Orientation: a port city on the Caspian
Bandar-e Anzali sits on the Caspian Sea in Gilan province, northern Iran, and has long been one of the region's best-known tourism destinations. The city is built around its lagoon and harbour, with the Anzali Lagoon dividing the port in two parts and two bridges linking the city to Beheshti Island. That geography matters for getting around: the waterfront promenade, the bazaar and the main sights are spread along the harbour and lagoon rather than clustered in a single core, so plan on short trips between them rather than a single walking loop.
Arriving by rail and bus from Rasht
Bandar-e Anzali has no railway station of its own. The practical rail route runs to Rasht, the capital of Gilan province, and continues by road. A tourism train linking Tehran Railway Station with Rasht has been promoted as part of an integrated travel package, with a bus connection onward from Rasht to Bandar-e Anzali; the reported itinerary treats the whole journey as roughly a two-day trip. If you are travelling independently, treat Rasht as your rail gateway and arrange the final leg to Anzali by road.
Buses are the standard way to cover that last stretch. Rasht is the regional hub, and Bandar-e Anzali is reached by road bus from there. For longer journeys within Iran, the same pattern applies: get to Rasht first, then take a bus onward.
Metro, tram and local rail
There is no metro, tram or suburban rail network in Bandar-e Anzali, and no city rail system is described in the available information. Within the city, visitors should not expect to buy a transit card or rail pass; movement is by road and on foot.
Buses and public transport
Beyond the intercity and regional bus link to Rasht, the available material does not describe a detailed local bus network, routes or ticketing arrangements for Bandar-e Anzali. In practice, ask at your accommodation about local buses and shared road transport, and expect to buy tickets on board or in cash rather than through an online pass system.
Taxis and ride-hailing
As a general approach, arrange taxis through your hotel or a trusted local contact, and agree the fare before setting off. For the Rasht–Anzali leg, a taxi or shared road transport is a reasonable alternative to the bus, particularly if you are arriving with luggage or late in the day.
Walking
Walking is a rewarding way to see the parts of the city that matter most to visitors. The long harbour promenade is one of Anzali's signature attractions, and the popular Shanbeh Bazaar is a natural on-foot stop. The clock tower known as Manareh, the Customs and City Hall buildings, Mian Poshte Palace and the Motamedi Edifice are among the sights worth seeking out on foot or with short hops between them.
Be realistic about the weather. Anzali has the most humid climate of any city in Iran, with hot, humid summers and cool, damp, rainy winters, plus heavy autumn and early winter rainfall. Carry rain protection, and plan indoor or vehicle-based breaks during the wettest periods.
Getting from the airport into the city
The documented long-distance arrival pattern is by rail to Rasht followed by a bus onward to Bandar-e Anzali. If you are flying in, the practical approach is to confirm with your airline or accommodation which airport you are using and how the onward road connection to Anzali is arranged, then plan the final leg by bus or taxi as you would from Rasht.
Practical tips
- Use Rasht as your transport hub: it is the rail terminus for the region and the point from which buses continue to Bandar-e Anzali.
- Do not count on metro, tram or city rail; there is none described for Anzali.
- Build your sightseeing around the harbour promenade and bazaar on foot, with short taxi or bus hops between the lagoon-side sights.
- Pack for rain and humidity whatever the season; Anzali is Iran's most humid city, with wet autumns and early winters.
- If you are joining an organised rail-and-coast tour, the bus connection from Rasht to Anzali is typically included in the package.