Taking a Bus in Iran

Everything You always wanted to know about taking bus in Iran, but were afraid to ask: In Iran, the term “otobus” refers to both city buses and intercity coaches. Regardless of the terminology, this section provides valuable insights into bus travel in Iran and useful expressions to help you navigate your journey.
City Buses: Rapid vs. Regular Service
In Tehran and other large cities, city buses are divided into two categories:
- Regular buses, which travel along streets and highways alongside other vehicles.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services, which operate on dedicated lanes, making them faster than regular buses and sometimes even taxis. BRT buses also run around the clock.
To board the BRT, regular buses, or the subway in Tehran and other major cities, you’ll need a transportation card.

Tehran transportation card
However, in smaller cities, some bus drivers may accept cash payments. Each city requires its own transportation card, which can be purchased at select bus stops and all metro stations.
If you have an Iranian bank card, you can easily recharge your transportation card at BRT stops. Otherwise, the best option is to visit ticket booths at metro stations, which accept cash. Fortunately, the same transportation card can be used for both city buses and the subway.
It’s common to find separate sections for men and women inside city buses—the front half is usually designated for men, while the back half is reserved for women. Another unique feature of public transport in Iran is the presence of street vendors selling various items on board. While this might seem unusual at first, passengers tend to get used to it after a few rides.
Intercity Coaches
Traveling by coach in Iran is a fascinating experience due to the country’s diverse climates and landscapes. If you fall asleep for just an hour, you may wake up to dramatically different scenery outside. However, keep in mind that Iran is a vast country—journeys between the northeast and southwest can take up to 25 hours.
If you plan to travel by coach, it’s recommended to purchase your ticket from a reputable website or travel agency. You can also buy tickets directly at bus terminals.
Tickets can be booked in person, by phone, or online. Additionally, some companies allow passengers to reserve a ticket for free over the phone, as long as they arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to pay for it.
Drivers are typically accompanied by assistants who can help answer questions and address basic needs, though expectations should be kept realistic. Coaches make stops every few hours for several reasons, including:
- Driver rest breaks
- Meals at roadside restaurants
- Restroom visits
- Refueling
- Prayer stops
- Sightseeing at designated rest areas
It’s wise to carry light snacks and beverages, as the food quality at roadside restaurants may not always be reliable. Also, don’t forget to bring tissues before using roadside restrooms.
Have a safe trip in Iran.
English | Pronunciation | Farsi | Sound |
---|---|---|---|
bus | otobus | اُتوبوس | |
bus stop | istgâh-e otobus | ایستگاه ِ اُتوبوس | |
ticket | bilit | بِلیت | |
one way/ single | raft | رَفت | |
return | raft o bargašt | رَفت و بَرگَشت | |
BRT (bus rapid transit) | BRT | بی. آر. تی | |
driver | rânande(h) | رانَنده | |
bus line | xat-e otobus | خَط ِ اُتوبوس | |
book/reserve | rezerv | رِزِرو | |
VIP | VIP | وی. آی. پی | |
get on | savâr šodan | سَوار شُدَن | |
get off | piyâde(h) šodan | پیاده شُدَن | |
which stop؟ | kudum istgâh | کُدوم ایستگاه | |
Which stop should I get off? | kudum istgâh piyâde(h) bešam | کُدوم ایستگاه پیاده بِشَم | |
Does the bus stop at Vanak | meydun Vanak istgâh dâre(h)? | مِیدان ِ وَنَک ایستگاه داره؟ | |
Where should I change line | kojâ bâyad xat ‘avaz konam? | کُجا بایَد خَط عَوَض کُنَم؟ | |
What time is the next bus? | otubos-e ba’di key miyâd? | اَتوبوس ِ بَعدی کِی میاد؟ | |
Where is the “ParkWay” bus stop | istgâh-e Park Way kojâst | ایستگاه پارک وی کجاست؟ | |
Where is the next bus stop | istgâh-e ba’d kojâst? | ایستگاه ِ بَعد کُجاست؟ | |
Where can I find the bus lines’ map? | az kojâ mitunam naqše(h)-ye otobus begiram? | اَز کُجا می تونَم نَقشه ی اَتوبوس بِگیرَم |
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