Asia > 🇮🇷 Iran
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Iran can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Iran; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Iran?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Iran?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Iran
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bandar Lengeh | BDH | |
| Isfahan | IFN | |
| Mashhad | MHD | |
| Tehran | IKA |
Car or No Car: Iran
Iran is one of the most historically rich and visually stunning countries on Earth — from the turquoise domes of Isfahan to the desert windcatchers of Yazd and the ancient ruins of Persepolis. Yet for all its beauty, visiting Iran requires careful planning, especially when it comes to security and local regulations. So, should you rent a car in Iran? It’s possible, but not the first choice for most travellers.
⚠️ Political & Security Situation
Iran remains stable in day-to-day life, but politically it’s sensitive. Western visitors should be aware that diplomatic relations with many countries are limited or strained, so consular help may be restricted. You should always check current travel advisories from the UK FCDO or U.S. State Department before travelling.
Protests, sanctions, and government restrictions occasionally affect communications and banking — for example, foreign bank cards do not work, so you’ll need to bring cash in euros or U.S. dollars. However, most areas popular with tourists — such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, and Kashan — are peaceful and welcoming.
🚗 Driving in Iran
Iran’s highways are surprisingly good. Roads between Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz are modern, wide, and well-signed, and fuel is extremely cheap. However, the main issue is driving culture — local drivers can be unpredictable, often ignoring lanes and lights, and city driving (especially in Tehran) can be overwhelming.
If you decide to rent a car, hire a local driver or book a chauffeured car through a trusted agency. It’s far less stressful, avoids issues at police checkpoints, and gives you local insight.
🚆 & 🚌 Alternatives
Iran’s trains and VIP buses are excellent, inexpensive, and reliable:
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The Tehran–Mashhad line is the country’s busiest, with overnight sleepers.
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Routes to Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Yazd are comfortable and frequent.
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VIP buses (with wide reclining seats) are cheap and comfortable for long distances.
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Domestic flights link all major cities quickly and cost far less than in Europe.
🚇 The Tehran Metro
To beat Tehran’s infamous traffic, locals rely on the Tehran Metro, which is clean, fast, modern, and very affordable. It covers most of the city and even connects to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). For most visitors, the metro is the smartest way to get around Tehran — far easier than trying to drive or park.
🏜️ When a Car Helps
If you’re heading deep into rural areas, such as the Kavir Desert, Kerman province, or traditional villages like Abyaneh, a 4×4 with a driver opens up landscapes that public transport doesn’t reach. Roads in these regions are usually quiet and scenic.
🧭 Summary
So, should you rent a car in Iran? Probably not. Public transport is comfortable, affordable, and widely available — while driving can be stressful and complicated for foreigners. However, if you crave independence and want to see remote areas, renting a car with a local driver can be rewarding.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚆💧 Mostly No – use trains, buses, or a driver for rural adventures.
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it,
driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.
*Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕
