Crossing Turkey to go into Iran

[bomboliere]

Hi everybody,
starting from Cesme (west coast Turkey) and having to pass to Iran, there are many routes but - generalizing - one on the north (Ankara, sivas, erzurum, dogubeyazif) and one on the south (konya, adanadyarbakir, Van)
The south one would drive to cross the border with Iran, in the south, at Kapikoy border, smaller custom, while the northern one drives to the most busy Bazargan, (lotta truks etc)
The southern seems to be more panoramic (lake Van, etc)
The distance is not too different, approx 1900/2000 km.

Anyone may give me suggestion on the better one ?(taking into account the customs issues)

many thanks

[kobold]

Most people uses Dogubeyazit because people usually get their VISA for Iran from Iran Consulate in Erzurum and it is the main border gate between Iran & Turkey.

You could take southern route (hotter) and then decide whether heading up to the north or try to cross the border from Kapikoy.

As for the road conditions, winter at the east of Turkey is harsh so there is icing, snow etc. though main roads usually are ok (if it is not snowing) and temperatures are subzero most of the time. (Erzurum is colder than Van, around -5 to -10 C daytime and around -25 nighttime)

Cheers,
Ozgur

[cozcan]

All the people I know who made Iran from Turkey have used Northern Dogubeyazit route without any issues. The crowd at the customs is also an opportunity to get detailed info and even help regarding the country (fuel, routes, etc.)

If you happen to pass by Izmir from Cesme just send me a PM. I can help you in and around.

Cheers

Can

[bomboliere]

I'll do, thanks.
Furthermore, I understand that there is a third border too: Seru, more south than Kapikoy....
Which one will be the best ????
I know, from my past experience in Mauritania/Senegal, that chosing the best border crossing may save you time, money and ... sometimes rage! (ie Djama vs Rosso!!!)

thanks

[uk_vette]

Sorry to jump in here, but, not really a hijack,
If I am passing Istanbul on my way to Syria, which border do the HUBB suggest?

Possibley Dar'a, just after Dimashq ?
I have no route planned yet.
Also, next stop Jordan, so which exit border also if you could.

many thanks

'vette

[arkiboys]

Hi,
I have heard Northern Dogubeyazit is the border to cross into Iran.
We as a family will drive from London, UK, cross Turkey from East to west and then into Iran in summer 2010.

[MikeS]

I took the Sero crossing. Very nice scenery from Van all the way to the Border. Its a quiet border and felt like the only guy crossing.

I don't know about the other crossings but that whole area looked really nice for some free camping.

IMG_0024.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[OrangeDub]

Took the Dogubayazit border, worked fine.

And you'll pass the majestic Mount Ararat!

[Rixxy's]

we are passing through Iran at some point next year. We want to go out to Dubai and back in again ( i have family in dubai) anyone done similar?