Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND
Most visitors are pleasantly surprised by the transport system in Iran. Once you accept that
the driving is more…erm… imaginative than you're used to, you'll appreciate that services
on most forms of public transport are frequent, fairly punctual and very cheap. Book ahead
if you're travelling on a weekend or, especially, any public holiday (
Click here
).
Air
Domestic air fares in Iran are low and flights on most routes are frequent.
Airlines in Iran
Iran Air is the largest among a growing roster of domestic airlines and boasts an extensive
network of flights, covering most provincial capitals. Domestic prices are set by the gov-
ernment, so it doesn't matter which airline you fly the price will be the same. For tickets
it's best to use one of the many travel agencies, where you'll get all the options, rather than
an airline office.
When making a booking, check the aircraft type and avoid any clunking old Tupolevs
that have yet to fall out of Iran's skies. Iran's domestic airlines are:
Caspian Airlines
(code RV;
www.caspian.aer
o)
Iran Air
(code IR;
www.iranair.com
)
Iran Aseman
(code EP;
www.iaa.ir
)
Kish Air
(code Y9;
www.kishairline.com
)
Mahan Air
(code W5;
www.mahan.aer
o)
Taban Air
(code TBM;
www.tabanair.ir
)
Mahan Air, Iran Air and Kish Air are the most reliable and have the most routes, while
Caspian Airlines and Taban Air are best avoided. Whichever airline you choose you'll find
delays are common. Despite this, get to the airport an hour ahead of domestic departures.
Getting a domestic ticket from outside Iran is difficult. Sanctions mean paying for a seat
online (if online booking is available) doesn't work. It is theoretically possible to call an
Iran Air office outside Iran and get a booking reference, which you then pay for at an Iran
Air office in Iran or at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. More reliably, use any Iranian-based
tour agency (
Click here
)
.
