Destinations / London to Tehran overland by rail (Europe, Turkey & Iran)

London to Tehran overland by rail (Europe, Turkey & Iran)

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

The London to Tehran overland rail route is one of the great classic land journeys, crossing Europe, Turkey, and Iran through a remarkable sweep of cultures, landscapes, and history. Travellers typically pass through major hubs including Paris, Budapest, Istanbul, and Ankara before crossing into Iran via the scenic Trans-Asian Railway corridor, arriving in Tehran. The route takes in the Ottoman grandeur of Istanbul, the vast Anatolian plateau, and the ancient Persian heartland, with opportunities to explore bazaars, mosques, palaces, and mountain scenery along the way. It appeals strongly to independent travellers and rail enthusiasts seeking an immersive, slow-travel alternative to flying between two of the world's most historically rich cities.

What travellers are doing

Itineraries

-62%

BUSTED

We estimate you can save 62% over G Adventures's tour.

Save £4,460 (62% off)

£7,250 retail with G Adventures → £2,790 self-launched

London to Tehran overland by rail (Europe, Turkey & Iran) · 40 days

Copycat

London to Tehran by Rail — Self-Launched Edition

A 40-day self-launched rail odyssey from London's St Pancras to Tehran, following the same route as the G Adventures group trip but booked entirely on your own: Eurostar to Paris, the TGV to Lausanne, the Glacier Express through the Alps, Bavaria and Austria, down through Transylvania and the Balkans, across Turkey's Anatolia and the far east, then into Iran for Persepolis, Isfahan and Tehran. You'll ride the same legendary trains, stay in hostels, pensions and budget guesthouses, and join locally-run tours where you want a guide. Costs are estimates for a solo traveller in GBP and assume shared dorms or budget twin rooms where sensible. IMPORTANT: Iran travel requires careful, current visa and advisory research — Iranian visa approval numbers (LOI), nationality-specific rules (British, US, Canadian passport holders must be accompanied by a guide at all times and cannot get visa on arrival) and safety advice change frequently. Check your own foreign ministry advice and the nearest Iranian embassy before committing to any bookings, and note that Iran payment systems (no international cards) mean you need to carry sufficient cash.

slow-travelcultureadventure

Travel Crew

~£2,790

Missions

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