Editing Transport in Iran

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use American English|date=November 2019}}
[[File:Iran 2001 CIA map.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Major routes and railroads of Iran. [[Tehran]] is the hub of Iran's transport and communication system.]]

[[Iran]] has a long paved road system linking most of its towns and all of its cities. In 2011 the country had {{Convert|173,000|km|mi}} of roads, of which 73% were paved.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |title=The Business Year - Moving Around |access-date=2014-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314223909/http://www.thebusinessyear.com/publication/article/7/620/iran_2011/moving-around |archive-date=2014-03-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008 there were nearly 100 passenger cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.<ref name="iran-daily.com">{{cite web |url=http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 06/12/07|website=iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618004626/http://iran-daily.com/1386/2865/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 18, 2009}}</ref>

Trains operate on 11,106&nbsp;km (6,942&nbsp;mi) of railroad track.<ref name="rai.ir">{{cite web |url=http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |title=Islamic Republic Of Iran Railroads :: راه آهن جمهوري اسلامي ايران |publisher=Rai.ir |access-date=2012-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815011811/http://www.rai.ir/Site.aspx?ParTree=A01011 |archive-date=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The country's major port of entry is [[Bandar-Abbas]] on the [[Strait of Hormuz]]. After arriving in Iran, imported goods are distributed throughout the country by trucks and freight trains. The [[Tehran]]–[[Bandar-Abbas]] railroad, opened in 1995, connects Bandar-Abbas to the railroad system of Central Asia via Tehran and [[Mashhad]]. Other major ports include [[Bandar-e Anzali|Bandar e-Anzali]] and [[Bandar Torkaman|Bandar e-Torkeman]] on the [[Caspian Sea]] and [[Khorramshahr]] and [[Bandar Imam|Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni]] on the [[Persian Gulf]].

[[List of airports in Iran|Dozens of cities have airports]] that serve passenger and cargo planes. [[Iran Air]], the national airline, was founded in 1962 and operates [[Iran Air destinations|domestic and international flights]].

'''Transport in Iran''' is inexpensive because of [[Iranian Economic Reform Plan|the government's subsidization of the price of gasoline]]. The downside is a [[Iranian targeted subsidy plan|huge draw on government coffers]], economic inefficiency because of highly [[energy in Iran|wasteful consumption patterns]], [[2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran#Fuel smuggling|contraband with neighboring countries]] and [[Environmental issues in Iran|air pollution]]. In 2008, more than one million people worked in the transportation sector, accounting for 9% of GDP.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 12/21/08|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603054002/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3298/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2009}}</ref>

== Ministry of Road and Transportation ==
{{Main|Ministry of Roads and Transportation (Iran)}}
The [[Ministry of Roads and Transportation]] is in charge of studying and deciding pricing policy of the transportation; as well as issuing licenses for the establishment of transportation firms. In addition, the Ministry is in charge of implementing comprehensive and integrated transportation policies in Iran. As of 2016, plans for [[Foreign direct investment in Iran|foreign direct investment in the transport sector]] include over 5,600&nbsp;km of highways, 745&nbsp;km of freeways, and close to 3,000&nbsp;km of main roads.<ref name=BYI1>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebusinessyear.com/iran-2016/royal-roads/review|title=Royal roads|website=The Business Year|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704063622/https://www.thebusinessyear.com/iran-2016/royal-roads/review|archive-date=4 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> These projects and others are worth $25 billion (not including [[List of airlines in Iran|aircraft purchases]] worth another $50 billion).<ref name=BYI1 /> Iran says it needs more than $40 billion to complete 258 major unfinished transportation projects (2016).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/55937/40b-needed-to-complete-transportation-projects-in-iran|title=$40b Needed to Complete Transportation Projects in Iran|date=21 December 2016|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111041600/https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/55937/40b-needed-to-complete-transportation-projects-in-iran|archive-date=11 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Railways ==
[[File:Map Iran railways en.svg|thumb|Railway system map (2020)|right]]

{{Main|Islamic Republic of Iran Railways|Iranian railway industry}}

*Total: 11,106&nbsp;km<ref name="rai.ir" /> Plan to increase total railways length from 13,500&nbsp;km in 2016 to 20,000&nbsp;km by 2025.<ref name=BYI1 />
**Standard gauge: 8,273&nbsp;km of {{RailGauge|1435mm}} gauge (146&nbsp;km electrified) (2006)
**Broad gauge: 94&nbsp;km of {{RailGauge|1676mm}} gauge (connected to [[Pakistan Railways]])
Electrified railway is 146&nbsp;km from [[Tabriz]] to Jolfa and the tender for electrification of [[Tehran]]–[[Mashhad]] has been finished according to [[Railway electrification in Iran]].
Note: Broad-gauge track is employed at the borders with [[Azerbaijan]] Republic and [[Turkmenistan]] which have {{RailGauge|1520mm}} [[Russian gauge|broad gauge]] rail systems; 41&nbsp;km of the standard gauge, electrified track is in suburban service at Tehran (2007).

