Persian Gulf Highway Complete Guide: Freeway 7, Toll Rates & Payment 2025
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Persian Gulf Highway Complete Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) + Traditional Cash Payment
Coverage: Tehran to Isfahan (operational), Isfahan-Shiraz (under construction)
Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR) / Toman
Technology: TAG transponders, License plate recognition, Electronic toll gates
Operators: Ministry of Roads & Urban Development, Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway Company
Do I Need Electronic TAG for Persian Gulf Highway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need electronic TAG to drive on Persian Gulf Highway - but it offers significant time savings on the Tehran-Qom section. Also known as Freeway 7, this major north-south corridor connects Tehran to central Iran with plans to extend to the Persian Gulf via Shiraz.
Key Reality: The Tehran-Qom section features both electronic toll collection and traditional cash booths. Electronic payment eliminates queuing but requires pre-registration, while cash payment remains universally available but may involve delays during peak periods.
2025 Update: Tehran-Qom toll rates increased dramatically to 15,000 tomans (650% increase from 2,000 tomans) in November 2024. Isfahan-Shiraz freeway section opened October 2023, with the Isfahan-Izadkhast gap still under planning.
Persian Gulf Highway Toll Costs: Current Rates
Persian Gulf Highway operates as Freeway 7, Iran's strategic north-south corridor connecting Tehran to central Iran and planned extension to the Persian Gulf.
Current Toll Rates by Section (2025)
| Highway Section | Cars (Toman) | Heavy Vehicles | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tehran-Qom | 15,000 | 45,000-60,000 | Operational - Electronic TAG available |
| Qom-Kashan | Distance-based rates | 3x passenger car rates | Operational - Traditional tolling |
| Kashan-Natanz-Isfahan | Distance-based rates | Commercial vehicle rates | Operational to Zarrinshahr |
| Isfahan-Izadkhast | Planned rates | Under planning | Gap - Construction not started |
| Izadkhast-Shiraz (Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway) | BOT project rates | Commercial rates | Operational since Oct 2023 |
Route Overview and Length (2025)
Operational Sections: Tehran (Jahad Square) to Zarrinshahr (near Isfahan) - approximately 300+ kilometers
Under Construction: Isfahan-Shiraz connection via separate freeway project (225 km completed)
Major Cities Served: Tehran, Qom, Kashan, Natanz, Shahinshahr, Najafabad, Isfahan (Zarrinshahr), Shiraz
How to Pay Persian Gulf Highway Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on Persian Gulf Highway:
1. Electronic TAG System (Tehran-Qom Section):
- RFID transponders for non-stop toll payment
- Pre-registration required with Iranian transportation authorities
- Automatic account deduction system
- Available specifically on Tehran-Qom corridor
2. Traditional Cash Payment:
- Iranian Rial cash accepted at all toll plazas
- Payment in Toman (10 Rial = 1 Toman) widely used
- Available at toll booths throughout the highway
- Primary payment method on most sections
3. Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway Payment:
- BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) project with specialized toll collection
- 18-year partnership period including 14 years operation
- Multiple toll plazas along 225-kilometer route
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Persian Gulf Highway, use TollGuru Iran toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Dramatic Toll Increases (November 2024):
- Tehran-Qom section: 650% increase from 2,000 to 15,000 tomans
- Heavy vehicles: Proportional increases to 45,000-60,000 toman range
- First major rate adjustment in several years
- Government cited infrastructure maintenance funding needs
Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway Completion (October 2023):
- 225-kilometer freeway opened connecting Izadkhast to Shiraz
- Features 584 bridges totaling 4,052 meters and 2 galleries
- Reduces Isfahan-Shiraz travel distance by 122 kilometers
- 28,500 billion Rial investment over 18-year partnership period
Missing Link Construction Plans:
- Isfahan to Izadkhast gap: Planning stage, construction not yet started
- 7 kilometers completed beyond Zarrinshahr junction
- Final connection will complete Tehran-Shiraz freeway corridor
Regional Information & Connections
Tehran Metropolitan Area Connections:
- Tehran Toll Roads - Starts from Jahad Square at Azadegan Expressway
- Kazemi Expressway - Direct connection to downtown Tehran
- Behesht-e Zahra - Cemetery area and southern Tehran access
- Imam Khomeini International Airport - Major airport access route
Central Iran Historic Cities:
