which train is best in Iran ?
The best trains in Iran offer a variety of services based on the number of passengers and available beds. Fortunately, with the growing demand, the number of trains in Iran is steadily increasing. Traveling by train is more cost-effective and generally safer compared to air or road travel. It also provides passengers the opportunity to rest comfortably during their journey, ensuring they arrive at their destination feeling relaxed.
In recent years, railway companies in Iran have introduced new services to offer travelers a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience as they explore different parts of the country. Below, we will introduce you to the most famous and best trains in Iran and the services they provide.
Some of these names might be familiar to you, and you may have memories of traveling with them (if so, please share your experiences with our readers in the comments section). But if not, read on carefully to get to know the best passenger trains in Iran.
The Most Luxurious and Best Trains in Iran
Passenger companies always strive to provide services that create a sense of comfort and security for travelers, ensuring their satisfaction in the best possible way. The concept of services has been thoroughly explored in airlines, offering VIP and CIP services to passengers.
However, passenger services are not limited to airplanes. Below, we introduce some of the best trains in Iran and their available services, so you can have a more enjoyable experience on your next journey.
Fadak 5-Star Train – The Most Luxurious Train in Iran
Fadak Train is one of the best in Iran, known for its comfort and safety, earning the nickname “5-Star Hotel on Wheels.” Fadak trains offer three different classes, each with varying prices and services. However, it’s important to know that all Fadak trains are rated 5 stars.
Each compartment in Fadak has four beds and two screens. If needed, you will be taught how to use the equipment on the train. The temperature in the compartments is adjustable, and if you need assistance, you can simply press the call button for the attendant.
Introducing Fadak Train as One of the Best in Iran
The catering on Fadak trains is excellent, comparable to a good restaurant. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted with refreshments, and various snacks and drinks are served throughout the journey. For example, afternoon tea is served in three different options, and the best part is that these services are complimentary—there’s no extra charge for food and beverages.
Each carriage has both Iranian and Western-style restrooms. If needed, items like headphones, newspapers, cradles, and wheelchairs are provided from the start of the journey at the train terminal until the end. Fadak trains operate on routes such as Tehran, Qom, Zanjan, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Qazvin, Karaj, and Mashhad.
The services in Fadak trains are available at three levels: luxury, business, and standard, each with a different price point. For trips with more than two people, a complimentary overnight stay in Mashhad is sometimes gifted to passengers. If you’d like more information on this train, we recommend reading the full article on Fadak trains.
Zendegi 5-Star Train
As the name suggests, the Zendegi 5-Star Train is an ideal option for a comfortable travel experience. This train looks quite different from standard trains, a fact that is noticeable at first glance. It was first introduced to Raja Railways in 2017 and is one of Iran’s luxury trains that offers airline-like services but at a lower cost than flying!
The compartments of this train are 4-bed, making it a great option for family trips. Zendegi train tickets come with afternoon tea, dinner, and a special luxury dinner. Some of the services provided on the Zendegi trains include:
4-bed compartments equipped with two 18-inch monitors for watching TV
Advanced audio-visual systems with options for prayers, movies, and music
Air conditioning with two vents to adjust the temperature and lighting inside the compartment
Connectivity to the train’s internal internet network
Welcome desserts and drinks
Luxurious china for serving meals
A small shop for buying souvenirs and gifts
A small library with 36 books and an option to request more for reading
Newspapers and magazines
Iranian and Western-style restrooms on both ends of each carriage
First aid kit
The services on Zendegi trains aren’t limited to these, as all attendants are university graduates and fluent in English. The train’s restaurant serves a variety of both Iranian and international cuisine. The services provided on Zendegi trains match international standards for airline services.
You can even visit the kitchen anytime and request how you’d like your food to be prepared. However, restaurant services follow a specific schedule. You can read more about this train in the Zendegi train introduction article.
Ghazal Bonyad VIP Train
Another top-rated train in Iran is the Ghazal Bonyad VIP Train. By purchasing a ticket for this train, you can enjoy a luxurious and high-quality travel experience with excellent facilities. This train is operated by the companies Bonyad, Vania Rail, and Rail Safar, and it’s a high-speed Chinese train.
The train has a total capacity of 40 passengers across 10 four-bed compartments. Some of the facilities available on the Ghazal Bonyad VIP trains include advanced audio-visual systems, comfortable seats, and flexible beds in the compartments, along with air conditioning to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for passengers.
The Difference Between Ghazal and Ghazal Bonyad VIP
In the Ghazal train lineup, there is both a Ghazal train and a Ghazal Bonyad VIP, which are sometimes confused. Both the standard and VIP versions offer excellent service and quality. The main difference is not in the carriages but in the services provided, which determine the level of your ticket.
Each carriage has Iranian and Western-style restrooms, and there is a compartment dedicated to the attendants equipped with a microwave, water cooler, refrigerator, and communication systems for passengers. Each seat has an individual table for meals, and a separate power outlet for charging laptops and mobile phones. Wheelchairs are also available for those who need them.
Ghazal trains come in both compartment and bus-like formats, with a variety of services that provide a comfortable and pleasant travel experience for passengers. Additionally, two other trains called Soroush and Parastoo are part of the Ghazal fleet, offering similar services. However, Soroush only operates on the Qom-Mashhad route and vice versa.