The majority of transport in Iran is road-based. The government plans to transport 3.5% of the passenger volume and 8.5% of the freight volume by rail. [[Railway electrification in Iran|Extensive electrification]] is planned. According to the Ministry of R&T,The railway network expands by about 500&nbsp;km per year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ministry of R&T |url=http://www.mrt.ir/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020311121203/http://www.mrt.ir/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-03-11 }}</ref>

=== Railway links with adjacent countries ===
In December 2014, a rail line from Iran opened to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The opening of the line marks the first direct rail link between Iran, Kazakhstan and China and upon completion direct rail transport between China and Europe (while avoiding Russia) will be possible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLT5ILax54w|title=Opening of railway corridor 'Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran'|last=Kazakh TV|date=3 December 2014|access-date=1 June 2018|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814165637/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLT5ILax54w|archive-date=14 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran Railway to Open Today, by Onur Uysal, http://railturkey.org/2014/12/03/kazakhstan-turkmenistan-iran-railway/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205161547/http://railturkey.org/2014/12/03/kazakhstan-turkmenistan-iran-railway/ |date=2014-12-05 }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Afghanistan}} [[Transport in Afghanistan#Rail|Afghanistan]] – completed in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/khaf-herat-railway-project/|title = Khaf-Herat Railway Project, Iran-Afghanistan - Railway Technology}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} [[Transport in Azerbaijan#Railways|Azerbaijan]] – [[break-of-gauge]] {{RailGauge|1435mm}}/{{RailGauge|1520mm}} (Only to [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhichevan]], planned link to Azerbaijan proper for building Russia-Iran corridor)
* {{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Transport in Armenia#Railways|Armenia]] – planned – [[break of gauge]] {{RailGauge|1435mm}}/{{RailGauge|1520mm}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3377/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 04/19/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622201104/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3377/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 22, 2009}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Transport in Iraq#Railways|Iraq]] – part under construction, part planned.
** one long link from [[Arak, Iran|Arak]] via [[Kermanshah]] to [[Baghdad]]
** one short link of about 50&nbsp;km links [[Khorramshahr]] to [[Basra]] and is due for completion in 2006.
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Transport in Pakistan#Rail|Pakistan]] – [[break-of-gauge]] {{RailGauge|1435mm}}/{{RailGauge|1676mm}} - missing link from [[Bam, Iran|Bam]] to [[Zahedan]] completed 2009.
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Transport in Turkey#Railways|Turkey]] – via [[Lake Van]] – [[train ferry]] - {{RailGauge|1435mm}}
* {{flagicon|Turkmenistan}} [[Rail transport in Turkmenistan|Turkmenistan]] – [[break-of-gauge]] {{RailGauge|1435mm}}/{{RailGauge|1520mm}}

=== Couplings, brakes and electrification ===
* [[Railway coupling|Couplers]] – [[SA3 coupler|SA3]] and buffers
* [[Brake (railway)|Brakes]] – air
* [[Electrification]] – [[25 kV AC]]

== Rapid transit ==
{{Main|Rapid transit in Iran|Tehran Metro|Tehran Bus Rapid Transit|Mashhad Urban Railway|Isfahan Metro|Shiraz Metro}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Tehran Metro - Iran.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Tehran Metro]]]] -->
[[File:VERESK Bridge - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Veresk Bridge]]]]

=== Tehran Metro ===
The [[Tehran Metro]] is a rapid transit system in [[Tehran]] carrying 5 million passengers a day and consisting of seven lines that run a total of 200 kilometres (~120&nbsp;mi) with two further lines under construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehran.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=40|title=شهرداری تهران|website=www.tehran.ir|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318034423/http://www.tehran.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=40|archive-date=18 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The metro will have a final length of 430 kilometres (270&nbsp;mi) once all nine lines are constructed by 2028. Metro services run from 5:30 to 23:00 throughout the city and the ticket price is 3,000-8,000 [[Iranian Rial|IRR]] ($0.10-$0.30 [[US Dollars|USD]]) and is based on distance of the trip.
[[File:Shahr_Rey,_Iran_2013_(20)_(15025618305).jpg|thumb|[[Tehran Metro]]]]

=== Tehran Bus Rapid Transit ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Tehran Bus Rapid Transit - Iran.jpg|thumb|200px|Tehran Bus Rapid Transit]] -->
The [[Tehran Bus Rapid Transit]] (BRT) is a rapid transit system serving [[Tehran]] which was officially inaugurated in 2008. The BRT has a network of over 150 kilometres, transporting 1.8 million passengers on a daily basis.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Feb11.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320011803/http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Feb11.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> The BRT has a total of ten lines with a further expansion planned to bring the total length to 300 kilometres. The price of Tehran's BRT is somewhere between 4,000IRR to 9,500IRR ($0.15 to $0.35 [[United States dollar|USD]]).

