Tehran Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Tehran, the capital of Iran, is served by two major international airports and one smaller regional airport. Navigating arrival, visa procedures, and airport transfers requires careful planning due to international sanctions and specific local regulations. This guide provides essential, practical information for travelers.

Understanding which airport you are using and how to navigate ground transportation is crucial for a successful visit to Iran.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

Overview: Imam Khomeini International Airport is Tehran’s primary international gateway, located approximately 30 km (19 miles) southwest of the city center. It is a modern facility designed to handle the vast majority of Iran’s international air traffic and serves as the main hub for Iran Air and Mahan Air.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1: The main international terminal, handling all scheduled international passenger flights. It is a large, modern complex with separate arrival and departure halls.
• Terminal 2: A newer terminal built primarily to handle Hajj and pilgrim traffic, with some seasonal charter operations. Most international travelers will not use T2.
• Salon-e VIP Terminal: Handles private jets and state visits.

Getting to and from Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA):

• Pre-Booked Private Transfer:
  Highly recommended for first-time visitors. Most hotels and tour operators in Iran can arrange a driver to meet you at arrivals. This avoids the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers and ensures a reliable ride to the city.
• Official Airport Taxi (Savārī):
  Official taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Fares to central Tehran are fixed and should be purchased from the official taxi counter inside the terminal before you exit. Do not negotiate with drivers directly outside. Expect to pay around 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 IRR (approx. $25-$40 USD equivalent, but confirm the rate in IRR).
• Snapp (Ride-Hailing App):
  Snapp is the Iranian equivalent of Uber and is widely used. It offers transparent, app-based fares. However, to use it, you will need an Iranian SIM card with data, which can be difficult to arrange upon immediate arrival. It’s a good option for the return trip to the airport.
• Airport Bus ( shuttle-e havāpeymā):
  Public buses operated by the company ‘Imam Khomeini Airport Bus’ run from IKA to several points in Tehran, including:
  • Ferdowsi Square (Central Tehran)
  • Tehranpars (East Tehran)
  • Azadi Square (West Tehran)

  Buses are very inexpensive (less than 500,000 IRR) but can be slow (60-90 minutes) depending on traffic. They may not be suitable for travelers with a lot of luggage.

• Car Rental:
  International rental companies are not present. Local car rental agencies exist but are not recommended for tourists due to challenging driving conditions, lack of international insurance, and the benefit of having a local driver.

Best for: Nearly all international travelers arriving in Iran. This is the main point of entry.

Mehrabad International Airport (THR)

Overview: Mehrabad Airport is the older city airport, located just 10 km (6 miles) west of central Tehran. It has transitioned to handling all domestic flights within Iran, some regional flights to neighboring countries (like Iraq and Turkey), and VIP/charter operations. It is much more convenient for domestic connections due to its proximity to the city.

Terminals:

• Multiple Domestic Terminals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): The airport is a collection of older terminal buildings. Your terminal will depend on the airline. Signage is primarily in Persian, so allow extra time to find your way. Terminals 4, 5, and 6 are the main ones for major domestic carriers.

Getting to and from Mehrabad Airport (THR):

• Taxi & Snapp: Readily available and very affordable due to the short distance. A taxi to central Tehran should cost around 400,000 – 800,000 IRR. Snapp is very effective here.
• Tehran Metro: Mehrabad is connected to the Tehran Metro via its own station on Line 4 (light blue) and Line 6. This is the cheapest and often fastest way to reach many parts of the city, especially during heavy traffic.

Best for: Domestic travel within Iran and some regional flights. It is the hub for domestic air travel.

Transferring Between IKA and THR

This is a common necessity if you arrive internationally at IKA and need to catch a domestic flight at Mehrabad (THR), or vice versa.

• Distance & Time: The airports are about 50 km (31 miles) apart. The drive can take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on Tehran’s notorious traffic.
• Options:
  1. Pre-Booked Private Transfer: The most reliable method. Your tour operator or a transfer company can coordinate this.
  2. Taxi: You can take a taxi from one airport to the other. Negotiate a fare in advance, which will be substantial (likely 2,500,000+ IRR).
  3. Public Bus + Metro: Not recommended with luggage. Would involve taking the IKA bus to a central point like Azadi Square, then a taxi or metro to Mehrabad.
• Critical Advice: If connecting between IKA and THR on separate tickets, allow an absolute minimum of 5-6 hours between flights. This accounts for immigration, baggage claim, the long and unpredictable drive, and domestic check-in/security.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Immigration:
Most travelers require a visa for Iran, which must be obtained in advance through an Iranian embassy or via a tour operator who can arrange an Authorisation Code for an airport visa on arrival (VOA). The VOA process at IKA can be slow (1-2 hours). Have all documentation, proof of insurance, and hotel bookings ready.

Currency:
The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the official currency. Due to exchange rate complexities, prices are often quoted in Toman (1 Toman = 10 Rials). Confirm which unit is being used. Foreign credit/debit cards DO NOT work in Iran due to international sanctions. You must bring all necessary funds in cash (Euros or USD) and exchange at authorized exchange shops (Sarafi) in the city. Only exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses.

Dress Code:
Iran has Islamic dress codes. For women, this means a headscarf (hijab) and loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs immediately upon exiting the aircraft. Men should avoid shorts.

SIM Cards:
It is possible to purchase a local SIM card (from Irancell, Hamrah-e Aval, or Rightel) at IKA after clearing customs. This is highly recommended for navigation and communication.

Departure from IKA:
Arrive at least 3.5 hours before your international flight. Check-in, security, and multiple passport checks are time-consuming. The airport has duty-free shops, but selection is limited.

Which Airport Should You Use?

• Use Imam Khomeini (IKA): For all long-haul international flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Use Mehrabad (THR): For all domestic flights within Iran (e.g., to Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd) and some regional flights to neighboring countries.

Bottom Line: International travelers will land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Arrange a transfer in advance if possible. For domestic travel, you will use the more convenient Mehrabad Airport (THR). Allow excessive time for any airport transfer. Come prepared with cash, patience, and all necessary travel documents.