Trains in Iran and getting in from Armenia

Hello everyone,

I have two questions regarding trains in Iran.
First of all, do I need to book for night trains (Tabriz-Tehran, Tehran Isfahan, Isfahan-Shiraz) or is it ok to just buy a ticket on the day I leave? If I need to book, where can I do this from abroad?

Secondly, I am planning to cross the border from Armenia to Iran around October 27th but I've read somewhere that the train (or bus?) needs to be booked 7 days in advance to be safe. Can anyone tell me if this is true and is train the best (quickest) way from Yerevan to Tabriz?

Thanks

I think its probably better to book a day or two before. The trains I travelled with in Iran where all pretty much booked to the last place, although I did also manange to get a ticket for the same day on one occation.
I can't help you on the ticket to Yerevan-Tabriz question unfortunately. No trains on this route through - only buses !

well, in May i bought the bus ticket from Yerevan to Tehran one day in advance and it was absolutely no problem. Price is about 70 US-$.

There is an Iranian travel agency not far from the republic square in Yerevan that organizes the daily bus trip.

In August I bought a bus ticket from Yerevan to Tehran the day before I went for USD 53... I bought it at a smallish bus terminal. The bus left from a big international hotel (that was under renovation I believe) not far from the Republic Square indeed... very precise I know I'll try to come up with more accurate info, but I can confirm that there are no trains.

Thanks a lot for your answers.

George5, can you tell me how I can book those trains? Any way I can do it while being abroad?

You could try calling an Iranian travel agency and have them book them for you at a premium. But with all the hassle of sending money to and from Iran, you're better off just buy them at a travel agency once you arrive in Tehran.