=== Mashhad Urban Railway ===
The [[Mashhad Urban Railway]] is urban rail line in [[Mashhad]], construction on line one began in 1999 and was opened on 24 April 2011. Line two has also been opened recently and finished construction. Furthermore, four other lines are either being constructed or are planned to be. Mashhad Urban Railway operates its single line from 6:30 to 21:30 daily. It has a daily ridership of 130 000 passengers and has a total length of 24 kilometres (14.9&nbsp;mi).

=== Isfahan Metro ===
The [[Isfahan Metro]] construction of line one commenced in 2001 and was finally opened to the public on 15 October 2015. Line one has a total length of 11 kilometres. The city is planning a second East to West line to serve the city.

=== Shiraz Metro ===
The [[Shiraz Metro]] is a rapid transit system in [[Shiraz]]. Line one was officially inaugurated on 11 October 2014 after being in construction since 2011; the single line has a length of 10.5 kilometres (6.5&nbsp;mi) and stops at six stations. Line 2 is currently under construction and has a length of 15 kilometres (9.3&nbsp;mi). The metro currently has a daily ridership of 500 000 passengers with 27 trains in operation.

=== Tabriz Metro ===
The [[Tabriz Metro]] is a metro system serving the city of [[Tabriz]]. The first line was opened on 28 August 2015 with a 7-kilometre length and six stations. There is also a regional commuter line planned to the city of [[Sahand]]. Line one runs Northwest from El Goli Station to Noor Station.

=== Total Length ===
The total route length of the various Metros is 253&nbsp;km.

== Roadways and automobiles ==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Rasht Roads.jpg|thumb|right|[[Qazvin]]-[[Rasht]] Freeway]] -->

{{See also|List of highways in Iran|Iranian automobile industry|Environmental issues in Iran}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Tehran Roads.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tehran]] Roads]] -->

*Total: 172,927&nbsp;km (2006)<ref name="cia.gov">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ |title=CIA – The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=2012-02-09 }}</ref>
:*Paved: 125,908&nbsp;km (includes 1,429&nbsp;km of expressways)
:*Unpaved: 47,019 km

Note: There were more than 11 million vehicles in Iran by 2010 mostly manufactured or assembled locally.<ref name="iran-daily.com" /> As of 2015, 34,000&nbsp;km of roads provided essential corridors of transportation, while 45,000&nbsp;km of major roads and 100,000&nbsp;km of roads connecting villages and rural areas have seen no maintenance and upkeep practices (worth a total of $57 billion).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/105613|title=Oil price plunges hitting infrastructure hard|date=19 January 2015|access-date=1 June 2018}}</ref> As of 2020, cycling hold less than 1% share of urban transport in Iran.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/440456/Cycling-holds-less-than-1-share-of-urban-transport-in-Iran|title = 'Cycling holds less than 1% share of urban transport in Iran'|date = 24 September 2019}}</ref>

=== Road accidents ===
{{See also|International rankings of Iran#Transport|Alcohol in Iran#Drunk driving|Traffic police of Iran|l1=International rankings of Iran in transport|l2=Drunk driving in Iran}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Taxi Cars In Iran.jpg|thumb|Transportation in Iran is inexpensive because of [[Iranian Economic Reform Plan#Subsidy reform plan|the government's subsidization of gasoline]]]] -->

Iran [[List of countries by traffic-related death rate|ranks]] 23rd worldwide in traffic deaths per 100,000 population per year, with a rate of 24.3, half the rate of the worst country, [[Eritrea]]. Iran ranks first worldwide in terms of having the largest number of road accidents with 38,000 deaths and injuries per year. Other sources place the total number of fatalities at 100,000 over the past 6 years or 20,000 per year on average (2008).<ref name="ReferenceB" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3409/html/national.htm |title= Iran Daily - National - 05/26/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629225824/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3409/html/national.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2009}}</ref>

