Mashhad Bus Terminals: Your Guide to Iran’s Pilgrimage Hub
Top Bus Companies Serving Mashhad Routes
Mashhad, home to the revered Imam Reza Shrine, draws millions annually, making it Iran’s top pilgrimage destination. Its strategic location fuels a robust transport network, with Mashhad bus terminals serving as vital gateways for travelers from across Iran and beyond.
Wondering where these terminals are? This guide introduces Imam Reza Terminal, Meraj Terminal, and Silk Road Terminal, detailing their routes, amenities, and access. Ideal for first-time visitors, it simplifies your journey. Book your tickets with OrientTrips’ bus service and embark on a seamless trip to Mashhad.
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Why Bus Travel in Mashhad?
Mashhad’s spiritual and cultural allure demands efficient travel options. Bus terminals handle the city’s influx of pilgrims and tourists, offering affordable, reliable connections to Tehran, Isfahan, and regional towns.
With modern facilities and extensive routes, terminals like Imam Reza ensure comfort, whether you’re visiting Nishapur or exploring Central Asia’s historic paths. Buses let you savor Iran’s landscapes while keeping costs low. Let’s explore Mashhad’s key passenger hubs.
Imam Reza Terminal: Mashhad’s Main Hub
Located southwest at the junction of Imam Reza Boulevard and Shahid Kalantari Highway, Imam Reza Terminal is Mashhad’s largest. Planning began in 1968, with construction starting in 1989. By February 1991, its 14-hectare first phase opened, expanding to 47 hectares today.
Its perks? Clear views of the Imam Reza Shrine, proximity to downtown, and access via a ring road that avoids city traffic. Government-owned land sped up its development.
Routes from Imam Reza Terminal
As a high-traffic hub, it serves countless destinations:
- Outgoing inter-provincial routes: Tehran (West, South, Biheqi Terminals), Shahriar, Qom, Qazvin, Sari, Amol, Babol, Babolsar, Behshahr, Mahmoudabad, Tonekabon, Ramsar, Qaimshahr, Nur, Royan, Noushahr, Chalus, Karaj, Isfahan (Sofeh, Kaveh Terminals), Khomeinishahr, Falavarjan, Shahreza, Kashan, Najafabad, Tabriz, Bojnurd, Jajarm, Esfarayen, Shirvan, Birjand.
- Incoming routes: Same cities, plus Joybar, Chamestan, Neka, Abbasabad, Ahar, Marand, Jolfa, Harris, Torbat-e Jam, Dargaz, Sabzevar.
- Intra-provincial routes: Torbat-e Jam, Torbat-e Heydarieh, Taybad, Khaf, Dargaz, Sabzevar, Quchan, Kashmar, Nishapur, Riyosh, Gonabad, Khalilabad, Bajestan, Bakhzar, Qaleh-ye Now Aliya.
Book your trip on OrientTrips to secure seats.
Bus Companies at Imam Reza Terminal
A robust lineup operates here, including Asia Safar, Mashhad Imen Safar, Lavan Noor, Iran Peyman, Javan Seir Isar, Jahangasht Mehr, Hamsafar Chaboksavaran, Peyk Motamed, Peyk Saba, Adl, Seirosafar, Giti Noord, Mihan Noor Aria, Iran Peyma, Tarabar Bita, Cooperative 15, Giti Peyma Mashhad, Kian Safar Pasargad, Rahpeyma, Cooperative 9, Tak Safar, Cooperative 10, Aria Safar, Cooperative 11, Parsi, Cooperative 14, Royal Safar, Mahan Safar, Arta, and Sabalan. They manage routes like Mashhad to Tehran.
Amenities at Imam Reza Terminal
Comfort is key, with:
- Parking: 21,700 sqm open lot, 24/7; 3,000 sqm taxi lot.
- Recreation: Gym, children’s play area.
- Services: Car wash, restrooms, mosque, shops, ATMs, drivers’ dormitory.
- Green space: Enhancing the vibe.
These make waits enjoyable. Grab a snack or relax before heading to Mashhad’s bazaars.
Getting to Imam Reza Terminal
At the end of Imam Reza Boulevard, it’s accessible via taxis (24/7 at the terminal’s lot) or city buses, with BRT Line 1 nearby. Metro stations are farther, so buses or taxis are best. Book a ride with OrientTrips’ taxi service for ease.