- Qom - Religious center with electronic toll collection pilot
- Kashan - Historic city and tourist destination
- Natanz - Strategic location between Kashan and Isfahan
- Shahinshahr - Industrial area near Isfahan
- Najafabad - Isfahan metropolitan area
Isfahan Regional Network:
- Isfahan Toll Roads - Ends at Zarrinshahr junction with Road 51
- Zobahan Freeway - Industrial and steel complex connections
- Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway - 225km connection to Fars Province
- Isfahan Metro - Public transit integration
Southern Extension & Persian Gulf Access:
- Shiraz - Southern terminus via Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway
- Fars Province - Regional highway network connections
- Hosseini Al-Hashemi Expressway - Final Shiraz connection
- Road 71 - Parallel route connecting Tehran to Persian Gulf
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Tehran-Qom: 15,000 tomans (major cost segment)
- Full Tehran-Isfahan journey: Multiple toll plazas with distance-based rates
- Isfahan-Shiraz: BOT project rates on 225-kilometer new freeway
- Heavy vehicles: 3x passenger car rates on most sections
Travel Time Benefits:
- Electronic TAG: Non-stop passage through Tehran-Qom toll plaza
- Isfahan-Shiraz freeway: 2-hour time saving compared to old route
- Mountain scenery: Tang Baragh, Behesht Gomashode, Doroodzan Dam Lake
- Reduced fuel consumption on modern freeway alignment
Alternative Routes:
- Road 71: Parallel route connecting Tehran to Persian Gulf (toll-free sections)
- Traditional highways: Available but with significantly longer travel times
- Regional roads: Connect to provincial highway networks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive from Tehran to Shiraz on Persian Gulf Highway?
Not entirely on a single freeway yet. You can drive Tehran to Zarrinshahr (near Isfahan) on Freeway 7, then must use traditional roads for the Isfahan-Izadkhast gap, then continue on the Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway to Shiraz. The missing link is under planning.
Why did Tehran-Qom tolls increase so dramatically?
The government cited years without rate adjustments and substantial infrastructure maintenance costs. Toll rates had remained at 2,000 tomans for several years while construction and maintenance expenses increased significantly.
When will the Isfahan-Izadkhast gap be completed?
Construction has not yet started. The section is currently in the planning phase. Only 7 kilometers have been completed beyond the Zarrinshahr junction where Freeway 7 currently ends.
Can foreign visitors use TAG electronic payment?
TAG system access may be limited for foreign visitors due to registration requirements with Iranian authorities. Cash payment at toll booths remains the most accessible option for international travelers.
What airports does Persian Gulf Highway serve?
The highway directly serves Imam Khomeini International Airport south of Tehran and provides access to Isfahan Airport. It's a major route for travelers heading to central and southern Iran destinations.
Persian Gulf Highway vs. Regional Routes
| Route | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Highway (Freeway 7) | Electronic + Cash | 15,000 Toman (Tehran-Qom) | Tehran to Isfahan (+ Shiraz gap) |
| UAE Highways | Electronic only (Salik) | AED 4-6 per gate | Dubai urban zones |
| Saudi Arabia | No tolls currently | SAR 0 | Extensive toll-free network |
| Azerbaijan | Limited tolling | Select routes only | Major highways |
| Turkmenistan | No tolls | Free access | Government-funded highways |
| Kazakhstan | No tolls | KZT 0 | Regional highway network |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Tehran-Qom Freeway - Electronic toll collection section with recent rate increases
- Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway - BOT project connecting central to southern Iran
- Iran Freeway 7 - Complete Persian Gulf Highway technical specifications
- Tehran Toll Roads - Metropolitan area connections and payment systems
- Isfahan Toll Roads - Regional highway network and Zarrinshahr junction
- Iran Electronic Toll Collection - TAG system setup and registration guide
Construction & Development:
- Isfahan-Shiraz Freeway Company: BOT project operator for southern extension
- Ministry of Roads & Urban Development: Primary authority for freeway development
- Iran Road Maintenance & Transportation Organization: Operational management
- Omran Iran Group: Construction consortium for Isfahan-Shiraz section
Tourist & Travel Information:
- Imam Khomeini International Airport: Direct freeway access from Tehran
- Historic cities: Qom (religious), Kashan (traditional), Isfahan (cultural)
- Scenic attractions: Tang Baragh, Behesht Gomashode, Doroodzan Dam Lake
- Mollasadra tourist resorts: Rest areas along Isfahan-Shiraz section
