A guide to visiting Qom: the shrine of Lady Fatima al-Masumah (a) and the seminary, how to arrive via Tehran (IKA) then about an hour and a half by road, and how to combine Qom with Tehran and Mashhad.
🔍 Search & book your flightQom is Iran's city of learning and ziyarah, home to the shrine of Lady Fatima al-Masumah (a) and the country's largest seminary, and it lies close to the capital, Tehran. Qom has no airport, so pilgrims usually arrive via Tehran's airport and then a short drive. This guide explains how to get there and how best to combine Qom with other ziyarah cities.
Qom is revered for the shrine of Lady Fatima al-Masumah (a), sister of Imam Reza (a), and for its great seminary (hawza), a center of religious scholarship. The city draws pilgrims and students from across the region and is one of the most visited ziyarah destinations after Mashhad.
Qom has no airport. From Iraq, travelers fly from Baghdad or Najaf to Tehran's Imam Khomeini International (IKA), then continue about an hour and a half by road to Qom. Taxis, buses and private cars are all available for this short trip.
The shrine complex is the heart of Qom, with its courtyards, domes and minarets, and it is open to visitors for ziyarah throughout the year. The surrounding area offers accommodation and services catering to pilgrims, making the visit comfortable and well organized.
Because Qom sits near Tehran, many pilgrims combine the two, visiting Tehran's sites before or after Qom. Travelers often extend the journey to Mashhad for the shrine of Imam Reza (a), linking the main ziyarah destinations in one trip.
Qom can be visited year-round; it is busiest during Muharram and Safar, around Arbaeen and in the summer holidays. Iraqi travelers need to arrange an Iran visa before departure, so review the Iran visa requirements and plan your dates ahead.
No. Qom is reached via Tehran's Imam Khomeini International (IKA), then about an hour and a half by road.
Fly from Baghdad or Najaf to Tehran (IKA), then continue about an hour and a half by road to Qom.
Yes. Entering Iran requires a visa for Iraqi travelers — review the Iran visa requirements before you travel.
Yes. Many pilgrims visit Qom and Tehran together, then continue to Mashhad for the shrine of Imam Reza (a).
