There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Sarakhs into a quick city adventure. From CKT, the Taxi can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside CKT
Before heading into Sarakhs, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Iran vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Sarakhs is roughly 40 minutes from CKT via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in IRR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IRR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from CKT to Sarakhs
From CKT, the Taxi gets you to Sarakhs in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Bag Storage Near CKT
Specific locker facilities at CKT aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sarakhs itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Sarakhs might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to See and Do in Sarakhs
If you head into Sarakhs, here are two things worth checking out:
Sarakhs Bazaar is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Sarakhs Central Park (Park-e Markazi) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
If you’d rather stay inside CKT — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Sarakhs Airport Waiting Area
- Airport Mini-Mart & Souvenirs
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Sarakhs: Meykhos Restaurant and Golestan Tea House. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Sarakhs Airport Cafe & Buffet or Express Snack & Drink Kiosk. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CKT, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sarakhs 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.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CKT
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CKT.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Sarakhs exploring the streets or relaxing at CKT, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.