Getting Around Arak: An Overview
Arak is a mid-sized Iranian city in Markazi Province, and getting around it is fairly straightforward once you understand the handful of options available. The city has a bus network, licensed taxis, shared taxis, and popular ride-hailing apps, while the compact old core around the bazaar is best explored on foot. Note that English-language route information is scarce, so a local SIM card and a willingness to ask hotel staff or locals for directions will serve you well.
Arriving by Air
Arak Airport mainly handles domestic flights, with a few seasonal international services. Taxis are available at the airport, so you can arrange a ride into the city on arrival. For travelers with mobility needs, a pre-arranged private driver is the most reliable option.
Arriving by Train
Arak's railway station sits on the southern outskirts of the city. There are multiple daily trains from Tehran, plus regional trains from nearby cities and an overnight service connecting to Mashhad in the east. Taxis are available at the train station for the onward trip into town.
Buses and Public Transport
The city bus network covers most major urban routes, linking neighborhoods, commercial centers, and the central bus terminal. Fares are very low, and payment is typically made with rechargeable public transport cards available at terminals and kiosks, though some older buses may still accept cash. Buses generally run from roughly early morning until around 9–10 PM, with frequency varying by route and time of day.
- Gender segregation is observed on buses: the front section is for men and the back section for women.
- Mini-buses are now uncommon but may still operate on some older routes.
- English route maps are not readily available, so ask hotel staff or locals for help.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are yellow or green and can be hailed on the street or picked up at designated stands. Street taxis rarely use meters, so negotiate the fare before you set off. Shared taxis, known as savari, run fixed routes at fixed fares and take cash only, so keep small bills in Rials or Tomans on hand.
Ride-hailing is widely used in Arak. The apps Snapp and Tap30 provide price estimates before you confirm a trip and offer in-app tracking and driver information, which makes them a convenient option if you have a local SIM card. Taxis are also available at the airport, the train station, and the bus terminal.
Walking and Cycling
The city center, especially around the bazaar and the old city areas, is best explored on foot. There are no advertised formal guided walking tours for international tourists, though private local guides can be hired. Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited, and cycling is not recommended because of traffic congestion. Motorcycle and scooter rental is very rare or unavailable to tourists, and there are no formal bicycle rental or bike-share programs.
Car Rental and Driving
Car rental is uncommon for foreigners. It requires an International Driving Permit plus your home-country license, and often a large deposit or a local guarantor. There are no major international rental companies; local agencies operate, frequently through travel agents. Driving is on the right with posted speed limits, but local driving is described as aggressive.
Accessibility
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is limited: buses generally lack wheelchair accessibility and stops often lack ramps. Private taxis or pre-arranged private drivers are the recommended option for travelers with mobility needs. Confirm accessible hotel facilities in advance, and note that local tour operators and hotel staff can assist with arrangements.
Practical Tips
- Carry small denominations of Rials or Tomans, since many local transport payments are cash-only.
- A local SIM card helps with navigation and real-time information.
- There are no hop-on-hop-off or general tour bus services in Arak; independent operators arrange custom group tours with dedicated transport.
- There are no specific "no-go" areas, but exercise caution in heavy traffic zones, industrial areas, and less-lit streets at night.