Tehran-Van International Train Resumes Operation After 5-Year Hiatus
After a five-year suspension, the Tehran-Van international passenger train resumed service on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The train, with a capacity of 280 passengers and equipped with 4-berth “Serir” sleeper cars, departed from Tehran Railway Station bound for Van, Turkey.
Route and Schedule Details
The Tehran-Van train runs twice a week, departing from Tehran at 12:30 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Return trips from Van to Tehran operate on Mondays and Thursdays.
The journey takes approximately 22 hours each way, including customs procedures at Iran’s Razi and Turkey’s Kapıköy border crossings.
Bilateral Cooperation and Revival Goals
This railway route was initially launched in July 2019 to enhance regional cooperation and boost tourism between Iran and Turkey but was suspended due to various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Following recent agreements between the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways and Turkish State Railways (TCDD), the route has been reactivated.
Facilities and Services
The Tehran-Van train features 4-star quality, 4-berth sleeper compartments.
Tickets can be purchased through the Raja Passenger Trains website (www.raja.ir) or other authorized online platforms.
For fare details, departure times, and further information, passengers can call 1539 or visit the railway company’s official website.
Welcome at Destination
The first group of Iranian passengers arriving in Van after the 22-hour journey were welcomed by Turkish officials, including Kıvanç Türkoğlu, an AK Party MP from Van. Türkoğlu expressed his delight at the resumption of Tehran-Van train services, calling it a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
The relaunch of this international train not only facilitates tourism and trade travel between Iran and Turkey but also symbolizes enhanced regional cooperation and the advancement of rail transport ties between the two countries.