Meraj Terminal: Northbound Gateway
Opened in 2011 in northeast Mashhad, Meraj Terminal (75,375 sqm) focuses on northern routes, handling 6,000 passengers and 200 buses daily. Near Imam Hadi Town, it’s a key hub for Khorasan Razavi and North Khorasan.
Routes from Meraj Terminal
It serves:
- Quchan: 50 buses.
- Shirvan: 15 buses.
- Bojnurd: 60 buses.
- Dargaz: 16 buses.
- Esfarayen: 15 buses.
- Chenaran: 150 minibuses.
Top Hotels in Mashhad for Your Stay
Discover the best hotels in Mashhad with great prices and premium services—close to the shrine and top attractions. Perfect for families and travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Amenities at Meraj Terminal
Facilities include:
- Parking: Two lots for 72 cars; one for 60 buses/minibuses.
- Maintenance: Bus repair shop.
- Services: Restrooms, public stalls, taxi stand.
- Green space: 7,000 sqm.
Compact yet efficient, it suits quick regional trips.
Getting to Meraj Terminal
At Fiazbakhsh Boulevard near Razavi Hospital, it’s reached by city buses (cheaper, less comfy) or taxis (faster, pricier). Online taxis save time—book via OrientTrips.
Silk Road Terminal: Northeast Connector
In southeast Mashhad, Silk Road Terminal (38,000 sqm, 4,000 sqm built) targets northeast Khorasan and, potentially, Central Asia, reflecting its historic Silk Road namesake. It handles 9,000 passengers and 300 buses daily.
Routes from Silk Road Terminal
Destinations include Sarakhs, Salehabad, Bazangan, Soltanabad-e Namak, Nishapur, Torbat-e Jam, Kashmar, Jolgeh Zaveh, Beynalud, Mazdavand, Mazduran, Miami, Dizbad, Nasr, Baghshan Nishapur, Baghcheh, Sarbala, Paskamar, Balharat, Abarvan, Kateh Talkh, Robat Sefid, Sabzevar, Qain, Gonabad, Khangiran, Pol-e Khatun, Darazab-e Jam, Bakhrez-e Jam, Abdelabad-e Jam, Piveh Jan, Dorud-e Nishapur, Qadamgah, Nasrabad-e Jam, Ferdows, Neqab-e Sabzevar, Dolatabad-e Sarakhs, Sarayan, Farhadgard. Minibuses cover rural areas like Firouzeh and Taybad, while taxis serve intercity needs.
Getting to Silk Road Terminal
At Rajai Town’s entrance on Sarakhs Road, opposite Rezavi Fruit Market, it’s accessible by city buses and taxis. The setup ensures easy transfers—book taxis with OrientTrips.
Contacting Mashhad’s Passenger Terminals
- Imam Reza Terminal:
- Phone: +98 51 3859 9001-7.
- Fax: +98 51 3854 5093.
- Email: terminals@mashhad.ir.
- Address: Shahid Kalantari Hwy, Islamic Revolution Sq., Mashhad, PO Box 1335.
- Meraj Terminal:
- Phone: +98 51 3691 0205.
- Fax: +98 51 3854 5093.
- Email: terminals@mashhad.ir.
- Address: Tus Blvd., Shahid Hossein Fahmideh Sq., Mashhad.
- Silk Road Terminal:
- Phone: +98 51 3372 6418.
- Fax: +98 51 3854 5093.
- Email: terminals@mashhad.ir.
- Address: Shahid Rajai Town Entrance, Mashhad.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
New to Mashhad? Book tickets early for routes like Mashhad to Tehran via OrientTrips—popular ones fill fast. Pack light layers; Mashhad’s weather shifts from warm days to cool nights. Carry Iranian Rial for terminal snacks or fares. Arrive early to explore amenities or relax. Post-trip, visit the Imam Reza Shrine or stroll Naderi Garden. Share your plans below!
Plan Your Mashhad Journey Today
Mashhad’s bus terminals—Imam Reza’s grandeur, Meraj’s northern focus, and Silk Road’s regional reach—cater to every traveler. With vast routes, modern comforts, and trusted operators, they ensure a smooth ride. Whether you’re bound for Sabzevar or beyond, Mashhad delivers. Book with OrientTrips and embrace a pilgrimage or adventure in Iran’s holy city.