Transport officials say 46.8 percent of car accidents take place in cities, 21.5 percent outside, 19.5 percent on rural routes, 4.2 percent on urban highways and 4.2 percent on suburban highways.<ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3183/html/economy.htm Iran Daily – Domestic Economy – 07/27/08] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603071538/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3183/html/economy.htm |date=June 3, 2009}}</ref> Pedestrians account for 45% of traffic deaths in [[Tehran]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/435127/Pedestrians-account-for-45-of-traffic-deaths-in-Tehran |title=Pedestrians account for 45% of traffic deaths in Tehran |date=26 April 2019 |access-date=2019-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704175211/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/435127/Pedestrians-account-for-45-of-traffic-deaths-in-Tehran |archive-date=2019-07-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The high death tolls in car accidents are blamed on high speed, unsafe vehicles, widespread disregard of traffic laws and inadequate emergency services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-road-accident-kills-18-as-fuel-smuggling-truck-crashes-into-sedan-with-15-afghan-migrants/|title=Iran road accident kills 18 as fuel-smuggling truck crashes into sedan with 15 Afghan migrants|website=[[Fox News]]|date=5 April 2013|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924182403/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/05/iran-road-accident-kills-18-as-fuel-smuggling-truck-crashes-into-sedan-with-15/|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Motorcycle]]s account for 50 percent of [[Noise pollution|sound pollution]] in [[Tehran]] and 40-45 percent of accidents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/oct/1239.html |title=Motorcycles Account for 30% of Air Pollution in Tehran |publisher=Payvand.com |access-date=2012-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107063229/http://www.payvand.com/news/10/oct/1239.html |archive-date=2011-01-07 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Waterways ==
{{See also|Geography of Iran}}
There are no major rivers in Iran. Just [[Karun]] is navigable which "shallow-draft boats can negotiate from Khorramshahr to Ahvaz, a distance of about 180 km (110 mi)".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/public/DLCA/2.5+Iran+Waterways+Assessment|title=2.5 Iran Waterways Assessment - Logistics Capacity Assessment - Digital Logistics Capacity Assessments|website=dlca.logcluster.org}}</ref> The [[Shatt al-Arab]] is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about 130&nbsp;km; channel has been dredged to 3&nbsp;m and is in use.

== Pipelines ==
{{See also|Ministry of Petroleum of Iran|Petroleum industry in Iran}}
[[File:Oil natural gas infrastructure.png|thumb|[[Iran Gas Trunkline]].]]
*Condensate 7&nbsp;km; condensate/gas 12&nbsp;km; gas 19,246&nbsp;km; liquid petroleum gas 570&nbsp;km; oil 7,018&nbsp;km; refined products 7,936&nbsp;km (2008)<ref name="cia.gov" />
*Iran is currently undergoing negotiations with neighboring [[Pakistan]] for the construction of an [[Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline|oil and gas pipeline]] to that country to help integrate their respective economies and solve the energy shortage being faced by Pakistan.

== Ports and harbours ==
{{See also|Iran Shipping Lines|Foreign direct investment in Iran#Free trade zones and special economic zones}}
[[File:Kharg oil loading terminal.jpg|thumb|As of 2015, the [[Kharg island|Kharg oil terminal]] is handling about 90% of Iran's crude exports.]]
[[File:India-Iran-Afghanistan transit corridor map.svg|thumb|India–Iran–Afghanistan transport corridor map]]

The capacity of container loading and unloading in the country's ports is currently at 4.4 million which will increase to 7 million by the end of 2015. Port capacity will increase to 200 million tons in 2015 from 150 million tons in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/10/6/MainPaper/3855/Page/4/Index.htm# |title=No. 3855 &#124; Domestic Economy &#124; Page 4 |publisher=Irandaily |access-date=2012-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401132536/http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/10/6/MainPaper/3855/Page/4/Index.htm |archive-date=2012-04-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>

All Iranian ports are supervised by the 'PMO', i.e. the 'Port & Maritime Organization', which is part of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pmo.ir/en/portsandterminals/iranianports|title=Iranian Ports|first=Ports & Maritime|last=Organization|website=Ports & Maritime Organization}}</ref>

