Trans-Iranian Railway Historical Site

Address: Trans-Iranian Railway route across Iran (Tehran to Bandar-e Shahpur/Khorramshahr historically)

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/

The Trans-Iranian Railway is a major early 20th-century railway project built to link the Caspian Sea region with the Persian Gulf, traversing the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges. It is noted for the engineering achievements required to overcome steep gradients and complex geology.

The line includes numerous tunnels, viaducts and bridges and was constructed as part of national infrastructure development in the late 1920s and 1930s. It transformed long-distance travel and freight movement within Iran by providing a direct overland link between northern and southern ports.

Construction was carried out between 1927 and 1938 during the reign of Reza Shah, using both domestic resources and foreign technical expertise; the railway played strategic and economic roles in the 20th century and remains a key part of Iran’s rail network.

Geographically the railway crosses central Iran, connecting northern and southern provinces and passing through mountainous terrain; access to specific engineering landmarks is typically via regional towns situated along the line.

• Construction period: Construction took place between 1927 and 1938 under the Pahlavi-era government and involved major engineering works to cross mountain ranges and difficult terrain.

Major segments start from Tehran; trains run to major cities along the route such as Rasht, Tabriz, Isfahan and Shiraz depending on connections. Check Iranian Railways (RAI) schedules and book in advance for long-distance journeys.

• Train enthusiasts should look for preserved stations and rolling stock displays along sections of the Trans-Iranian Railway.
• Plan travel times carefully - some mountain stretches move slowly and timetables can change with weather.
• If travelling sections by train, book sleeper compartments for longer overnight segments for comfort.