Mashhad to Ashgabat route: crossing into Turkmenistan
This 210 km route connects Mashhad, Iran to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, taking approximately 42 hours of travel time. The journey traverses the Iran-Turkmenistan border, one of Central Asia's key crossing points.
- Distance
- 210.3 km
- Duration
- 1 day
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Mashhad
- End
- Ashgabat
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mashhad — Mashhad is Iran’s holiest city and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Islamic world. The vast Imam Reza Shrine complex attracts millions of visitors every…
- Ashgabat — Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan, renowned for its white marble buildings and grandiose monuments. In the northwestern part of the city stands the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque…
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Plan to pick up your Turkmenistan visa at the consulate in Mashhad before crossing the border; allow time for processing.
- Transport
- Expect border crossing to take approximately 2.5 hours; the Iran side is easier (Carnet and visa stamping), but Turkmenistan side involves multiple offices and procedures.
- Avoid
- Do not record video or take photos for the first 25 kilometers after entering Turkmenistan until you reach the next police checkpoint.
- Tip
- At Turkmenistan border, you must pay approximately $14 for initial papers, then $73 for insurance and fees at the bank; also undergo a brief doctor's office check.
- Tip
- If you have a transit visa for Turkmenistan, your route is fixed and predetermined; you cannot deviate from the assigned road.
- Transport
- Bike inspection at border includes security questions about weapons; cooperate fully and do not record during this process.
- Where to stay
- Hotels in Ashgabat offer large rooms at affordable prices (around 15 euros); search for fancier hotels if you need reliable internet.
- Transport
- Fuel up before leaving Ashgabat as there are few petrol stations in the desert transit route through Turkmenistan.
- Tip
- Plan for no internet access while transiting through Turkmenistan; expect to regain connectivity in Uzbekistan.
Video on this route
[S1 - Eps. 65] CROSSING INTO TURKMENISTAN