Getting Around Kerman
Kerman is a large, spread-out city on a flat plain, and its sights are scattered across the historic bazaar core, the surrounding squares, and districts that stretch toward the mountains. There is no metro or tram system here, so visitors rely on a mix of buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and walking. The good news is that all of these are inexpensive and easy to use once you know how they work.
Buses: The Backbone of Public Transport
Buses are the main form of public transport in Kerman and cover most of the city. They generally run from early morning until around 21:00–22:00, though how often a given route comes depends on the line. Fares are very cheap, and payment is usually made with a rechargeable public transport card, though cash is sometimes accepted.
- Where to catch them: City squares and the main thoroughfares have multiple bus stops, which double as useful transfer points between routes.
- Route information: Route maps are posted at stops and available online, but they are in Persian, so it helps to have a local or a translation app on hand.
- Main terminal: Terminal-e Jonub is the principal bus terminal, serving intercity routes as well as some local ones.
- Accessibility: Buses are generally not easily accessible for travellers with mobility challenges.
For real-time bus information, the navigation apps Neshan and Balad are useful, though their interfaces are in Persian.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are the most flexible way to get around Kerman, and there are several distinct options.
- Licensed taxis: Typically yellow or green, these can be hailed on the street or picked up at taxi stands. Meters are rare when dealing with foreigners, so agree on the fare before you set off.
- Shared taxis (savari): These run on fixed routes and charge per person. They are cheaper than a private taxi, but you may wait while the driver fills the remaining seats.
- Private taxis: Expect to pay cash only, in rials or toman, for short city rides.
- Ride-hailing apps: Snapp is the most popular option and offers transparent pricing, with both cars and motorcycles available; it also shows you driver and vehicle details in advance. Tap30 is another app-based option.
- Unlicensed taxis: Best avoided if you feel at all uncomfortable.
Walking
Walking is a genuinely pleasant way to explore parts of Kerman, but it is not a practical way to cross the whole city. The Ganjali Khan Complex and the historical bazaar area are well suited to strolling on foot, as are the central squares and some of the parks. Local tour companies even run guided walking tours of the city centre.
Outside these areas, conditions change quickly. Major highways and busy multi-lane roads are unsafe for pedestrians, and there is little dedicated cycling infrastructure — cycling on main roads is hazardous, so parks and quieter lanes are preferable. Bicycle sharing is not widespread, though some hotels may offer limited rentals.
Car Rental and Other Options
Renting a car is possible through local agencies operating in Kerman and at the airport; there are no international chains. You will need an International Driving Permit alongside your home-country licence, and there is usually a minimum age requirement. Driving is on the right, speed limits apply, and seatbelts are mandatory. On-street parking can be difficult, though paid lots exist. Given Iran's high road accident rate, defensive driving is advised; highways between major cities are generally well maintained and safe for daytime travel, while inner-city roads vary in quality and are congested.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon and not recommended for tourists. There are no hop-on-hop-off buses, boat taxis, cable cars, or funiculars in Kerman. For excursions to sites outside the city — Mahan, Bam, and Shahdad among them — private tour companies run buses, usually booked through local agencies. Desert tour vehicles can be arranged with guides, and special-interest tours such as stargazing are available.
Accessibility
Public transport infrastructure generally lacks ramps and designated spaces, and surfaces at stops can be uneven. Taxis and Snapp offer more flexibility, with door-to-door service and the option to pre-book. Historical sites often have stairs and irregular ground, and only some have partial access, so it is worth consulting guides about suitable routes. Tell your hotel or tour operator about mobility needs in advance, and travelling with a companion is recommended.
Arriving at the Airport
Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Airport (Kerman International Airport) is one of Iran's main airports and has regular flights to major and smaller cities across the country, plus a few international destinations. It is the main gateway for visitors flying in.
To reach the city from the airport, taxis are the straightforward option, and local car rental agencies operate at the airport if you would rather drive yourself. Ride-hailing through Snapp is another possibility, offering transparent pricing and door-to-door service. As elsewhere in the city, public transport is not well suited to travellers with mobility challenges, so taxis or a pre-booked transfer are the more comfortable choices.
Arriving by Bus or Train
Kerman is well connected to most parts of the country by bus, and the Adineh bus terminus is the city's newly built intercity terminal. From the bus station, a taxi into the city is inexpensive. Kerman is also connected to the whole railway network of Iran, with links to Yazd and Zahedan, and the Trans-Iranian Railway passes through the city. The railway station is your arrival point if you come by train.
Practical Tips
- Carry cash in rials or toman for taxis, since private taxis do not take cards.
- Agree on the fare before starting any taxi journey.
- Pick up a rechargeable public transport card if you plan to use buses regularly.
- Download Snapp for ride-hailing and Neshan or Balad for navigation, keeping in mind the latter two are in Persian.
- Plan longer cross-city trips by taxi or bus rather than on foot, and save walking for the bazaar and central squares.