Traveling Iran by train | DW Documentary

Iran is opening its doors to foreigners and a train ride from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea is a great way to get to know the country and its people.

The travel restrictions that are now being lifted were in place for decades. Many Iranians are hoping they will now be able to lead a freer life – and we meet many of these hospitable and welcoming people on our journey through the Middle Eastern nation.

The country’s most important rail link, the Trans-Iranian Railway, runs for approximately 1400 kilometers from the Persian Gulf via Teheran to the Caspian Sea. The journey starts in Khorramshahr on the Shatt al-Arab, the river border between Iraq and Iran.

Traveling past oil fields, the train reaches Shushtar. One of the top sights here is the historic hydraulic system, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, the train heads up into the Zagros Mountains. The journey is interrupted by a break for prayer. Breath-taking landscapes move past the train window until we reach the highest point not only of our journey but of the entire rail network: 2,200 meters above sea level between Dorud and Arak.

During a brief stop in Qom, travelers can refuel with sohan, a pastry made of wheat germ, flour and sugar. The next section of the track is high-speed and we continue on to Teheran at 160 km/h. The metropolitan area is home to more than 15 million people. The last leg takes us to the north of the country.

In the Alborz Mountains, we find out what role the Trans-Iranian Railway played during Stalin’s major offensive against the German army in World War II. Our oriental rail adventure ends in Bandar-e Torkaman on the Caspian Sea.
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[AlonsoRules]

travelling by train in any foreign country is one of the most exciting things one can ever do

[sanborn]

Iran is a beatiful country and rich in history and culture... sending love from Sri Lanka

[lisalachhman]

Iran's landscape is absolutely stunning wow.

[hausofazhari]

I traveled from Tehran to Kashan 4 years ago and I was surprised by the quality of the train. The compartment is so clean, complimentary food and beverage were delicious, and a comfortable journey after all

[yvonmouamoua]

Iranians ppl are so kindness and friendly. I love iran people.

[LetThereBe_Light]

Have lived and worked in Dubai for a couple of years and found the Iranian people there to be the most respectful, polite and kind people. No matter what the government says, I'd really like to visit Iran some day.

[billwinschief]

5 summers ago, I traveled by train from Turkey to Tehran on the "Trans-Asia Express", not precisely an express train but a wonderful experience. I then spent 18 days in Iran & it was equally memorable, rich in history & most welcoming people. Iran is not without contradictions, as is the case with almost any land but it is a remarkable destination!

[NaushadAli-ftcb]

Good documentary by DW. God bless Iranian people. They are honest, hard working and beautiful people.

[YashPratap]

What a beautiful country it is...People are so kind and loving!!!

[mehrazhasan]

I met a Iran girl in social media 8 yrs ago .. she is most beautiful, kind and smart girl I have ever met in my life.. still we are good friends 🙂

[Rafi]

This is the Middle East I would love to see! I am not so interested in artificial landscapes of the desert (Dubai, Saudi Arabia etc) but would love to experience the richness of ancient Iran, Syria and Turkey (technically not in the Middle East, I know). Great documentary!

[sapentium]

God bless all the Iranian people may they always live in peace and harmony with each other and with their neighbours...Greetings from Ireland (a green oasis !)

[mg]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video of Iran! 🇮🇷 ❤️

[rmkpilates]

a train ride is always the best way to see a country. loved seeing the country and the beautiful
people. hope some day we can live in peace. keep the faith

[logokesaathallahuakber]

Really Iran is the most beautiful country, I loved it and appreciate the documentary maker, who showed good images of Iran and it's people, thanks from India.

[zainbaloch]

I have been to Iran two times and for the first time, I was really impressed as the picture of Iran I had in mind was changed ironically. It is peaceful, beautiful and clean. People are hard working and have strong faith too. What I really loved there was Persian architecture that is really astonishing. Tehran is a developed city, Isfahan is the city of Persian Architecture, Shiraz is beautiful, and Mashhad is full of faith. In short, I recommend it.

[Luxury_vagabond]

Great film. This is first time I know Iran more. Thanks for the useful information. God bless Iran people. May they Good luck. I am from Taiwan 🇹🇼.

[khadimhussain]

I have been to Iran two time and I found womens are more empowered and they are busy in every sector of life, from the business sector to the administration. people of Iran are so humble and helpful. Thank you so much dear Iranian for your hospitality.

[alirahmat]

It is commendable documentary. The entire journey unfolds the real face of Iran and compels me to visit Iran, I enjoy a lot while watching your documentary. Bundles of thanks DW.

[selesaid]

Treat everyone with politeness and kindness, not because they are nice, but because you are.” ... wev love u