How to get to Nowshahr

When planning a trip to Nowshahr, you are choosing a journey to a picturesque port city on the Caspian Sea coast in the Mazandaran province. This popular resort in Iran attracts tourists with its combination of seascapes and dense forests, offering excellent conditions for a relaxing holiday. Finding out how to get to Nowshahr is simple: beautiful scenic roads lead here through mountain ranges, and the presence of its own airport makes the city accessible by air as well.

The city is served by its own Nowshahr Airport (NSH), which handles domestic flights, ensuring a quick connection to the coast. Most often, travelers fly here via Tehran or other major cities in the country, making air travel the fastest way to reach the sea without tiring journeys.

If tickets for direct flights are unavailable, alternatives include the airports in the neighboring cities of Sari (about 141 km) and Rasht (approximately 182 km). These air hubs receive a larger number of flights, and from there, it is easy to continue the journey by taxi along the picturesque coast.

A railway journey directly to Nowshahr is not possible, as the city lacks its own train station. The optimal solution would be to take a train to the country's capital, Tehran, which is located approximately 104 km away in a straight line and serves as the key transport hub of the region.

You can also consider routes via stations in the cities of Sari or Rasht. From these railway junctions, tourists will need to transfer to a car or bus to cover the remaining distance to this resort area of Iran.

Bus travel is a popular and budget-friendly way to reach the coast. Most tourists choose routes from Tehran: comfortable buses depart regularly from the capital's terminals, crossing picturesque mountain passes in just a few hours.

It is also convenient to travel via routes from neighboring administrative centers, such as Sari or Rasht. Intercity buses in Iran are usually comfortable and allow you to enjoy the views of Mazandaran province on the way to the sea.

Traveling by car is one of the most beautiful ways to get to the city, especially if driving through the mountains. The most popular route runs from Tehran: the distance is about 149 km, and the travel time will take approximately 2.6 hours, revealing breathtaking views to travelers.

A journey from Sari covering 168 km will require about 2.9 hours behind the wheel. If you are driving from the city of Rasht, be prepared for a road stretching 206 km, which will take around 4 hours. Taxis are available on these routes, but it is best to agree on the trip cost with the driver in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Nowshahr requires consideration of local cultural nuances and the humid subtropical climate. To ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Dress Code. Adhere to local clothing standards: for women, a headscarf (hijab) and loose clothing covering arms and legs are mandatory; for men, shorts are not recommended. Consider the high humidity in summer by choosing natural fabrics.
2. Finances. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) practically do not work in Iran. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of cash (US Dollars or Euros) to exchange for local Rials.
3. Transport. For moving around the city and its surroundings, it is most convenient to use taxis. It is recommended to install local taxi-hailing apps (similar to Uber) to avoid language barriers and overpaying.
4. Language. The official language is Persian (Farsi). English is not spoken by everyone, especially outside of hotels, so it is useful to learn a few phrases or download an offline translator.
5. "Taarof" Etiquette. Be prepared for the local system of politeness. If a vendor or driver refuses to take money the first time, this is a gesture of courtesy, not a free service — you must insist on paying.
6. Weekends. Remember that Friday is the weekend. On this day, many shops and government institutions may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule.
7. Photography. Avoid photographing government buildings, military facilities, and police stations. This may raise serious questions from security services.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid awkward situations and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the hospitable Caspian coast.