Welcome to Kerman, the attractive desert city and one of the five most historic cities In Iran. Here is an ultimate Kerman travel guide where you can find all essential information about how to travel to Kerman and what to do in this must-see Iran destination.
Kerman at a Glance
City of Carpet
Known as the world centre of Persian carpet production
Capital of Iran
Capital of Kerman province, and the home to over 500,000 inhabitants
Kerman Population
The large city in Iran and the home to over 500,000 inhabitants
UNESCO Heritage Site
located in the southeast of Iran on the edge of the Dasht-e Lut Desert (UNESCO Heritage Site)
Kerman Altitude
With the altitude of 1754m above sea level
Kerman Antiquity
ancient city dating to the 3rd century AD
Where is Kerman?
The first thing to know about a tourist destination is its location. Hence, in this Kerman Travel Guide, we present information about Kerman location. Kerman is the capital of Kerman Province located in the southeast of Iran and the vicinity of Fars and Yazd Provinces. Moreover, the city is situated on the edge of the Dasht-e Lut Desert, the UNESCO Heritage Natural Site).
Furthermore, the flying distance between Kerman and Tehran is equal to 800 km, while its land distance is about 990 km. On the other hand, the land distance between Kerman and Shahdad Kalouts, the most extraordinary geological feature in the Dasht-e Lut, is about 146 km.
Kerman History
Getting information about the destination’s history, especially a historic destination like Iran, is essential for every tourist. Hence, in this Kerman Travel Guide, we present a brief introduction to Kerman History.
Evidence from excavations indicates that the city of Kerman dates back to the 3rd century AD. Throughout the history of Iran, Kerman has been chosen as the capital several times, including a period during the Zand Dynasty. As a result, Kerman Province houses many historical monuments that some of them are prominent Iran UNESCO Heritage Sites. Besides, Kerman developed during the Safavid period, when the Hand-made Persian Carpet was exported to Germany and England for the first time.
Interestingly, Kerman sister city is Kannami, Shizuoka Prefecture, in Japan.
Where to Stay in Kerman?
(Price, Facilities, Distance from attractions , Map, Photos, Testimonials & ...)
How to Get to Kerman
As Kerman is a famous touristic city in Iran, there are several ways to get to Kerman. Hence, in this Kerman Travel Guide, we introduce you to different ways to get to Kerman.
You can travel to Kerman through Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani International Airport. This airport covers some international flights from foreign cities such as Dubai, Baghdad, Najaf, etc. On the other hand, there are many domestic flights between Kerman and the major cities in Iran every day. Among these flight paths, the routes from Kerman to Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Qeshm Island, Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, and Ahvaz are highly demanded by tourists.
Finally, note that Kerman International Airport, located within 12 km of the city center, has convenient access to the city main parts and downtown. Accordingly, you can use a taxi to reach the airport. In short, an internet taxi costs about 300000 rials from the city center to Kerman airport.
Travel to Kerman
by Plane
The most economical way to travel to Kerman is by bus. Also, you can get to Kerman from almost anywhere in Iran on a bus. Besides, although riding a train is the safest option, many passengers choose the bus. Because it is faster and there are plenty of VIP buses from different parts of Iran to Kerman.
Accordingly, Adineh Kariman Bus Terminal, located not far from the city center, is the main bus terminal in southeastern Iran. There are plenty of buses that arrive in/depart this bus terminal from/to different Iran cities from early in the morning until midnight. Furthermore, since Tehran-Kerman is the most common route, there are several buses in different classes daily.
Travel to Kerman
by Bus
You can travel to Kerman from Iran main cities by train in different classes from the standard class to a 5-star one. Generally, the Kerman train covers the routes to Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Yazd, etc. Please note that the train journey between Kerman and Tehran takes about 15 hours. So you can choose a night train journey between Kerman and Tehran to reduce your travel expenses.
Finally, Kerman railway station is located in the southwest of the city center, and if there is no traffic, you can reach downtown in 20 minutes by taxi. For instance, if you plan to visit Ganjali Jahan Square at the beginning of your trip, you will reach your destination in about 15 to 20 minutes under regular traffic.
Travel to Kerman
By Train
Main motorways and highways connect Kerman to all parts of Iran. So, many passengers choose to travel in a private car as its schedule is flexible and is faster and more convenient than bus and train.
Travel to Kerman
By Car
What DoYou Know about Kerman Attractions?
How to Move around Kerman
Although most Kerman points of interest are within walking distance from the city old district, the information about transportation in Kerman is essential for every tourist. Hence, in this Kerman Travel Guide, we introduce you to different ways to move around Kerman. In any case, you can rent a private car with a driver, use taxis or public transports such as buses or the metro.
Get around Kerman in Taxi
You can use an internet Taxi called Snapp and TAPSI. These kinds of Taxis work like Uber. So, you can download the application on your phone and easily take an internet taxi within a few minutes wherever you are. Also, you can pay the taxi fee in cash (Rials). Another option is to get a taxi through a “telephone taxi agency.” These taxis will get you to the destination and also wait for you whenever you want. So, to get this kind of taxi, you can ask your hotel reception or your Iranian friend to do it for you.
Get around Kerman in Bus
Honestly, the bus is not a convenient choice for a tourist to get around Kerman. Because the bus stations are sometimes confusing for a foreign traveler. However, you can get complete information about your destination station and the bus that you should get from the locals and use this kind of transportation. Notably, there are separate men’s and ladies’ sections on each bus.
Get around Kerman in Private Car with Driver
Obviously, renting a private car with a driver is the most expensive option to get around Kerman, But, it is the fastest and most convenient choice. Besides, you can rent a car with a driver for one day to go to the tourist attractions that are located around Kerman, such as Shazdeh Garden in Mahan, Arg-e Bam, Arg-e Rayen, Shahdad Kalouts in the Lut Desert, etc. In short, the expense of renting a private sedan car with a driver per day starts at about 3000000 rials.
What to Eat in Kerman?
Where to Eat in Kerman
Best Restaurants in Kerman
In recent years, visiting restaurants and tasting different foods have become one of the most attractive activities during a trip. It is interesting to know that this issue has been taken very seriously in Iran and you can find excellent and even international restaurants in the cities of this country. However, you are in Iran for a short time, and it is better to go for the best options in this limited time.
Accordingly, selecting a good restaurant in Kerman, where there are restaurants on every corner, is very difficult. So, if you want to taste delicious and quality food in the best restaurants in Kerman during your trip, join us in this Kerman travel guide.
Asiab Badi Restaurant
Asiab Badi Restaurant is located in the Asiab Badi Tourist Complex, the largest windmill structure in the Middle East, designed and built inspired by a Dutch windmill. This restaurant, which has a unique and extraordinary architecture, welcomes its guests with various Iranian and international dishes. Besides, there is a cozy coffee shop in this complex.
Vakil Restaurant
Vakil Restaurant is one of the traditional restaurants in Kerman, which is located in the old Vakil Bazaar. After sightseeing in Kerman Vakil Bazaar, go to this restaurant and try the delicious Persian food of this restaurant, especially Kebab and Dizi. Interestingly, the old atmosphere of this restaurant is very attractive for tourists.
Paliz Restaurant
Paliz Restaurant is a large complex located on Rah Ahan Boulevard in Kerman. This complex includes several halls, a coffee shop and a traditional restaurant serving a variety of Persian dishes.