Getting Around Qazvin
Qazvin is a compact provincial capital, and much of what a visitor wants to see sits within a walkable core. For longer hops across town, or for day trips out to the surrounding region, you have a familiar mix of Iranian options: taxis, shared taxis, buses, and the rail line that ties the city to Tehran and beyond.
On Foot
Walking is the simplest way to cover the historic centre. Qazvin's bazaars, mosques, and old quarters cluster together, so once you are in the middle of things you can move between sights on foot without much planning. The city sits at roughly 1,800 metres above sea level at the foot of the Alborz range, and its climate is cold but dry, so pack for cool conditions and expect dry air rather than humidity.
Rail
Qazvin has its own railway station and is served by multiple trains per day from Tehran, with a journey time of just under two and a half hours. The station is the practical anchor for rail travel in and out of the city. Note that Qazvin is not currently described as having a metro or tram network of its own, so rail here means the national railway rather than an urban rapid-transit system.
Buses
Long-distance buses are a frequent and inexpensive way to reach Qazvin from Tehran, departing very frequently from near Azadi Square. Fares are modest, with older buses costing less than newer, more comfortable coaches, and the trip takes about two hours. The bus terminal in Qazvin keeps limited hours, opening in the morning and closing in the evening, so plan arrivals and departures with that window in mind.
Taxis and Shared Taxis
Taxis are the most straightforward way to travel to Qazvin by road, and they are also a practical way to get around once you are there. You can choose between private taxis and official taxi ranks; the main difference is the condition of the vehicles, and an older, unconventional-looking car is usually still perfectly safe. Shared taxis between Tehran and Qazvin are a budget option, with fares well below a private hire.
Two habits are worth adopting whenever you take a taxi: hire a registered taxi, and agree on the fare before you set off.
Reaching Qazvin from the Airport
Qazvin has no international airport of its own. The nearest international gateways are Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport, both in Tehran. From either airport you can hire a taxi, or take a bus or train onward to Qazvin.
- By taxi: The easiest option. Hire a registered taxi and settle the price in advance. The drive follows a straight highway and takes at most about two hours. Expect a fare of roughly US$50 from Imam Khomeini International Airport and roughly US$40 from Mehrabad.
- By bus or train: Both are available from the airports as a cheaper alternative to a taxi, connecting you onward to Qazvin.
The highway route passes through open country, with the Abeyek Cement and Shahid Rajaee Gas Power plants as landmarks along the way.
By Car
Qazvin is linked to Tehran and other major cities by a series of motorways. These are not usually too busy, though it is worth avoiding the times when workers are commuting to and from their jobs. Cars can be hired at Tehran International Airport if you prefer to drive yourself.
Practical Tips
- Agree on taxi fares before departure, and use registered taxis.
- Remember the Qazvin bus terminal closes in the evening, so don't count on late-night departures.
- For Tehran–Qazvin travel, buses are frequent and cheap, trains are comfortable and take a similar amount of time, and shared taxis sit in between on price.
- Build your sightseeing around the walkable centre, and save taxis for crossing town or reaching the station and terminal.