Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport serves as a key gateway to Iran’s capital. Opened in the 1960s, it handles both domestic and international flights connecting Tehran with major cities across Asia and beyond. The terminal features modern security checkpoints, baggage claim areas and limited retail options for travelers. Located near the city center, it provides easy access to downtown neighborhoods via taxi or public transit. As Iran’s busiest airport, Mehrabad handles a steady flow of passengers daily while supporting regional trade and tourism through its cargo facilities.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Iranian Rial (IRR) £1 ≈ IRR 1,756,040 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Iran because of international sanctions, so travellers must bring enough cash (euros or US dollars) to exchange. Locals mostly pay with domestic bank cards, and ride-hailing apps like Snapp are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in Iran. In restaurants, leaving a small tip of around 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up fares is appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is illegal in Iran, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is only available in private or special non-public establishments for non-Muslim minorities. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is generally allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated areas, but it is prohibited in many indoor public areas such as shopping centres and restaurants. |
| Nowruz (20 March) |
Iranian New Year, a major holiday celebrated with family gatherings and festivities |
|---|---|
| Ashura (Varies) |
A religious holiday observed with mourning ceremonies, especially in Shia communities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Snapp, Tap30 |
| Other: | Iran is home to a rich history and culture, including ancient sites like Persepolis and Isfahan. Travellers should be aware of the country's conservative social norms and regulations, particularly concerning dress code and behaviour. |
Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran has a deep history dating back to 1938 and was once Iran's primary international airport. It now focuses on domestic flights but remains the country's busiest airport by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. The airport mixes old architecture, like Terminal 1 – a national historic monument known for its classic mid-century design – with modern expansions to handle growing travel demands.
The airport’s location near Azadi Tower and Tehran’s western districts means it offers a much shorter commute to central Tehran compared to the newer Imam Khomeini International Airport, which is about 30km away. Travelers often appreciate this convenience, although peak traffic in Tehran can cause significant delays, so planning your ground transport accordingly is essential.
Facilities at Mehrabad reflect its age; many travelers note the airport’s tired terminals, limited modern amenities and basic services. Security procedures can feel inconsistent and though there are some lounges and shops, the overall experience is utilitarian rather than luxurious. It’s best to expect a no-frills atmosphere focused on function over comfort.
Travelers should be aware of potential challenges: queues and crowding can be common in terminals, seating can be limited in waiting areas and information displays switch frequently between Persian and English, sometimes making navigation tricky for visitors unfamiliar with the language. That said, its role as the primary domestic flight hub ensures it’s well-connected to most Iranian cities and remains a vital part of Iran’s aviation network.
This VIP terminal offers premium services including personal assistants for customs and security, executive limousine transfers, private check-ins, and exclusive lounge access with fine dining, premium Wi-Fi, and conference facilities. Pricing varies by service but is aimed at business and luxury travellers seeking comfort and efficiency during their airport experience.
Accommodation in Tehran near Mehrabad Airport ranges from budget to middle-level hotels, mostly found in the western neighborhoods and city center. Visitors should plan to stay in Tehran’s central or western districts to enjoy a convenient commute while experiencing the city’s rich cultural and historic sites.
To Tehran city centre:
Mehrabad Airport is well connected to Tehran city centre by taxi, ride-hailing apps like Snapp and Tap30, and the Tehran Metro. The metro serves the airport with two stations (Terminals 1 & 2 and Terminals 4 & 6) on Line 4. Taxi rides can take from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on Tehran's heavy traffic, with costs generally between US$5 (£3.74) and US$15 (£11.21). Metro is cheaper, takes about 40-50 minutes to central stations, but may require transfers from Bimeh station.
To Azadi Tower area:
Located nearby, the Azadi Tower area is easily accessible by taxi or metro in a short 10-15 minute ride from the airport. Walking is not recommended due to traffic and distance. This landmark area is a common first stop for visitors arriving at Mehrabad.
To Western Tehran Passenger Bus Terminal:
The bus terminal is adjacent to Mehrabad Airport, providing convenient regional and intercity bus connections. It enables seamless transfer for travellers continuing journeys to other parts of Iran without needing extra transport.
+6
+4
+3
+4
+3
+2
