Mashhad, the second-largest city in Iran, is a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims. Its holy shrine, the Imam Reza Shrine, is one of the most important sites in the Islamic world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Traveling to Mashhad by train is a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable way to explore this fascinating city. In this comprehensive guide from Eligasht, we will delve into the various aspects of the Mashhad train, including the Mashhad rail route, ticketing, facilities, and more.
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History of the Mashhad Train
The Mashhad train has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The construction of the Mashhad rail route began during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, to connect Tehran to Mashhad and other major cities in Iran. The railway line was completed in 1938 and has since undergone several expansions and upgrades. Today, the Mashhad train is operated by various railway companies, offering a range of services to cater to the needs of passengers.
The Mashhad Rail Route
The Mashhad rail route is one of the most important railway lines in Iran, connecting the capital city of Tehran to the city of Mashhad. The rail route spans approximately 900 kilometers and passes through several cities, including Semnan, Shahrud, and Neyshabur, before reaching Mashhad. The journey on the Mashhad train from Tehran takes around 12 to 14 hours, offering passengers a comfortable and scenic ride through Iran’s diverse landscapes.
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Scenic Views Along the Mashhad Rail Route
One of the main attractions of traveling on the Mashhad train is the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery along the route. The train passes through various landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and lush forests. Some of the most picturesque sections of the Mashhad rail route include the Alborz mountain range and the vast Dasht-e Kavir desert. Traveling on the Mashhad train offers a unique perspective of Iran’s diverse natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience.
Mashhad Train Services
Several train services are operating on the Mashhad rail route, offering a variety of options for passengers. Some of the most popular Mashhad train services include:
FADAK 5-Star Train
FADAK trains are considered the most luxurious trains operating on the Mashhad rail route. Often referred to as “mobile five-star hotels,” these trains offer passengers a high level of comfort and convenience. FADAK trains have three classes: Economy, Business, and First Class, each providing different services and amenities.
ZENDEGI Train
The ZENDEGI train is another popular option for travelers on the Mashhad rail route. Operated by Raja Company, this five-star train offers passengers a comfortable and enjoyable journey. ZENDeGI trains have four-bed compartments and provide services such as air conditioning, television, and meals.
Noor al Reza Train
The Noor al Reza train is a four-star train service operating on the Mashhad rail route. Offering passengers high-quality services and facilities at a reasonable price, the Noor al Reza train is a popular choice for travelers. The train has brand new cars with four-bed compartments and provides services such as air conditioning, television, and meals.
Ghazaal Bonyad VIP Train
The Ghazaal Bonyad VIP train is a high-quality train service operating on the Mashhad rail route. With luxurious and well-equipped compartments, this train provides passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The Ghazaal Bonyad VIP train has 10 four-seater compartments and onboard facilities include audio and video systems, comfortable seats, adjustable beds, and air conditioning.
Pardis fast train
Due to its high speed, Pardis high-speed train is considered by many passengers to be the best train from Tehran to Mashhad. Traveling with this train, you can travel a 12-hour route in 8 hours and also use the facilities and services provided for passengers on this train. Pardis high-speed train is one of the 4-star trains operating in Iran, which brings an affordable trip to passengers. This train is insulated against dust and has a strong and suitable cooling and heating system installed on the roof of the train.
Ghadir train
You can travel the route from Tehran to Mashhad with Ghadir trains cost-effectively and comfortably. Ghadir train is a 4-star train operating on Iran’s railway lines, which is owned by Saba Rail Transport Company, this company has been operating since 2008. It started with about 50 wagons, which at first worked on the Tehran-Mashhad and Tehran-Ahvaz rail routes, and then in 2013, it added about 28 bus wagons and then 38 4-seater wagons to its facilities to provide services.
Each carriage of the Ghadir train has 10 compartments with a capacity of 4 beds, and this train is considered one of the safest trains of the current railway lines; Because it has an Anti-Skid braking system and its wagons are fireproof and self-extinguishing.
Simorgh train
According to many passengers, the Simorgh train is one of the best trains from Tehran to Mashhad, because the compartments of this train are large and spacious and you can easily relax in it. Simorgh is one of the active trains on the Tehran-Mashhad railway lines, which has 4 stars and each carriage has 8 compartments and each compartment is intended for 4 people. It is good to know that the Simorgh train is the second special train in terms of facilities, after the Zendegi train, which has provided services such as snack reception, audio and video system, first aid box, and the possibility of renting a PlayStation in the restaurant for guests.
