you carry and store your own, with an overhead compartment fitting two medium-large suitcases and room for smaller bags under the seats.

Trains stop for prayer times, but only 15–20 minutes are given to alight, use the washrooms and pray at the station — which can get chaotic as passengers rush back before departure. Station facilities are often decent, so stay calm, pray promptly and return to your cabin in good time.

Fares are more affordable than flights: a single from Qum to Mashhad ranges from about $5 for a six-passenger cabin seat to around $20 for a first-class, four-passenger seat. Children aged 2–12 pay half the adult fare and under-2s a nominal fee, with discounts for booking a whole cabin. Cancellation terms are reasonable — a 90% refund if cancelled by noon the day before, 70% up to 3 hours before, and 50% less than 3 hours before departure.

Road

If you’re lucky enough to have your own vehicle, road trips are an affordable, exciting way to explore via Iran’s network of highways. Without one, there are several intercity options.

Coaches are among the most common. Qum’s main bus terminal, on the city outskirts, runs regular services across Iran, with classes from standard to luxury (VIP) — the latter offering more comfortable, spacious seating, air conditioning and sometimes refreshments and entertainment. Other terminals include Fadak (mainly southern and western cities of the province) and 72 Tan (serving Karaj, Kashan and Tehran); many 72 Tan coaches need no advance booking — just board one with free seats and pay the conductor en route. Fares are cheap: an economy coach from Qum to Tehran is around $1, while a VIP coach to Mashhad is about $8.

Taxis are also available for intercity travel, both shared and private. Shared taxis follow set routes to neighbouring cities and towns, many leaving from 72 Tan terminal. For a more direct, personalised journey, you can arrange a private taxi through local services, ride-hailing apps, or reliable drivers many students have used before, such as: