The rail system is reasonable and safe and relatively quick. Although a few regions are not covered by Iran's train systems, many of the major cities are connected through railways. Compared to intercity buses, trains are more comfortable and safe but the buses are faster. You can lie down and rest if you choose the first-class trains. To book your Iran train tickets, you can go to the train station or a travel agency or ask from HiPersia. Online booking is also possible but like airlines, foreign credit cards are not accepted and there are complexcities. The domestic Iran Railway fleet is equipped with a Diesel engine train, Electric engine train, and Express train. The first Diesel engine, which was joined in the Iran Railway fleet, operated in 1957. The current electric diesel engines are in operation made by General Motors, Hitachi, and Alstom.
The main available train types in Iran are as follows:
4-bed compartments (1st class)
This type of train is divided into several types as follows:
Simorgh, Ghazal, Parastou, Toos, Sabz, Polour Sabz, Delijan, Persian Gulf, Parsi, Alborz, Ghadir, Sahand.
These types of trains are high-quality overnight trains in which each carriage, is separated into 8 to 11 compartments with a capacity of 4 people and equipped with 2 bathrooms.
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The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment
- Dining car/ meals in the compartment: Serving dinner is optional and one needs to pay a surcharge on the ticket.
- 220 V power outlet in compartment
- Beverages and snacks available
6-bed compartments (2nd class)
These trains share many facilities and services like first-class trains, but they can’t compare with these trains in the aspects of quality and convenience.
Luxury train
This type of train offers upmarket facilities to provide a comfortable and outstanding journey. This train is divided into 2 types as follows: Zendegi, Fadak
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The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment
- Wifi
- Dining car/ meals in the compartment: Serving dinner is optional and one needs to pay a surcharge on the ticket.
- 220 V power outlet in compartment
- Beverages and snacks available
Coach car seating
The following trains are available:
- Pardis (Self-propelled train): a high-speed intercity trainset that offers international premium services.
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The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment
- Beverages and snacks available
- Saba Double Deck: this train is equipped with comfortable airline seats and offers convenient facilities on medium distances. It travels at a speed of 160 km/h. The capacity is 174 seats in two halls.
- The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment
- Reclining Seats with larger sizes & Personal multimedia entertainment
- Beverages and snacks available
- Negin: VIP train with comfortable seats and first-class services.
- The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment
- Beverages and snacks available
Railbus
Eram (Self-propelled train): The internal design of these trains is ergonomic, safe, and modern. All the halls have good lighting. Currently, it is used in relatively short routes such as Tehran-Qom; Tehran-Semnan, and Gorgan. It travels at a speed of 120 km/h.
- The special available services:
- Air conditioning
- Audio-video entertainment