What is the distance from Tehran to Isfahan ?

The mere thought of a sweet trip crosses my mind, and then I wonder whether to travel by car or bus. Or maybe train or plane— which one fits my budget, time, and situation? In this piece, I intend to start my journey from Tehran to Isfahan and share with you, dear readers, every possible way to get from Tehran to Isfahan, along with the distance between the two cities.

Before I forget, let me tell you that by the end, we will identify the best possible route from Tehran to Isfahan. Join me in this article from the Gulf City Pedia travel magazine, where we’ll explore the distance between Tehran and Isfahan, and then head toward the city of turquoise domes, also known as “half the world,” in whichever way suits us best.

A Look at the Distance from Tehran to Isfahan: Time and Distance

Before anything else, we need to know the distance between Tehran and Isfahan to plan our trip accordingly. You might think that a trip doesn’t require planning, and whenever we get a holiday, it’s time to travel. In response to this, I must say that whether your trip is for leisure or business makes a world of difference. That’s why I mentioned you should plan before you travel.

When planning a trip to Isfahan, you might go with the intention of seeing its vibrant and historical attractions, or maybe you have an urgent task, and all you care about is getting there as quickly as possible. If it’s a leisure trip, there’s no rush, and in this case, depending on your budget and convenience, you can choose whichever mode of transportation you prefer to reach Isfahan.

When time is of the essence and you need to get to Isfahan quickly, if you’re lucky, you won’t face sold-out buses, trains, or flights. But if you can’t find a plane or train ticket, don’t worry; the good thing about buses is that they operate at various times throughout the day.

Traveling to Isfahan by Car

Traveling by car is one of the best options for going to Isfahan. Imagine starting your journey whenever you wish, and along the way, you can visit the towns on your route—hitting two birds with one stone! Not to mention, some beautiful and important towns are on the way, which makes for a memorable trip, while also providing short breaks for cooling down the car and relaxing with the family.

In my opinion, the best part of traveling by car is the flexibility to make stops in different towns and not leave empty-handed without buying some local souvenirs. Now, let’s take a look at the possible routes for traveling to Isfahan by car.

Route 1

The first route you can take from Tehran to Isfahan passes through the cities of Qom, Salafchegan, and Delijan. The distance on this route is estimated at 443 kilometers, which takes approximately 5 and a half hours. Note that there are no tolls on this road.

Route 2

Let me say that choosing the route is entirely up to personal preference, and if you want to see more cities along the way, pick a route you haven’t taken before. The second route passes through Islamshahr, Qom, and Kashan. The distance is 439 kilometers, and it takes about 4 hours and 44 minutes to reach Isfahan from Tehran. Keep in mind that this route has tolls that you’ll need to pay; otherwise, the toll booth cameras will issue a fine.

Route 3

If you choose the third route I’m about to introduce, you’ll need to take the Karaj highway and head toward Saveh. During the trip, you’ll pass through towns such as Salafchegan and Meymeh. The distance on this route is 431 kilometers, and it takes around 5 hours and 11 minutes to reach Isfahan. It’s worth mentioning that this route also requires toll payments.

If this is your first time driving from Tehran to Isfahan, be sure to pay close attention to the road signs, and once you enter any town, ask locals for directions or use GPS to stay on the right path.

Traveling to Isfahan by Train

I always prefer traveling by train—it’s both comfortable and reasonably priced. Several companies operate between Tehran and Isfahan, and you can easily book tickets through various online platforms. If you check these booking systems, you’ll notice that train seats are often fully booked or close to being sold out. This reflects the higher popularity of trains compared to planes and buses.

So, if you want to experience traveling to Isfahan by train, it’s best to book your Tehran-Isfahan train ticket as soon as possible. The distance between these two cities is around 410 kilometers, and you’ll spend an average of 7 to 9 hours on the train before arriving at Isfahan’s railway station. It may be hard to believe, but the price of train tickets is almost the same as bus tickets. If, like me, comfort is your priority, take the train to Isfahan. However, if no train tickets are available, you can travel by bus (you’ll reach Isfahan faster by bus than by train).

How Far is it from Tehran to Isfahan?

Isfahan’s railway station is located in Azadi Square, on Hezarjerib Street, 5 kilometers from Shiraz Road, opposite Sepahan Shahr. Once you arrive at Isfahan’s railway station, you can easily take one of the 24/7 taxis available outside the station to your desired destination. If you arrive at a reasonable time, you can also use the city buses to get to Chaharbagh Street, one of Isfahan’s main roads.

Flying to Isfahan

Let’s be honest—some travelers don’t have the patience for long trips and prefer to get to their destination as quickly as possible by plane. Although I personally believe the charm of a journey lies in the stops and exploration of cities along the way, not everyone shares this view. If you have an urgent task and want to reach Isfahan in the shortest time possible, there’s only one option for you: flying.

The distance between Tehran and Isfahan by plane is 338 kilometers, and you’ll reach Isfahan in less than an hour. If the cost of a plane ticket seems too high, the next best option would be taking the bus, as you’ll reach Isfahan faster than by train. Isfahan Airport (located on the Shahrak-e Sanati Ji Highway) is 26 kilometers from the city center, and it takes about 40 minutes to get from the airport to the heart of Isfahan.

Which Season is the Most Affordable for Traveling to Isfahan?

If the main factor in your trip is keeping costs low, then traveling to Isfahan in autumn or winter is ideal. Although the weather is cold during these seasons, you won’t get tired of sightseeing, and with cheaper tickets and hotels, you’ll be in for a pleasant experience. In conclusion, choosing your mode of transportation is entirely a matter of personal preference and largely depends on your budget. In your opinion, which mode of travel is best suited for a trip to Isfahan, and which one would you prefer?