Getting Around Tabriz
Tabriz is a large city, and its public transport network is still developing. As a visitor, your realistic options are taxis, shared taxis, buses, and the partly operational metro. The city is also quite walkable in its central areas, especially around the historic bazaar and the main commercial streets, so many short trips can be done on foot.
Metro and Rail
Tabriz is building an extensive metro system, but only part of it is operational. As of 2022, only Line 1 of the metro was running, so you cannot rely on the metro to cover the whole city. It is worth checking locally whether the line you need is open before planning a journey around it.
For travel beyond the city, Tabriz has two railway stations. The main Tabriz railway station sits west of the city centre, while the Tabriz-Khavaran railway station lies on the eastern outskirts. Long-distance trains connect Tabriz with Tehran and other cities, and there is also an international rail link toward Turkey. Tickets for these trains can be bought in advance from a city travel agent or on the day at the station.
Buses
City buses exist and are very cheap, but they are difficult for visitors to use: there is no map and no schedule, so figuring out routes is a challenge. For most short trips, shared taxis are a more practical choice than buses.
For intercity travel, Tabriz Central Bus Terminal is located south of the city centre. From there you can reach many Iranian cities as well as international destinations such as Baku, Istanbul, and Yerevan.
Taxis and Shared Taxis
Taxis are the most straightforward way to get around. You can charter a taxi for a modest fee, and hiring a driver and car for a full day to visit the region is affordable. Shared taxis are even cheaper. Using them usually requires a few words of Persian, and the custom is to stand at the side of the road and call out your destination to passing cars. You will share the ride with several locals. Some drivers may even refuse payment, though be mindful of tarof, the Iranian custom of polite refusal.
Walking
Central Tabriz is walkable, and walking is a good way to explore the historic core, including the World Heritage-listed bazaar. For longer distances across the city, however, you will want to use taxis or shared taxis rather than relying on foot alone.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Tabriz International Airport (TBZ) is located about 10 km from the city centre. The airport is a hub for Ata Airlines and handles both domestic flights to Iranian cities and international flights to destinations such as Istanbul, Dubai, Baku, Baghdad, Tbilisi, and Gaziantep.
To reach the city from the airport, you have two main options. Airport bus #136 runs from Motahhari Street to the airport every 30–40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is the simpler and more direct choice, especially if you have luggage.