* ''All ports:'' [[Abadan, Iran|Abadan]] (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980–1988 war), [[Ahvaz]], [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Bandar-e Anzali]] (Caspian Sea), [[Bushehr]], [[Bandar Imam|Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni]], Bandar-e [[Lengeh]], [[Bandar-e Mahshahr]], [[Bandar-e Torkaman]] (Caspian Sea), [[Chabahar]] ([[Chabahar Port|Bandar-e Beheshti]]), [[Kharg Island]], [[Lavan, Iran|Lavan]] Island, [[Sirri Island]], [[Khorramshahr]] (limited operation since November 1992), [[Noshahr]] (Caspian Sea), Arvand Kenar, [[Chabahar Port]].
** ''Main:'' [[Bandar Imam|Bandar-e Eman Khomeyni]],<ref name="cia.gov" /> [[Asalouyeh#Pars-Port Complex|Assaluyeh]] ([[Bushehr]]), [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Chabahar Port]]. 
Bandar Abbas, with capacity of 2.5 million TEU in 2010 and 3.3 million TEU in 2016, is in southern-central Iran and handles 90% of the country's container throughput. Bandar Abbas is run by the ''Shaheed Rajaee'' Port Authority.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/iran-shipping-report-q2-2010-284779.asp |title=Iran Shipping Report Q2 2010 Market Report, Industry Analysis and Market Trends |access-date=2010-05-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611072348/http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/iran-shipping-report-q2-2010-284779.asp |archive-date=2010-06-11 }}</ref><ref name=BYI1 />

[[Chabahar Port]], the southernmost Iranian port, on the Gulf of Oman, a couple dozen kilometers from the Iran - Pakistan border, is being recently expanded and developed partly with Indian public funding, and in connection with the [[INSTC]] North-South overland transportation corridor linking Iran with [[Afghanistan]], the [[Caucasus]] countries, [[Turkey]] and [[Russia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/bandar-e-chabahar.htm|title=Chabahar Port|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/101987/indian-budget-allocates-close-to-14-million-to-chabahar-port|title = Indian Budget Allocates Close to $14 Million to Chabahar Port Project|date = 2 February 2020}}</ref>

** ''Major Export Terminals (loading capacity):'' [[Kharg Island]] {{convert|5000000|oilbbl/d|abbr=on}}, [[Lavan Island]] {{convert|200000|oilbbl/d|abbr=on}}, [[Neka]] ([[Caspian Sea]]) {{convert|50000|oilbbl/d|abbr=on}}, [[Asalouyeh#Pars-Port Complex|Assaluyeh]] {{convert|250000|oilbbl/d|abbr=on}} gas liquids, [[Kish Island]], [[Abadan, Iran|Abadan]], [[Bandar Imam|Bandar-e Eman Khomeyni]]) and [[Mahshahr|Bandar Mahshahr]] (latter 2 close-by ports are used mostly by [[National Petrochemical Company|NPC]] for petrochemicals export).<ref name="eia.doe.gov">{{cite web |url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Profile.html |title=Iran – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) |publisher=Eia.doe.gov |access-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803091645/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iran/Profile.html |archive-date=2012-08-03 }}</ref>
*** ''Major Oil/Gas Ports:''<ref name="eia.doe.gov" />
**** [[Kharg Island]]: is the largest and main export terminal in Iran. Roughly 90% of Iran's exports are sent via Kharg. Kharg's loading system has a capacity of 5.0 million bbl/d. The terminal processes all onshore production (the Iranian Heavy and Iranian Light Blends) and offshore production from the Froozan field (the Froozan Blend). The Kharg terminal includes the main T-jetty, the Sea Island that is located on the west side of Kharg, and the Dariush terminal to the south. Kharg Island relies on storage to ensure even operations, and its current storage capacity is expected to increase to 28 million barrels of oil in 2014.<ref name=EI>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eia.gov/international/?fips=IR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319174808/http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=IR |url-status=dead |title=International - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)|archive-date=March 19, 2015|website=www.eia.gov}}</ref>
**** [[Lavan Island]], mostly handles exports of the Lavan Blend sourced from offshore fields. Lavan is Iran's highest-quality export grade and one of Iran's smallest streams. Lavan's production averaged less than 100,000 bbl/d in 2013, but the Lavan facilities have the capacity to process 200,000 bbl/d of crude oil. Lavan has a two-berth jetty, which can accommodate vessels up to 250,000 deadweight tons. Lavan's storage capacity is 5.5 million barrels.<ref name=EI />
**** [[Sirri Island]]: serves as a loading port for the Sirri Blend that is produced in the offshore fields of the same name. The Sirri terminal includes a loading platform equipped with four loading arms that can load tankers from 80,000 to 330,000 deadweight tons. Its storage capacity is 4.5 million barrels.<ref name=EI />
**** Ras Bahregan.<ref name=EI />

== Merchant marine ==
{{See also|Iran Shipping Lines|National Iranian Tanker Company|Industry of Iran#Naval industry|l3=Naval industry in Iran}}
[[File:Le navire cargo ‘’Iran Sadr‘’ (2).jpg|thumb|right|The [[International Maritime Organization]] has 140 member states with Iran ranking among the top 20]]
*Total: 76 (2013)<ref name="CIA Factbook">{{Cite web|url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/|title = CIA Factbook|date = 9 December 2014}}</ref>

