Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect
Iran
In short: Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect is a about 2,100 km scenic road trip in Iran, typically driven over 9 days, best in Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Highlights: Bandar Anzali and Rasht, Qazvin, Tehran.
A repaired nine-day north-to-south transect from Anzali and Rasht through Qazvin, Tehran, Kashan and Isfahan to Persepolis, Shiraz, a Lar transit night and Bandar Abbas. The impossible Shiraz-to-Gulf sightseeing day is split and Persepolis/Naqsh-e Rostam restored.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Bandar Anzali and Rasht — reference plan only while Level 4 remains
Level 4 go/no-go gate · Anzali Lagoon and Rasht market · Shoore Cooli – Rasht
Day 2Rasht → Qazvin (about 175 km; 2.5–3 hr)
Transfer to Qazvin · Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai · Nemooneh Restaurant – Qazvin
Day 3Qazvin → Tehran (about 155 km; 2–3 hr)
Morning transfer to Tehran · Golestan Palace and Grand Bazaar · Moslem Restaurant – Tehran Bazaar
Day 4Tehran → Kashan or Abyaneh → Isfahan (about 450–520 km; long day)
Choose Kashan or Abyaneh · Continue to Isfahan · Abbasi Hotel dining – Isfahan
Day 5Isfahan
Naqsh-e Jahan Square · Chehel Sotoun · Shahrzad Restaurant – Isfahan
Day 6Isfahan → Persepolis → Naqsh-e Rostam → Shiraz (about 500 km; very early start)
Early Fars transfer · Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam · Haft Khan – Shiraz
Day 7Shiraz
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque · Vakil complex · Shapouri Garden Restaurant – Shiraz
Day 8Shiraz → Lar (about 360 km; 5 hr)
Transit-only drive to Lar · Lar rest evening · Lar Tourism Hotel Restaurant
Day 9Lar → Bandar Abbas (about 300 km; 4 hr)
Morning Gulf transfer · Bandar Abbas waterfront and bazaar · Badgiran Restaurant – Bandar Abbas
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
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Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect drive?
The Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect covers about 2,100 km from start to finish.
How long does the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect take to drive?
Most travellers spend 9 days on the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect?
The recommended season for the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect is Mar–May, Sep–Nov.
Where does the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect start and end?
The Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect runs from Bandar Anzali and Rasht to Bandar Abbas.
What are the main stops on the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect?
The Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect passes through Bandar Anzali and Rasht, Qazvin, Tehran.
How difficult is the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect to drive?
The Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect in a regular car?
Yes — the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect?
Yes — the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: DO NOT TRAVEL: as of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department places Iran at Level 4 (advisory issued December 5, 2025) because of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and wrongful detention. This is reference material, not a recommendation. Entry and mandatory-guide rules vary by nationality; verify visa sponsorship, prior-travel implications, cash access, local driving/IDP and insurance requirements, dress/conduct laws and detention risks with authoritative sources. Foreign payment cards generally do not work.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect?
Plan around 3 refuels (or about 7 EV charges) along the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect, based on its about 2,100 km length.
Is the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect safe to drive?
DO NOT TRAVEL: as of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department places Iran at Level 4 (advisory issued December 5, 2025) because of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and wrongful detention. This is reference material, not a recommendation. Entry and mandatory-guide rules vary by nationality; verify visa sponsorship, prior-travel implications, cash access, local driving/IDP and insurance requirements, dress/conduct laws and detention risks with authoritative sources. Foreign payment cards generally do not work.
What scenic tier is the Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect?
The Caspian Coast to Persian Gulf Transect is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.