Tehran to Murmansk Road Trip via Astara Border: A Journey through Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia

Day 1: Tehran to Ardabil

Tehran to Ardabil, Iran on May 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sam Cafe, Tehran

Enjoy a traditional Persian breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheese, herbs, and hot tea to start your journey.
IRR100000, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive Tehran to Ardabil

Begin the approximately 8.5-hour scenic drive (around 630 km) from Tehran heading northwest to Ardabil, located near Azerbaijan’s border.
Fuel costs approx. IRR2000000, 8h30m

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Ardabil

Relax and freshen up at your hotel in Ardabil after a day on the road.
IRR3000000, 1h30m

6:30PM

Explore Ardabil Bazaar

Visit the historic Ardabil Bazaar for a glimpse of local life and craftmanship. The bazaar is open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Shams Restaurant

Sample traditional Azerbaijani and Iranian cuisine in this well-known Ardabil restaurant.
IRR400000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Ardabil to Baku via Astara Border

Ardabil, Iran to Baku, Azerbaijan on May 10, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast in Ardabil

Fuel up early with a light breakfast consisting of eggs, bread, and tea to prepare for border crossing and driving.
IRR150000, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive Ardabil to Astara Border

Drive approximately 190 km north to the Astara border station for crossing into Azerbaijan. Allow 1-2 hours for border formalities.
Visa and border fees apply, 3h30m

11:30AM

Drive Astara to Baku

Continue approximately 200 km north-east along the Caspian Sea coast to reach Baku, Azerbaijan's vibrant capital city.
Fuel and tolls approx. AZN20, 3h0m

2:30PM

Check-in and Rest in Baku

Check into your hotel and relax after the border crossing and drive.
AZN50-80, 1h0m

3:30PM

Explore Baku Old City (Icherisheher)

Walk through the UNESCO-listed old city with its ancient walls, Maiden Tower, and charming streets open till 7 PM.
AZN5, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Firuze Restaurant

Savor traditional Azerbaijani dishes like plov and kebabs in a friendly setting near the Old City.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Baku to Samur Border to Makhachkala

Baku, Azerbaijan to Makhachkala, Russia on May 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Green House, Baku

Start your day with coffee and pastries at this cozy café in Baku.
AZN15, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Samur Border

Travel approximately 190 km north to the Samur border crossing from Azerbaijan into Russia. Plan for 1-2 hours at the border.
Visa fees and border taxes applicable, 4h0m

12:30PM

Drive to Makhachkala

After crossing, drive about 70 km north to Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan Republic in Russia.
Fuel and tolls approx. RUB2000, 1h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Amber Restaurant, Makhachkala

Enjoy local Caucasian and Russian dishes with fresh regional ingredients.
RUB700, 1h0m

3:00PM

Walk Along Makhachkala Seaside Boulevard

Relax by the Caspian Sea and take in the lively atmosphere of the promenade.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Unwind at your hotel after a day of travel.
RUB2500, 1h0m

5:00PM

Early Dinner or Light Snack

Have a light meal at your hotel or nearby café to prepare for longer drives ahead.
RUB500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Makhachkala to Moscow

Makhachkala to Moscow, Russia on May 12, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast

Start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the long journey to Moscow.
RUB300, 30m

7:30AM

Begin Drive to Moscow

Embark on the approximately 1,600 km drive to Moscow. Plan to stop for rest and overnight breaks en route.
Fuel costs approx. RUB7000 per 1000 km, Overnight travel
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Day 5: Arrival in Moscow

Moscow, Russia on May 13, 2025

Evening

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Moscow, check into your hotel, and recover from your drive.
RUB3500, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Dr. Zhivago

Experience classic Russian cuisine near Red Square in a stylish environment.
RUB1500-2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Moscow

Moscow, Russia on May 14, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Pushkin

Enjoy a refined breakfast with traditional Russian dishes in a historic mansion.
RUB1200, 1h0m

10:00AM

Tour Red Square and Kremlin

Explore Moscow’s iconic landmarks including Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Kremlin grounds. Open 10 AM–5 PM.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at GUM Food Court

Casual dining with many options inside the historic GUM shopping center.
RUB800, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Tretyakov Gallery

View an extensive collection of Russian fine art. Open 10 AM–6 PM.
RUB500, 2h0m

5:00PM

Stroll in Gorky Park

Relax in Moscow’s popular park with gardens, fountains, and local culture.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Mari Vanna

Dine on home-style Russian dishes in a cozy vintage atmosphere.
RUB1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the long drive to Saint Petersburg.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Saint Petersburg

Drive approximately 700 km north; expect 8-9 hours on the road with breaks.
Fuel approx. RUB5000, 8h30m

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at Teplo

Relax with classic Russian cuisine in a warm setting near the city center.
RUB1300, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 16, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Singer

Enjoy breakfast with views over Nevsky Prospect and the City Duma building.
RUB900, 1h0m

10:30AM

Hermitage Museum

Tour one of the world’s largest art museums. Open 10:30 AM–6 PM, closed Tuesdays.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:45PM

Lunch at Stroganoff Steak House

Indulge in local and European cuisine in an elegant setting.
RUB1200, 1h0m

2:45PM

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admire the colorful mosaics and architecture. Open 10 AM–6 PM.
RUB300, 1h0m

4:00PM

Nevsky Prospect Walk

Explore Saint Petersburg’s bustling central avenue full of shops and cafés.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Palkin

Savor Russian-European cuisine in a historic and elegant atmosphere.
RUB2000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Saint Petersburg to Murmansk

Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, Russia on May 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Quick breakfast at hotel or nearby café before departure northward.
Included or RUB600, 30m

7:30AM

Begin Drive to Murmansk

Embark on the lengthy 1500 km drive to Murmansk. Plan an overnight stop to break the journey.
Fuel approx. RUB11000, 8h+ (first leg)
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