Transasia Express is not running since 2019 due to Covid. Please send us an e-mail to get in to our contact list so we can update you whenever the journey re-starts.
Van Tabriz train is departing every Monday and Thursday. Two of the most interesting cities to visit in Iran are Tehran and Tabriz. The second one is an extremely popular destination in the Middle East among tourists. Tabriz has a lot of attractions, a bazaar that was first included in the UNESCO list, lots of mosques and sightseeings. To see all the beauty of this Muslim city, you can join the Transasia Express. The Van – Tabriz journey is the shortest part of the Transasia route. In fact, the train starts its way in Ankara and goes directly to Tehran, however, it makes a few stops to allow more travelers to join this unique ride. The train departs every Thursday at 21:52. You will cover over 300 kilometers for almost 12 hours.
Moreover, there is another train that you can join as well. It departs every Monday at 21:00 from Van and arrives in Tabriz at 05:05 the following day. Even though this trip is overnight, an outstanding and memorable experience is guaranteed on board. You will be close enough to the pure beauty of nature, have a chance to make new travel friends and open for yourself new cultures. You will be able to wake up with a sunrise over Urmia lake and have breakfast watching picturesque views.
You will arrive in Tabriz and be ready for a new adventure in your holiday. Please, find the detailed schedules of both trains at the end of the page. Van – Tabriz is a great choice for any season and for any kind of trip. Be ready to soak in an authentic culture of the Middle East!
Monday Train Arrives Tuesday at 05:05
Thursday Train Arrives Friday at 09:50
Tabriz Railway Station (Google Map)
The Van – Tabriz train is operated by the Iranian railways will be waiting to welcome all the guests. It is a new train with 4-couchette compartments and a dining car on board. Therefore, you will share a compartment with 3 other travelers of your sex. As Iran is a Muslim country, some rules and restrictions are applied. However, if you prefer having more privacy and traveling alone, we will discuss a way out for you later on.
The seats in a compartment are easily converted to beds, as well as all necessary bedding, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, is provided by train staff. Moreover, there is a dining car where you can have a delicious meal for breakfast or dinner. You will be offered dishes of Persian and international cuisines. On the way, you will stop in a few cities, but basically, the longest stay is going to be in Kapıköy. All the passengers will be requested to leave a train and pass passport control. It might take 2 hours but mainly it depends on the season and other circumstances. After passport control, you will be able to come back to your compartment and continue having rest.
During all your trip, untouched nature and authentic villages will be behind a window. In a short distance of Tabriz, there is an Urmia lake, one of the largest salt lakes in the world. You will be to meet sunrise over the lake and to find peace and serenity at least for a couple of hours.
The Transasia Express in a unique route that broadens minds and changes people’s life perspectives. Traveling by train is like a piece of small life that passes on board. It is a great chance for you to meet locals and experienced backpackers and share your travel experiences or ask for pieces of advice about Tabriz and its landmarks. Therefore, you will travel on the Iranian train which has comfortable 4-berth compartments.
You will stay with other travelers unless you would like to have some privacy. You also have an option to reserve all the compartment for yourself if you would like not to gender seperated with your company. You will be provided with all the bedding for you to have a restful night. One more fantastic thing is that you are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcohol drinks on board.
In case you keep to a special diet or have some food restrictions, you can buy and prepare everything in advance. Nevertheless, you can also order tasty meals in a dining car for pretty affordable prices. Here you can pay only in rials. So, our next tip follows out from this point. It is highly recommended that you exchange money with an Iranian currency beforehand because you will not have such an opportunity on the train.
Another important detail is that you will not be able to use your credit or debit cards in Iran. The same can be applied to WIFI. You should have your mobile data as it is difficult to find internet spots. At last, any kind of trip requires some preparation. That is why, please bear in mind, whereas Turkey allows 90 days of stay without a visa for many nationalities, Iran doesn’t make such concessions. So, get a visa in case you need it before your journey to make your trip smooth and carefree.
There is gender segregation at the sleeping time in Transasia Express. You can avoid it by booking for 4 people and you can have a private compartment for yourself.
The train departs from Van every Monday at 21:00 and arrives in Tabriz on Tuesday at 05:95 a.m. At night the train makes a stop in Kapıköy so that all passengers have their passports checked and stamped. Depending on the season and the time of sunrise and sunset, you will be able to observe some beauties of nature.
Transasia Express departs from Van every Thursday at 21:52 and arrives in Tabriz on Friday at 09:50 a.m. A wonderful trip from Van to Tabriz covers over 300 kilometers and takes place overnight that is very convenient for organized travelers. An Iranian train is alike all night trains. It provides you with everything that you need for a restful night. 4-berth compartments with the bedding assure you a comfortable journey. Moreover, you can always find something tasty in a dining car on board.