Shahab train
You can spend your journey from Tehran to Mashhad with the Shahab train in complete comfort, this train is classified into different groups of 3 stars, 4 stars, and 5 stars and each of them provides various services and facilities to passengers. The Shahab train has a compartment for attendants, and passengers who need services should refer to this compartment, including the audio and video system, electrical outlets, furnished seats with separate backs, and folding tables inside the compartment.
Mahan bus train
Mahan bus train provides passengers with the same facilities as bus trains and also covers the 12-hour route between Tehran and Mashhad in only 10 hours. this bus train is one of the 3-star trains in Iran, which has undergone many renovations in recent years and has an affordable price compared to other trains. bus train has 10 carriages, after every 5 carriages there is a restaurant, and passengers can use the train catering services. This train includes facilities such as an audio and video system, air conditioning, and electrical outlets.
Ticket Booking and Pricing
Booking a ticket for the Mashhad train is a simple process. Tickets can be purchased online through various Iranian train ticket booking websites, or at train stations and travel agencies across the country. It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel seasons and public holidays.
The price of a ticket on the Mashhad train varies depending on the class and service selected. Economy class tickets are the most affordable option, while First Class and VIP tickets offer a higher level of comfort and service at a higher price. On average, ticket prices for the Mashhad train range from 7 to 24 Euros, depending on the service and class.
Why choose to travel to Mashhad by train?
Traveling to Mashhad by train has many fans for several reasons. One of these reasons is its economic efficiency. Compared to traveling by air to Mashhad, where you have to pay a lot of money for plane tickets, the costs of traveling by train are much lower. Another reason why people choose to travel to Mashhad by train is that they don’t have access to a private car, and on the other hand, public transportation buses are not convenient for them. Meanwhile, traveling by train is one of the safest ways of transportation. Therefore, it can be said that traveling by rail to Mashhad is cheap, comfortable, and safe, and the experience of being on the rail route and crossing different routes can be very interesting.
Mashhad railway station routes
This station, like its other transportation centers, has a lot of traffic and people move to this station from different regions of the country, and this causes the need for return services. Mashhad – Tehran, Mashhad – Yazd, Mashhad – Bandar Abbas, Mashhad – Isfahan, Mashhad – Arak, Mashhad – Qom, Mashhad – Tabriz, Mashhad – Ahvaz, Mashhad – Urmia, Mashhad – Kerman, Mashhad – Rasht, Mashhad – Gorgan, Mashhad – Zanjan, Mashhad-Sari, Mashhad-Semnan, Mashhad-Shahroud and many other cities go to this city. These routes are round trips.
Facilities and Amenities
The Mashhad train offers a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers. Some of the facilities available on the Mashhad train include:
- Comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Onboard catering services, offer a variety of meal options
- Audio and video entertainment systems
- Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities
- Baggage storage areas
- Power outlets for charging electronic devices
Mashhad railway station
The mashhad railway station is one of the 20 masterpieces built in Iran after World War II. Mashhad train station is one of the most equipped railway stations in the country and the distance from Tehran to Mashhad is about 926 km. After 20 years, this route was completed in 1335 and the first freight train started operating on it. The first train that departed from Tehran to Mashhad on this route was in May 1336.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the journey on the Mashhad train take?
The journey on the Mashhad train takes approximately 12 to 14 hours, depending on the train service, and stops along the route.
Is it safe to travel on the Mashhad train?
Yes, traveling on the Mashhad train is considered safe and secure. The trains are regularly maintained, and onboard staff are trained to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers throughout the journey.
What is the best time to travel on the Mashhad train?
The best time to travel on the Mashhad train depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. The train operates year-round, providing passengers with a comfortable and scenic journey through Iran’s diverse landscapes. However, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance during peak travel seasons and public holidays to ensure availability.
Can I bring my food and drinks on the Mashhad train?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their food and non-alcoholic drinks on the Mashhad train. However, it is important to note that onboard catering services are also available, offering a variety of meal options for passengers to choose from.
Conclusion
Traveling on the Mashhad train is an unforgettable experience that allows passengers to explore Iran’s stunning landscapes and diverse culture. With a range of train services, ticket options, and onboard facilities, the Mashhad train offers a comfortable and enjoyable journey for travelers of all budgets and preferences. If you’re planning a trip to Iran, be sure to consider the Mashhad train as a unique and memorable way to explore this fascinating country.