Iran Border Crossings: 2026 Guide to 7 Neighbours
Iran border crossings link the country with seven neighbours. See the main points for trucks and rail, and how to choose the right one.
Iran border crossings connect the country with seven neighbours: Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. Some crossings carry heavy truck traffic, others are small or serve only part of the year. The right one depends on your cargo, your destination and your permits.
This guide lists the main crossings by neighbour and explains which ones have rail links. It also shows how to choose a crossing and what to expect there. Opening hours, quotas and rules change often, so confirm current conditions before you dispatch.
Iran border crossings by neighbour
The table lists the main crossings by neighbour. The Iranian name comes first, followed by its counterpart across the border.
| Neighbour | Crossings |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Bazargan–Gürbulak, Sero–Esendere, Razi–Kapıköy |
| Armenia | Norduz–Meghri |
| Azerbaijan | Astara, Bileh Savar, Jolfa, Poldasht |
| Turkmenistan | Sarakhs, Lotfabad–Artyk, Bajgiran–Gaudan, Incheh Borun–Altyn Asyr |
| Afghanistan | Dogharoun–Islam Qala, Milak–Zaranj, Mahirud–Farah |
| Pakistan | Mirjaveh–Taftan, Rimdan–Gabd (opened 2020) |
| Iraq | Shalamcheh, Chazabeh, Mehran, Khosravi, Parviz Khan, Bashmagh, Tamarchin |
Not every crossing handles commercial trucks or every cargo type. Hours and status vary, and some points open for trade only at certain times. Always ask your forwarder which point suits your load.
Western Iran border crossings: Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan
Bazargan is widely described as the busiest crossing with Turkey. It has served road traffic since the 1950s. Razi opened in 2011 and is linked to the railway. Sero is the third option on this border. For road routes into Turkey, see our guide to shipping from Turkey to Iran.
For the Caucasus, cargo uses Astara and Bileh Savar on the Azerbaijan border. Jolfa connects with the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, and its railway has a break of gauge. Norduz leads to Armenia and onward to Georgia. For onward journeys, see our article on freight from Iran to Russia.
North-eastern and eastern Iran border crossings
Iran and Turkmenistan have four main shared crossings: Sarakhs, Lotfabad, Bajgiran and Incheh Borun. Sarakhs and Incheh Borun also have rail links. Both involve a break of gauge, because Iran's network uses 1,435 mm and the former Soviet network uses 1,520 mm. These points are the gateway to Central Asia, as explained in our article on Iran to Central Asia freight routes.
Dogharoun, near Taybad, is the main point for Afghanistan. Milak and Mahirud are other listed crossings on that border. The Khaf–Herat railway opened in December 2020 and adds a rail option near this area. Check which sections operate before you plan around it.
Mirjaveh–Taftan is the main road crossing with Pakistan. The railway from Pakistan crosses at the same area and runs to Zahedan. Pakistan uses a 1,676 mm gauge, so cargo is transshipped at Zahedan.
Iraq border crossings
Iran has several crossings with Iraq. In the south, Shalamcheh faces Basra province. Further north, Chazabeh, Mehran and Khosravi serve the western border. In the north, Parviz Khan, Bashmagh and Tamarchin lead into the Kurdistan Region. Which crossing is open to commercial trucks can change, so confirm it for each shipment. No rail link crosses into Iraq yet. A Basra–Shalamcheh railway has been announced, but 2026 reports say construction had not yet started.
Rail links at Iran border crossings
Several Iran border crossings also handle trains. The main ones are:
- Razi with Turkey, where the route also involves a train ferry across Lake Van.
- Jolfa, which reaches Nakhchivan with a break of gauge; confirm the service is running.
- Astara, where a dual-gauge rail crossing to Azerbaijan was commissioned at the end of 2017; the Rasht–Astara line is still incomplete.
- Sarakhs and Incheh Borun with Turkmenistan.
- Mirjaveh with Pakistan, with transshipment at Zahedan.
Rail suits large volumes, but it depends on terminal capacity and wagon supply. Ask for a current schedule before you commit. Our guide to rail freight from Iran explains the advantages and limits.
How trucks move through Iran border crossings
A typical crossing follows the same basic sequence:
- The truck arrives at the terminal and waits in the queue.
- Customs checks the documents and the seals.
- The vehicle may be weighed or inspected.
- Cargo is cleared, or transit control starts if the goods only cross Iran.
- The truck exits through the neighbouring country's checkpoint.
Good paperwork shortens the stay. Make sure that the invoice, packing list and transport document show the same weights, quantities and consignee. Mismatches are a common reason for delays at any border. Permit rules for foreign trucks vary by country pair. At some points, cargo may need to change vehicle. Ask about this before you sign a contract. For the paperwork itself, read our overview of import steps from China to Iran as an example.
How to choose among Iran border crossings
Use these criteria when you compare options:
- Destination and the road distance after the border.
- Cargo type, weight and dimensions.
- Permit quotas and fees for your vehicle nationality.
- Typical queues and opening hours.
- Rail availability and break-of-gauge handling.
- Winter conditions on the mountain roads before and after the crossing.
Royan Logistic is based in Tehran and arranges road, rail and sea freight, groupage and full-truckload shipments, and customs coordination. See our road freight service and our customs coordination page.
Confirm current rules with the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, known as IRICA. Check current trade, banking and insurance restrictions with your bank or legal adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Which of the Iran border crossings is busiest?
Bazargan on the Turkish border is widely described as the busiest. Traffic at others depends on the season and on trade patterns.
Are all Iran border crossings open 24 hours?
No. Hours and status differ by crossing and can change. Confirm them for your dates.
Which crossing is best for Central Asia?
Sarakhs, Lotfabad and Incheh Borun lead to Turkmenistan. The best one depends on your destination and your permits.
Can containers cross by rail?
Yes at points with rail links, but a break of gauge adds handling at several of them. Ask about wagon and terminal availability.
Plan your crossing with Royan Logistic
Send the origin, destination, cargo details and preferred crossing in our quote form. We will compare realistic options for your route across Iran border crossings.
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