Hamadan Travel Guide
- Hamadan, Iran
Welcome to Hamadan
Hamadan, historically known as Ecbatana (Hegmataneh), was the historical capital of the Medes. Outstanding historical and natural attractions are the main reasons you can not miss this city. To experience an unforgettable trip to Hamedan, read this travel guide and proceed with the complete information.
- Rail distance: 264 km
- Land distance: 320 km
- By air: 1h40
- By train: 2h
- By bus: 4h
- By private driver guide: The best route to Hamadan from Tehran is through Tehran-Saveh and Saveh-Hamedan road. You can either drive via Qazvin road. Leaveabode driver guides are all licensed and professional. They will add much to your trips weigh.
- By air: Traveling on a plane saves your time. Hamedan Airport is located 5 km out of the city. There are at least two daily flights from Tehran to Hamedan. There are also flights to Shiraz, Tabriz, Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas and Hamedan.
- By Bus: Hamedan has three bus stations to travel to other cities.
- By Train: There is not a train station in Hamedan city. The only railway station in Hamadan province is in Malayer. A train to Tehran departs this station every two days.
Hamedan is located in a mountainous region of Zagros, so it experiences cold and windy mountainous winters. July and August, as the moderate months the weather is cool and pleasant, however, occasionally, the temperature rises up to 36 degrees Celsius.
Mid-May to late September is recommended as the best time to visit Hamadan when the weather is nice and pleasant.
The natural and historical attractions of Hamedan are where you feel this city really deserves a visit. The most famous natural attraction of Hamedan is Ali Sadr Cave, the world largest water cave. And the historical attractions are Ganjnameh, Baba Taher Tomb, Bu-Ali Sina Tomb, Ekbatana Hill and Museum, Esther and Mordechai Tomb, Alavian Dome, Ghorban Tower
Medes era: Hamedan has been inhabited by Iranian tribes for thousands of years. Based on the archeological studies, the civilization in Hamadan dates back to the third millennium BC. Hamedan is commonly known as the land of the Medes. As Herodotus says, in the late eighth century BC, the Medes came to power under the leadership of Deioces, the first king of the Medes who chose Hamedan as the capital of the emperorship. The capital of the Medes was and still is known as Ecbatana. The remains of the city and the castle of Deioces are now remained in the Ecbatana hill.
Achaemenid era: During the Achaemenid era, Hamedan was chosen as the summer capital.
Hamedan was one of the areas that was defeated, looted and destroyed during Alexander’s invasion.
Latest era: Hamedan was also very important during the Parthian and Sassanid periods. The history of Hamedan has experienced many ups and downs in Islamic periods.
Luxury to economy class accommodations is available in Hamedan.
- Luxury hotels: some quality and beautiful hotels in Hamedan are Bu Ali, Amiran and Parsian Hotels.
- Mid-range hotels: Khatam Apartment Hotel, Varzesh and Arian Hotels.
- Economy hotels: Ali Sadr Cave tourist hotel, Varkoneh ecolodge are some to mention.
Hamedan, like other cities has both sweets and handicrafts.
Intercity buses and taxis are the only public transportation means in Hamedan. There is no metro in the city.
- Bu Ali Hospital
Address: Hamedan, Mahdieh Street, after People’s Park
Phone number: 8138381022 - Ekbatan Hospital
Address: Taleghani St., Hamedan
Phone number: 8138256120 - Shahid Motahari Hospital
Address: Hamedan, Shahid Khorram Rudi Boulevard
Phone number: 8138222003