:*By type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 51, chemical tanker 3, container 4, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2

:*Foreign-owned: 2 (UAE 2)

*Registered in other countries: 71 (Barbados 5, Cyprus 10, Hong Kong 3, Malta 48, Panama 5) (2010)<ref name="CIA Factbook" />
* Shipping freight (important for liquid natural gas (LNG) exports) will grow by an average of 5.3 percent a year in the 2009–2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3427/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 06/18/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621094412/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3427/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 21, 2009}}</ref>

Over the next two decades, Iran would need 500 new ships, including 120 oil tankers, 40 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and over 300 commercial vessels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3479/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 08/23/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926115547/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3479/html/economy.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2009}}</ref>

== Airports and airlines ==
{{Main|List of airports in Iran|Airlines of Iran}}

[[File:AIRPORTS IN IRAN.jpg|thumb|[[List of airports in Iran|Airports in Iran]].]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport]]]] -->
[[File:Ir747sp-narita.JPG|thumb|right|[[Iran Air]] [[Boeing 747SP]] at [[Narita International Airport]]]]

Iran handles about 50 million passengers annually (2016).<ref name=BYI1 /> Iran's airports are improving their international connections, and Arak Airport in Markazi province has recently begun to operate international flights, making a total of five such airports in the country, in addition to ten local airports.<ref name='transport'>{{Citation| contribution=Iran Travel And Tourism Forecast| title=Economist Intelligence Unit| date=August 18, 2008}}</ref> In May 2007 international flights into the capital, Tehran, were moved to the [[Imam Khomeini International Airport]] (IKIA), just outside the city because of capacity constraints at the existing central [[Mehrabad Airport]].

*Airports: 319 (2013)<ref name="CIA Factbook" />
*There are 54 "major" airports in Iran (2008): 8 international, 21 air border, and 25 domestic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3282/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 11/29/08|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603071617/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3282/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2009}}</ref>
*Number of flights from airports nationwide reached 31,088 in a month (October 20 – November 20, 2008): 10,510 domestic, 4,229 international and 15,404 transit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0812105144192207.htm |title=وب سایتهای ایرنا - Irna |access-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301105618/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0812105144192207.htm |archive-date=2012-03-01 }}</ref>
*Airport capacity for departures and arrivals: 73 million persons (2011)<ref name=CBI>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbi.ir/showitem/9506.aspx |title=Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran |access-date=2012-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816054501/http://www.cbi.ir/showitem/9506.aspx |archive-date=2012-08-16 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Number of passengers departing and arriving at airports: 40.1 million persons (2011)<ref name=CBI />
*Share of non-public sector in domestic flights: 60% (2011)<ref name=CBI />
*Share of non-public sector in international flights: 58.7% (2011)<ref name=CBI />

'''National airline:'''
*[[Iran Air]] handles 6 million passengers annually (2016)<ref name=BYI1 />

=== Airports – with paved runways ===
[[File:Tehran IKIA at Night.jpg|thumb|Imam Khomeini International Airport]]
''Total:''
140 (2013)<ref name="CIA Factbook" />

:''over 3,047&nbsp;m:'' 42

:''2,438 to 3,047&nbsp;m:'' 29

:''1,524 to 2,437&nbsp;m:'' 26

:''914 to 1,523&nbsp;m:'' 36

:''under 914&nbsp;m:'' 7 (2013)

=== Airports – with unpaved runways ===
''Total:'' 179 (2013)<ref name="CIA Factbook" />

:''over 3,047&nbsp;m:'' 1

:''1,524 to 2,437&nbsp;m:'' 2

:''914 to 1,523&nbsp;m:'' 135

:''under 914&nbsp;m:'' 32 (2013)

=== Heliports ===
Total: 26 (2013)<ref name="CIA Factbook" />

== Transit statistics ==
{{See also|Taxation in Iran#Tariff rates|l1=Customs, tariffs and smuggling in Iran}}

[[File:IRAN Foreign Trade.png|thumb|Iran's non-oil [[international trade]] (2011).]]

