Getting There & Away: Tehran

Air Travel

Major Tehran Airports

Knowing which airport serves your needs simplifies travel plans.

Airport Details

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) serves as the main international airport, located ~30 km southwest of the city center.
Mehrabad International Airport (THR) mainly handles domestic flights within Iran.
Sanctions influence direct flight options from many Western countries.

Flight Options & Routes

Direct flights from North America or Western Europe are uncommon; most involve at least one layover.

Airline & Route Info

Common airlines to IKA include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Pegasus Airlines, Lufthansa, Iran Air, and Mahan Air.
Typical routes include layovers in Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, or Sharjah.
Peak season (Spring/Autumn) means higher demand and prices, especially around Nowruz.

Airport Facilities

IKA features duty-free shops, official currency exchange (Sarrafi), cafes, restaurants, and prayer rooms. Wi-Fi availability varies.

SIM Card Availability

You can purchase and register local SIM cards (Irancell, Hamrahe Aval) directly at IKA upon arrival.

Transfer Options

Several ways connect IKA to the city center: Metro (cheapest), airport taxis (agree on fare), ride-hailing apps (Snapp/Tapsi), or hotel transfers.

Flight Booking & Deals

Finding Flights

Use Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.
Compare prices across airlines with Skyscanner.
Consider shoulder seasons for potentially better prices and fewer crowds.
Book international flights well in advance, especially for peak travel periods.

Car Rental Considerations

Car rental is possible through local agencies at IKA or in the city.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license are required.
Self-driving in Tehran is generally unadvisable due to aggressive local driving styles.
Check DiscoverCars.com for rental options, but carefully consider local conditions.

Land Transportation Overview

Border Crossings

Iran shares land borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. Tourist crossings are mainly via Turkey or Armenia.

Train Network

Tehran Railway Station (Rah Ahan) connects to major cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Yazd, and Tabriz. Trains are comfortable with various classes.

Bus Network

Buses are the most typical and affordable intercity travel option, with an extensive network from several major terminals in Tehran.

Intercity Travel Options

Train Travel Specifics

Trains present a comfortable and scenic way to traverse Iran.

Booking & Experience

Purchase tickets at the station or through local travel agencies.
Online booking for foreigners can present payment challenges.
Iranian trains feature different classes, including sleepers for overnight journeys, supporting comfort.

Bus Travel Specifics

Buses are a highly accessible and cost-effective method for intercity travel.

Terminals & Comfort

Tehran has several major bus terminals: West, South, East, and Beyhaghi.
Numerous private bus companies operate, offering standard and VIP classes.
VIP buses generally have more legroom and sometimes provide snacks, making for a comfortable long journey.

Self-Driving Advisory

Driving in Iran comes with unique challenges, and it is unadvisable for tourists.

Driving Considerations

Aggressive local driving styles and often ignored traffic rules can be difficult for foreigners.
The language barrier on road signs can create navigation difficulties.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country license is legally required if you choose to drive.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of road conditions and local driving practices is important for safety.

Safety Notes

Major highways between cities are generally well-maintained.
Roads within cities, specifically in older areas, can be congested.
Road safety remains a concern due to high accident rates and drivers often exceeding speed limits.

Land Travel Warnings

Border crossings with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq are generally unadvisable for tourist travel.
A valid Iranian visa is necessary for land entry for most nationalities.
Procedures at land borders can be slower than air travel.

Research current security situations for any specific border crossing you plan to use.
Travel to certain border regions or sensitive areas may need prior authorization.
While convenient, be aware that intercity buses can be involved in traffic incidents; choose reputable companies.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure well in advance to support a smooth exit from Iran.

Airport Timing

Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
Prepare for multiple security checks.
Ensure your passport receives the correct stamp upon exit.

Airport Facilities for Departure

IKA features services to assist departing passengers.

Services Available

Duty-free shopping is present (though limited due to sanctions).
Cafes, restaurants, and lounges (some for priority pass holders) are present.
Currency exchange facilities are available for converting remaining Rials, though rates may not be favorable.

Departure Customs

Be aware of customs regulations regarding items you can export. Limits apply to quantities and value for certain items like carpets and handicrafts.

Exit Tax

An exit tax applies for non-residents departing Iran. This fee is typically included in international flight tickets. Confirm with your airline or travel agent.

Sea/River Travel Not Applicable to Tehran

Tehran is landlocked. Direct sea or river arrivals are not relevant for reaching the city. Iran has ports on the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea with few international ferry services.

Final Departure Advice

Always confirm details with your airline and embassy before departure. Ensure all travel documents are in order.

Getting There & Away