The natural road route from Iran to Europe runs through Turkey. Cargo is usually loaded in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan or another Iranian city, enters Turkey at Bazargan–Gürbulak, crosses Turkey in transit and reaches the European Union at Kapıkule or İpsala. Royan Logistic plans this chain as one shipment and follows the truck, the documents and the border steps along the way.
How the route works
- Loading in Iran: the cargo is collected from your factory or warehouse and export clearance is completed in Iran.
- Iran–Turkey border: mostly Bazargan–Gürbulak, or Razi–Kapıköy when it suits better. See our Iran–Turkey freight page for the crossings.
- Transit through Turkey: the cargo crosses Turkey under a TIR carnet with a CMR consignment note.
- Entry into the EU: Kapıkule towards Bulgaria or İpsala towards Greece. For some cargo, a Ro-Ro connection from Turkish ports to Trieste in Italy is also an option.
- Delivery: import clearance is completed in the consignee's country and the cargo is delivered to the address.
Destination countries
We plan freight to countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Moldova. Across Europe we carry on Iranian-plated trucks; transit permits and documents are confirmed for each country and shipment.
Bulgaria warehouse and groupage
Royan Logistic has its own warehouse in Bulgaria. The warehouse offers storage, loading and unloading, and is available to customers who need cargo loaded or unloaded in Europe.
We also offer groupage (LTL) freight from Europe and from Turkey. For loads that do not fill a truck, scope, routing and schedule are confirmed for each request. To ask about the warehouse or groupage, contact us.
Transport options
| Option | Usually suits |
|---|---|
| Full truckload (TIR) | Full loads, door-to-door delivery without transshipment |
| Groupage | A few pallets, regular small shipments |
| Refrigerated | Fresh produce, dairy and other temperature-sensitive cargo |
| Intermodal | Plans combining road with Ro-Ro or container legs |
Typical cargo from Iran to Europe
Carpets and handicrafts, dried fruit, pistachios and other nuts, saffron, dates, natural stone and tiles, and polymer and chemical products are common cargo groups from Iran to Europe. On the return leg from Europe to Iran, machinery, spare parts and industrial equipment are typical. For food products the destination's health and labelling rules are central to planning; for stone and tiles it is weight and securing.
Documents and transit procedure
Iran and Turkey are both parties to the TIR Convention, so cargo usually travels in transit under a TIR carnet in a customs-sealed truck. Typical documents include:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- CMR consignment note and TIR carnet
- Certificate of origin
- Depending on the product, a phytosanitary certificate, health certificate or analysis report
- Import declaration at destination and the EU importer's EORI number
Payment and documentation requirements are reviewed for each shipment, and the exact set is confirmed against the product and the destination's current rules.
Transit times
As an approximate guide, road freight from Tehran to Germany takes around 10–14 days. The time depends on queues at the Iranian and Turkish borders, traffic at Kapıkule, customs clearance, the season and driving-time rules. We give you a realistic plan for your cargo at the quotation stage.
What to send for a quote
- Loading address in Iran and delivery address in Europe
- Cargo type, HS code if known, and packaging
- Number of pallets or pieces, dimensions and total gross weight
- Incoterms and target loading date
Send the details through the form on our contact page and we will come back with a route and transport proposal. For other road options, see international road freight.
Frequently asked questions
Which route does cargo from Iran to Europe take?
It usually enters Turkey at Bazargan–Gürbulak, crosses Turkey under a TIR carnet and enters the EU via Kapıkule (Bulgaria) or İpsala (Greece). For some cargo a Ro-Ro connection from Turkish ports to Italy is also considered.
How long does road freight from Tehran to Germany take?
Approximately 10–14 days, depending on border queues, customs clearance and the season. We prepare a specific plan for your cargo at the quotation stage.
Is a TIR carnet required?
Transit cargo usually travels under a TIR carnet; Iran and Turkey are both TIR Convention parties. The procedure used is decided for each shipment based on the route and carrier.
Can I send a small shipment to Europe?
Yes. For a few pallets we look at groupage. Your cargo is consolidated with other loads on the same route, so costs are shared, although consolidation can add some time.
Do you ship food products to Europe?
Yes. We ship dried fruit, nuts, saffron and dates, and plan refrigerated trucks for temperature-sensitive cargo. The destination's health and labelling rules are confirmed for each product.
Do you also carry cargo from Europe to Iran?
Yes. We plan cargo such as machinery, spare parts and industrial equipment from Europe to Iran on the same route in the opposite direction.
Can I send a groupage load from Europe or Turkey?
Yes. We offer groupage (LTL) freight from Europe and from Turkey. Share the cargo details and the pickup point and we will confirm the options with you.
Do you have a warehouse in Bulgaria?
Yes. We have our own warehouse in Bulgaria that offers storage, loading and unloading. It is available to customers who want to load or unload cargo in Europe.
