Getting Around Sanandaj
Sanandaj is a compact, hilly city in Iran's Kurdistan province, and getting around it is fairly straightforward once you understand the handful of options available. There is no metro or tram network here, and the city's rail connection is a recent addition rather than an established urban service, so most visitors rely on taxis, shared route taxis, and buses for local trips. Kurdish (Sorani) is the everyday language of the street, Persian is widely understood, and English is not widespread — having a few phrases or an offline translation app will make navigating easier.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Sanandaj has no metro or tram system. A railway line linking the city to the national network is the relevant rail story: it opened in 2023 and connects Sanandaj via Hamadan, making it possible to travel from Tehran and other major cities by train. The route passes through mountain scenery, which is part of the appeal.
Note that the railway station sits well outside the city centre, so you should plan on reaching the centre by taxi or local transport once you arrive. Sanandaj itself has no major railway stations within the urban area, so rail is an option for arriving and departing, not for moving around town.
Buses and Public Transport
Intercity buses are a practical way to reach Sanandaj from elsewhere in Iran, with frequent daily services from Tehran, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Hamedan and other Iranian cities. There are also international services from Istanbul, Van and Antalya in Turkey, and from Sulaymaniyah and Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iranian intercity buses, especially VIP class, typically offer air conditioning and wide reclining seats.
Within the city, public transport is limited and taxis do most of the work. If you are arriving by intercity bus, expect to continue to your accommodation by taxi or route taxi.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are the most convenient way to move around Sanandaj. You will find official yellow cars as well as ride-hailing equivalents such as Snapp, which work much like ride-hailing apps elsewhere.
For short hops between districts, look for route taxis, known locally as taxi-khatti. These run fixed routes and are inexpensive, making them a good budget option for getting a feel for the city.
For longer intercity journeys, collective taxis (savari) operate between cities and are paid per seat. If you want the whole car to yourself, this is called darbast, and the price is negotiated with the driver. Shared taxis to Tehran are one example of this arrangement.
Walkability
Sanandaj is a historic Kurdish city whose urban form has been shaped over centuries, and its setting between the Qishlaq river and Mount Awidar means the terrain is hilly rather than flat. Walking is a reasonable way to cover short distances in the centre and to soak up the atmosphere, but the hills and the city's spread mean you should not expect to cross town entirely on foot.
Outside the city there are beautiful hills, mountains, water caves and lakes for those who want to explore the surrounding landscape.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Sanandaj is served by Sanandaj Airport (SDG), which handles regular domestic flights, including several daily services from Tehran, along with weekly flights from Iraqi Kurdistan and monthly flights from Antalya in Turkey. The terminal sits close to the city limits, so the transfer to the centre is short.
There is no rail or metro link from the airport, so plan on a taxi for the final leg. If you cannot find a suitable flight into Sanandaj, Kermanshah (roughly a two-hour drive) and Hamadan are alternative airports, and Sulaymaniyah in Iraq is relatively close but requires a border crossing.
Practical Notes for Visitors
- International bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard do not work in Iran. Carry cash in USD or Euros and exchange it at sarrafi exchange offices.
- The currency is the Rial, but prices are often quoted in Toman (1 Toman = 10 Rials). Clarify which unit is being quoted before you pay.
- Tap water is not recommended; buy bottled water instead.
- Pharmacies are well stocked, but bring prescription medicines in their original packaging.
- Sanandaj has a cooler, more mountainous climate than central Iran. Winters call for a warm jacket and waterproof shoes for snow; summers call for light clothing, with fresh evenings.
- Dress modestly in line with the Islamic dress code: women wear a headscarf and clothing covering to mid-thigh, and men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
- Remove your shoes when entering a home, and accept tea or refreshments when offered — it is customary.
- Avoid photographing government buildings, military facilities and police stations, and avoid public displays of affection.
- If you spot food being cooked on large metal disks street-side, that is kalane, a Kurdish herb flatbread often paired with doogh (a yogurt drink).