=== People ===
{{See also|Tourism in Iran|Crime in Iran#Human trafficking|l2=Human trafficking in Iran}}

* In 2011, some 27 million travelers and businessmen passed custom departments.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1391/1/24/MainPaper/4207/Page/4/Index.htm |title=Irandaily &#124; No. 4207 &#124; Domestic Economy &#124; Page 4 |access-date=2012-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414181237/http://www.iran-daily.com/1391/1/24/MainPaper/4207/Page/4/Index.htm |archive-date=2012-04-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Over five million passengers have been transported via border points mainly [[Mehran, Ilam|Mehran]] and [[Bazargan, Iran|Bazargan]].
* In 2002, about 70% of [[Tourism in Iran|visitors]] arrived by land, about 29% by air and less than 1% by sea<ref name="transport" />

=== Commodities ===
{{See also|Economy of Iran#International trade}}

* In 2011, cargoss and commodities from 100 countries have been transported across Iran. Over 10.5 million tons of oil products and non-oil commodities were transited via land (91% via road and 9% via railroad) and marine borders.<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* In 2010, 10 million tons of commodities from 110 countries, worth $31.5 billion, transited through Iran for 82 destinations.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Inc |first=IBP |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2ndCwAAQBAJ&q=In+2010,+10+million+tons+of+commodities+from+110+countries,+worth+$31.5+billion,+transited+through+Iran+for+82+destinations. |title=Iran Transportation Policy and Regulations Handbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments |date=2013-02-13 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4330-6633-7 |language=en}}</ref>
* In 2009, the value of goods transited was about $25 billion. This figure constitutes seven percent of the GDP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/10/4/MainPaper/3853/Page/4/Index.htm# |title=No. 3853 &#124; Domestic Economy &#124; Page 4 |publisher=Irandaily |access-date=2012-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401132503/http://www.iran-daily.com/1389/10/4/MainPaper/3853/Page/4/Index.htm |archive-date=2012-04-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* From March 22, 2009 until September 22, 2009 over 3 million tons of goods worth some $11.3 billion were transited through Iran. Regarding the countries of origin, [[China]] was first in terms of volume, [[Turkmenistan]] ranked second, [[Uzbekistan]] came third, [[Turkey]] fourth, and the [[United Arab Emirates]] fifth. Among the destinations, [[Afghanistan]] was first, [[Iraq]] second, [[Azerbaijan]] third, the UAE fourth, and Turkmenistan ranked fifth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.payvand.com/news/09/nov/1004.html |title=Transit of goods through Iran soars |publisher=Payvand.com |access-date=2012-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805125932/http://www.payvand.com/news/09/nov/1004.html |archive-date=2012-08-05 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Some 33 million tons of goods and 29 million passengers are transported annually by the rail transportation network, accounting for 9 percent and 11 percent of the whole transportations in the country (2011).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/94182-iran-to-extend-rail-network-to-15000-kilometers-by-2015 |title=Iran to extend rail network to 15,000 kilometers by 2015 |newspaper=Tehran Times |access-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204213235/http://www.tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/94182-iran-to-extend-rail-network-to-15000-kilometers-by-2015 |archive-date=2012-02-04 }}</ref>
* Per capita parcel post for each Iranian stands at 15 per annum (2008).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 11/09/08|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603071606/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3265/html/economy.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2009}}</ref>
* One million tons of commodities, fuel and barter have been transited abroad per month (2008).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0806176186005008.htm |title=Rise in transit of commodities via Iran – Irna |access-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301105614/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0806176186005008.htm |archive-date=2012-03-01 }}</ref>
**Fuel is transported in Iran by road tankers, tank wagons, tanker ships as well as through pipelines. Nearly 10,000 tankers from 400 private sector companies transport fuel by road. In 2013, nearly 87 billion liters of fuel were transported by Iranian tankers. Iran's tank wagons and ships transported 3 billion liters and 8 billion liters of fuel, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iran-daily.com/newspaper/page/4826/4/13204/0|title=دسترسی غیر مجاز|website=iran-daily.com|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060146/http://iran-daily.com/newspaper/page/4826/4/13204/0|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
** 3.498 million tons of non-oil commodities were transited abroad via Iran during March 20-November 20, 2008 (79% of the commodities were transited by road).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0812247692172850.htm |title=وب سایتهای ایرنا - Irna |access-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301105622/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0812247692172850.htm |archive-date=2012-03-01 }}</ref>

====Mode of transport ====
* More than 90 percent of the country's imports and exports, particularly in the fisheries and oil sectors, are undertaken through the sea (2009).<ref name="iran-daily.com2">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3325/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 01/25/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531180653/http://www.iran-daily.com/1387/3325/html/economy.htm |archive-date=May 31, 2009}}</ref>
* In 2008, 84% of the transited goods through Iran were transported through roads while the rest was transported via railroad.<ref name="iran-daily.com3">{{cite web |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3437/html/economy.htm |title= Iran Daily - Domestic Economy - 06/30/09|website=www.iran-daily.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803001641/http://www.iran-daily.com/1388/3437/html/economy.htm |archive-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref>

