Armenia’s southern frontier with Iran represents one of its most critical connections to the outside world. This relatively short 44-kilometer border, traced entirely by the Aras River, provides a vital commercial and travel corridor that bypasses its closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan, making it an economic lifeline. Your journey here involves a single crossing point connecting the Armenian town of Agarak with Norduz in Iran over the Agarak-Norduz bridge. The route to the border from central Armenia is a long, mountainous drive through the dramatic landscapes of Syunik province, a region of stark beauty, deep gorges, and historic monasteries. The road winds over high passes, rewarding you with stunning scenery before descending into the Aras valley. This crossing is a key component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a strategic route designed to link India and Russia via Iran. This makes the small checkpoint geopolitically significant and means you will share the road with a steady stream of Iranian trucks. Due to its remote location, public transportation can be infrequent, so planning your trip with a private taxi or as part of a bus journey between Yerevan and Iranian cities like Tabriz or Tehran is highly recommended. Remember to secure your Iranian visa well in advance. Given its strategic importance, the crossing is well-maintained and professional, offering a reliable passage into the Islamic Republic and a palpable shift in culture, language, and atmosphere the moment you cross.