Noor Al-Reza Five-Star Train
The Noor Al-Reza train is one of the best trains in Iran, starting its operations in 2006. Known as “Noor Train,” it offers a unique feature that sets it apart from other trains: a dedicated carriage for women. Currently, this five-star train runs routes such as Tehran-Mashhad, Isfahan-Mashhad, Karaj-Mashhad, and more. Some of the most important amenities offered on this train include:
Four-person equipped compartments
Full service with food and drinks
Professional staff
Air conditioning
Advanced braking system
Thermal and sound insulation
Modern compartment design
Audio-visual systems
Iranian and Western-style toilets in every carriage
Reading lights
Wheelchairs
Coat hangers
Books and magazines
Pardis Express Train
The Pardis train is one of the fastest trains in Iran, efficiently covering high-traffic routes. It is a saloon-style train, but its interior design and seating arrangement offer passengers comfort and relaxation. The seats resemble those of an airplane, and the train’s beautiful and modern interior is equipped with electric doors to minimize noise.
Sound and heat insulation in the carriages also protect passengers from dust, wind, and rain. The Pardis train is a four-star train, offering suitable services and amenities at a reasonable price. For a comfortable yet relatively affordable journey, the four-star Pardis train is a great option.
Ghadir Five-Star Train (Saba Rail Transport Company)
“Saba Rail Transport Company” launched its operations under the name “Al-Ghadir” in 2009. This train is considered one of the safest and best in Iran. It is famous for its secure compartments, making it a favorite even among air travelers! With anti-skid braking systems and fireproof carriages equipped with self-extinguishing mechanisms, it is known as the safest train in the country.
Although you might think tickets for this train are expensive, they are actually reasonably priced given the services provided. It’s an excellent choice for intercity travel. The key features of this train include:
Exclusive compartment reservation (for 4 people)
Speeds of up to 160 km/h with minimal vibration
Advanced smart braking system
Clean Iranian and Western-style toilets
Air conditioning
Fireproof design
Automatic touch doors
Adjustable temperature control for each carriage
Audio-visual systems for each carriage
Freshly prepared meals
A variety of cold and hot drinks and snacks
Punctual departure times
Popular Routes for Ghadir Train:
The Ghadir train operates on the following three routes, with daily trips:
Tehran to Mashhad and vice versa: 11:00 AM daily
Tehran to Yazd and vice versa: 7:00 AM daily
Isfahan to Mashhad and vice versa: 12:00 PM every other day
Simorgh Train
The Simorgh train, traveling between Tehran and Mashhad, is one of the best options for pilgrims visiting Imam Reza’s shrine. It covers the long distance from Tehran to Mashhad in just 10 hours, offering passengers a memorable and safe journey. Ranked just after the “Zendegi Train,” it consists of 8 four-person compartments, making it a great option for families. Additionally, its ticket prices are more affordable than similar trains. Its key features include:
Air conditioning in compartments
Double-glazed walls and windows
Full bedding service
Audio-visual systems
Internal communication systems
A library and publications
A restaurant
Snack purchasing options
Shahab Train (Raja Railways)
Shahab is one of the newest three-star trains operated by Raja Railways, offering a smooth and comfortable journey. It is categorized as a first-class train and travels busy routes like Mashhad to Tehran, Tehran to Mashhad, Tabriz to Mashhad, and vice versa.
Although classified as first-class, the Shahab train is reasonably priced, and each compartment has a four-person capacity. Some of the main features include:
Audio-visual systems
Power outlets
Air conditioning
Double-glazed windows
Sound and heat insulation
Clean Iranian and Western-style toilets
Food ordering options when booking tickets
Clean pillows and blankets
Foldable tables in compartments
Reading lights and first aid kits
Iranian train companies
In Iran, train companies are often confused with the specific trains they operate, but it’s important to know that there are currently around 11 train companies in the country providing passenger transportation and services across various railway routes. The oldest rail transportation company in Iran is Raja Railway Transport. Below is a list of the main train companies:
Raja Railway Transport Company
Mahtab Seir Jam Company
Vania Rail Company
Joopar Company
Eastern Bonyad Railway Company
Noor al-Reza Company
Sabatrans Rail Company
Kowsar Rail Seir Company
Raad Tabriz Company
Rail Transport Company
Railpardaz Noufarin Company
Each of these companies operates its own unique train cars with varying services. For example, you can read more about Raja, the oldest rail transport company in Iran, in dedicated articles. In addition to the diverse services offered by these companies, the various types of trains they operate on railway lines also have different features, helping you make a more informed decision when purchasing train tickets.
Each company provides different levels of service to suit various needs, from luxurious to standard options. Raja and Noor al-Reza, for example, are known for offering some of the most luxurious travel experiences, while companies like Joopar and Raad Tabriz focus more on affordable and practical routes.
History of Trains in Iran
Let’s take a look at the history of trains in Iran. According to data from 2016, Iran now boasts a railway network of over 13,437 kilometers. The first railway line in Iran was established in Tehran, running between Shah Abdol Azim Hosseini and Rey. This line was constructed in 1882 by the French engineer Monsieur Fabius Boital.
Since this historic event occurred during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, a large crowd gathered to witness the arrival of the first train in Iran. Due to the massive amount of smoke produced by the train, it was nicknamed “the smoky machine.” It is said that the sight of this enormous machine frightened many people, and the situation escalated to the point where the Shah ordered a large number of prominent figures, generals, and military leaders to ride the train with him so that the public could see the event and their fear would subside.
As construction and expansion continued, the railway system in Iran was nationalized in 1927, becoming the country’s national railway system. Following the nationalization, the first new railway route added to the national network was the route from Garmsar to Mashhad.