==== Port of entry ====
{{See also|Geography of Iran}}
* In 2011, [[Bandar Abbas]] was the country's most active border in terms of transit (37 percent), followed by [[Parvizkhan]] (17 percent), [[Bazargan, Iran|Bazargan]] (9 percent) and Bashmaq (7 percent).<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* In 2008, some 24 border crossings except Kileh in Sardasht (West Azarbaijan) and Yazdan in Southern Khorasan were active nationwide. Bandar Abbas, contributing 40.8% of transit operations, was considered the most dynamic in terms of transiting cargo. It was followed by Bazargan (16.6 percent), Sarakhs (14.1 percent), Bandar Anzali (9.2 percent) and Pileh-Savar (3.9 percent).<ref name="iran-daily.com" />

==== Economics ====
{{See also|Economy of Iran}}
* Every ton of transit cargo earns $150 for the country and creates 40 jobs.<ref name="iran-daily.com" /> Iran will earn a revenue of US$12 billion when the volume of goods transported through the country reaches 40 million tons annually.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

=== TRACECA ===
{{See also|North-South Transport Corridor|Silk Road#Persian Royal Road|l2=Persian Royal Road &  Silk Road}}
In September 2009, Iran formally joined the Transport Corridor Europe – Caucasus – Asia ([[TRACECA]]) programme, also known as the "new [[Silk Road]]." TRACECA was founded in 1998 with the aim of promoting economic relations, trade and transport communications between Europe, the Caucasus and Asia. This programme consists of the EU and 14 member states (including Iran) from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Iran's strategic location means that it is a key transport corridor between Europe and Central Asia.

In August 2010, Iran declared that it "did not sign on to TRACECA project" and said it has been fostering improved transport links through a series of bilateral agreements with neighboring states instead.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} According to Iran's first Vice-President [[Mohammad-Reza Rahimi]] "If all the potential of the country's transit sector is tapped, it can bring in as much revenues as [[Petroleum industry in Iran|[the] oil [industry]]]". He also announced that Iran will join China and Europe by rail in the near future.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Iran|Transport}}
* [[Ministry of Roads and Transportation (Iran)|Ministry of Roads and Transportation]]
* [[International rankings of Iran#Transport|International Rankings of Iran in Transport]]
* [[Snapp (company)|Snapp]] – Iran's "[[Uber]]"
* [[Tehran Metro]]
* [[List of airlines of Iran]]
* [[2007 Gasoline Rationing Plan in Iran]]
* [[Iranian Economic Reform Plan]]
* [[Privatization in Iran]]
* [[Environmental issues in Iran]]
* [[Economy of Iran]]
* [[List of Major Iranian Companies]]
* [[Communications in Iran]]
* [[Energy in Iran]]
* [[North-South Transport Corridor]]
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Iran}} – Transport in Iran

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Transport in Iran}}
;Key Organizations
* [http://www.mrud.ir/ Ministry of Road and Urban Development Of Iran Official Website]
* [http://www.rmto.ir/ Iran Road Maintenance & Transportation Organization Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127040936/https://www.rmto.ir/ |date=2021-01-27 }}
* [http://www.cao.ir/ Civil Aviation Organization of Iran]
* [http://www.rai.ir/ Iran Railways Co.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520200245/https://www.rai.ir/ |date=2021-05-20 }}
* [http://www.raja.ir/ Raja Rail Transport Co Official Website]
* [http://www.pmo.ir/ Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran]
;Statistics
*[https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-business-and-markets/56843/iran-logistics-industry-overview Iran Logistics Industry Overview] (''[[Financial Tribune]]'' 2017)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100501001718/http://en.tpo.ir/documents/document/11971/12478/Annual-Reviews.aspx Annual Reviews] – Reports by the Central bank of Iran, including statistics about transport in Iran.
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/06/iran_maps/html/default.stm Iran in Maps] – BBC
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/ CIA Factbook] (Iran Transportation Statistics)
* [http://www.pilotfriend.com/World%20airfield%20database/airfield%20codes/codes6/Iran.htm Iran airfields]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927023410/http://www.irvl.net/privatization_structure.htm Privatization and Structure of Iran's Transportation System (2000)]
* [http://www.ctsi.ir/ Comprehensive Transport Study of Iran (CTSI)] is a [[:wikt:master plan|master plan]] for the movement of goods and passengers in Iran.
* [https://www.thebusinessyear.com/iran-2016/royal-roads/review List of FDI projects in the transport sector as of 2016]

{{Asia topic|Transport in}}
{{Public transport}}

[[Category:Transport in Iran| ]]
[[Category:Economy of Iran]]