Traveling from Mashhad to Qom by train offers a practical and scenic way to connect two of Iran’s most significant cities. Known as the “Shrine to Shrine” route, this 955-kilometer trip links the bustling pilgrimage hub of Mashhad, home to the Imam Reza Shrine, with Qom, a spiritual center housing the Fatima Masumeh Shrine.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, a tourist, or simply exploring Iran, booking a Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket ensures comfort, affordability, and a chance to see the country’s diverse landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Mashhad to Qom train journey.
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Why Choose the Train?
The Mashhad to Qom route, spanning roughly 12–14 hours, strikes a balance between cost and convenience. Booking a Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket provides more legroom and relaxation than buses, while keeping expenses lower than flights.
With daily departures and a variety of train types, this option suits solo travelers, families, and groups alike. Plus, the journey winds through cities like Nishapur, Shahroud, and Tehran, offering glimpses of Iran’s plains, mountains, and urban life from your window.
Train Options and Companies
Several rail operators serve this route, each with distinct offerings:
- Raja Rail: A veteran provider since 1996, Raja runs frequent trains—every four hours—featuring 4-berth, 6-berth, and 5-star options. Tickets start at around $24, with amenities like meals and climate control. Car transport is available too.
- Fadak: Known for luxury, Fadak offers modern 4-berth coupes in Economy, Business, and Special classes. Expect ergonomic beds, TVs, and attentive service, though prices are higher.
- Ben Rail: Operating since 1992, it provides 3-star, 4-star, and VIP trains with Wi-Fi, snacks, and spacious seating.
- Rail Seir Kosar: Runs 4-berth Ghazal and 6-berth Optima trains, ideal for budget-conscious groups, with audio-visual systems.
- Rail Tarabar Saba: Features Ghadir and Negin trains, plus bus-style seating, with practical comforts like power outlets.
Train types include:
- 4-Berth Coupes: Cozy and common, perfect for small parties.
- 6-Berth Coupes: Economical and suited for larger groups.
- Bus-Style Trains: Faster, seat-based, and budget-friendly.
Check OrientTrips for specifics on schedules and amenities tailored to each operator.
Booking Your Ticket
Securing a Mashhad to Qom train ticket is straightforward with platforms like OrientTrips. Here’s how:
- Visit OrientTrips: Enter Mashhad as your origin, Qom as your destination, your travel date, and passenger count, then hit “Search.”
- Pick Your Train: Browse options, filtering by price, coupe type, or company. Daily price averages help you spot deals.
- Reserve: Sign into your account, select “Online Reservation,” input passenger details (name, passport number, etc.), and pay via card, PayPal, or bank transfer. You’ll get a confirmation email instantly.
Tickets go fast, especially during pilgrimage seasons or holidays. Pre-sales open every 15 days, so book early—ideally a month ahead. If your preferred Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket is full, activate the “Notify Me” feature to catch openings.
Pricing Factors
Costs vary based on:
- Train class (standard to 5-star)
- Coupe size (4 or 6 berths)
- Service level (basic vs. luxury)
- Booking timing (pre-sale discounts)
- Extras like private coupes or car transport
On OrientTrips, Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket prices start at roughly $7 for basic seats, climbing to $24 or more for Raja’s standard coupes and higher for premium options like Fadak. Kids aged 2–12 pay half, while infants ride free.
The Route and Stops
Covering 811 kilometers by rail (599 miles by road), the trip takes 14–15 hours. Trains depart Mashhad Railway Station in Railway Square and arrive at Qom’s station on Sepah Square. Key stops include:
- Nishapur
- Shahroud
- Semnan
- Tehran
- Varamin
Not all trains halt at every station—check your Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket’s itinerary. Night trains, like Raja’s 4:45 PM departure arriving at 6:20 AM, let you rest en route.
Amenities Onboard
Facilities depend on your train:
- Bedding: Standard on sleeper coupes.
- Food: Snacks on most, full meals on 5-star trains.
- Power: Outlets in coupes.
- Restrooms: Iranian and Western styles per carriage.
- Climate Control: Heating and AC throughout.
- Entertainment: TVs on luxury trains.
Review “Trip Details” on OrientTrips for exact offerings.
Rules to Know
- Arrive one hour early with a printed or digital ticket and ID.
- No smoking onboard.
- Foreigners need passport numbers at booking.
- Cancellation refunds deduct a fee—contact support@orienttrips.com to process.
- Car transport requires a separate ticket.
Getting to the Stations
- Mashhad: Railway Square is central—use taxis, buses, or the metro.
- Qom: Sepah Square is city-accessible via bus or taxi. Nearby hotels like Persia Grand (5-star) or Jamil suit overnight stays.
Why It’s Worth It
This route isn’t just transport—it’s a pilgrimage artery connecting two holy cities. Mashhad’s shrine and Qom’s sacred sites draw millions, yet the Mashhad to Qom Train Ticket offers a calm counterpoint, with safety, affordability, and views of Iran’s heartland.
Whether you’re tracing spiritual paths or exploring history, booking through OrientTrips ensures a seamless start. Grab your ticket now and roll from one shrine to another in style.