If you’ve got a layover in Maragheh, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ACP. The city, in Iran, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave ACP:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Iran. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Maragheh takes about 50 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is IRR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IRR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Maragheh
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Maragheh might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Maragheh.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ACP may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Maragheh’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
What’s Worth Seeing in Maragheh
If you head into Maragheh, here are two things worth checking out:
Gonbad-e Sorkh (Red Dome) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Maragheh.
Maragheh Observatory (Museum of Astronomy) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ACP, check out Sahand Airport Waiting Area & Observation or Local Souvenir Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
In Maragheh
If you make it into town, Amir Kabir Restaurant & Kitchen is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Abshar Garden Restaurant.
Inside ACP
If you’re staying in the terminal, Sahand Airport Canteen is your main option. Airport Coffee & Pastry Bar works too if you want something quick.
Sleep & Lounge Options at ACP
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ACP has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ACP, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Maragheh itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Iran that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Maragheh count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ACP. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.