Road freight from Türkiye to Turkmenistan runs on two routes: the most common is entering Iran via Gürbulak or Kapıköy, transiting Iran and reaching Turkmenistan via the Sarakhs, Lotfabad, Bajgiran or Incheh Borun gates. The alternative is to drive via Georgia and Azerbaijan to Baku and cross by Caspian ferry to the port of Turkmenbashi. A TIR carnet can be used on both routes.
Overland via Iran
According to the list of land border gates of the Ministry of Trade (Ticaret Bakanlığı), the active gates on the Iranian border are Gürbulak (Ağrı, opposite gate Bazargan), Kapıköy (Van, opposite gate Razi) and Esendere (Hakkari, opposite gate Serow). A truck heading for Turkmenistan usually exits via Gürbulak and proceeds via Tabriz and Tehran to north-eastern Iran. There are four main road border crossings between Iran and Turkmenistan: Sarakhs, Lotfabad and Bajgiran in Razavi Khorasan province, and Incheh Borun in Golestan province. As the opening of these gates to truck traffic has changed from time to time in recent years, the current status must be confirmed before the trip. Geographically, Bajgiran is the gate closest to Ashgabat; Sarakhs is the busy crossing point in the east. The destination city and congestion at the gate decide the choice.
Since 6 August 2026, Iran has applied an origin-based "nobat" (queue) reservation at the border. The exit plan via Gürbulak must be based on this queue registration; the topic is explained separately in the entry on the Gürbulak–Bazargan border gate.
The Caspian alternative
The second route is to cross Georgia and Azerbaijan and reach Turkmenbashi by ferry from Baku's port of Alat. This corridor is considered for cargo for which Iranian transit is not suitable or for goods requiring a sanctions assessment. The ferry carries risks of waiting and weather conditions; details are in the entry on the Caspian Sea ferry crossing.
| Criterion | Overland via Iran | Via Caspian ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Countries crossed | Iran | Georgia, Azerbaijan |
| Main uncertainty | Border queue, transit permits | Ferry schedule, weather |
| Additional caution | Sanctions and Iranian transit rules | Ferry booking, two separate borders |
Visas, permits and road transport permits
- Driver visa: Turkish citizens holding an ordinary passport enter Turkmenistan with a visa; the application usually requires an invitation from a person or organisation in Turkmenistan, and visa durations may be kept short. The driver's document status for Iranian transit is also confirmed before the trip.
- Road transport permits: A Turkish-plated vehicle needs a Turkmen bilateral transport permit and an Iranian transit permit; quotas may change periodically.
- TIR carnet: Türkiye, Iran and Turkmenistan are parties to the TIR Convention; sealed transit under a single carnet is possible. For details, see the entry on the TIR carnet and T1 on the Iran route.
- Commercial documents: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and CMR. In practice, the consignee in Turkmenistan is required to register the foreign trade contract with the local exchange; confirm this with the consignee before loading.
What do transit fees cover?
The quote includes not only the freight but also the public charges levied along the route: road use and transit fees in Iran, charges arising from the fuel price difference, the road use fee in Turkmenistan and various fees at the border (such as disinfection and weighing). As these items change by decision of the countries concerned, the "included" and "excluded" list of the quote must always be obtained in writing.
Shipment steps
- The suitability of the goods for Iranian transit and their sanctions status are checked.
- The driver visa, permits and nobat registration are prepared.
- The export declaration is opened, the TIR carnet is issued and the vehicle is sealed.
- The vehicle transits Iran and enters Turkmenistan at the border gate.
- At the customs office of destination, the consignee's representative completes the import formalities.
How does Voltim Global support you?
Voltim Global has been running road trips via Iran since August 2026. Requests for Turkmenistan are assessed on the basis of this Türkiye–Iran road transport experience, together with contracted carriers and customs brokers. For accepted jobs, the vehicle is followed every day and the customer receives a daily status report.