Trans-Iranian Railway (Tehran–Sari)

Raja Passenger Train Company
Iran
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The Journey

Navigate from Tehran Railway Station to Sari Train Station across a span of 300km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Veresk Arch Bridge ('Victory Bridge') — 110-meter high 1930s engineering marvel
  • Three Golden Lines (Se Khat-e Tala) — where the track winds over itself down a sheer cliff
  • Alborz Mountain Peaks approach from the south
  • Hyrcanian Sub-Tropical Forests as the train descends toward the Caspian
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7 hours

  • Distance

    300 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable (362,000–500,000 IRR per person)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel-electric locomotives (general freight and passenger), historically ADLC (American Diesel Locomotive Company) designs acquired during construction

Locomotive Weight

Approximately 120–140 tonnes for mainline diesel-electric units

Track Gauge

1,435 mm (standard gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (standard on modern passenger stock); vacuum brakes on heritage rolling stock

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Veresk Bridge — 110m high arch bridge, one of the world's most dramatic railway bridges, requiring trains to slow to walking pace for safe crossing

  • Three Golden Lines (Se Khat-e Tala) — triple-switchback spiral where the track crosses over itself down a sheer cliff face

  • Alborz Mountain crossing — multiple deep cuttings, tunnels and viaducts through steep mountain terrain

  • Rapid altitude change — from ~1,000m at Tehran to ~2,000m at the divide then down to sea level at the Caspian

  • Seismic zone — Alborz is an active seismic region; bridges and structures engineered with flexibility in mind

Total Route Length

1,394 km (full Tehran–Bandar Imam Khomeini)

Tehran–Sari Scenic Section

300 km

Construction Period

1927–1938

Construction Workforce

Over 40,000 workers; 3,000+ died during construction

Number of Tunnels

60+ on the entire route

Number of Bridges

100+ including major viaducts

Route Character

Single-track, diesel operated, scenic mountain segment with steep gradients up to 2.5%

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7 hours

  • Distance

    300 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-affordable (362,000–500,000 IRR per person)

Official Booking Provider