Overview
The Tehran Metro (Persian: متروی تهران, romanized: Metro-ye Tehrān) is the largest rapid transit system in the Middle East, serving the capital city of Iran. It provides a reliable way to navigate through the city's traffic, offering a high-capacity network that moves millions of passengers daily. To ride the metro, you will enter a station, purchase or use a prepaid ticket, and proceed to your desired platform. The system operates from 05:30 to 22:00 every day of the week.
The network
The transit infrastructure in Tehran includes several distinct systems:
- Metro: There are currently six operational metro lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) with a seventh line also in operation. Line 1 is notable for being the only line open 24 hours a day at its Darvazeh Dowlat station to accommodate travelers from Imam Khomeini International Airport.
- Suburban Rail: A regional rail line connects Tehran to Karaj, including an express electric train service between Azadi Square and Malard.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): These are red-colored buses that travel on dedicated lines, such as the route from Azadi Square to Terminal-e-Shargh. They are a fast option during high-traffic hours.
- Buses: A large local bus network covers the city. Some routes require payment via a prepaid contactless card, while others may accept cash payments at the station.
Tickets & fares
The metro system offers different pricing structures based on how you pay. A standard single journey ticket costs approximately 5,300 Iranian Toman (roughly US$0.05), regardless of the distance traveled. However, using a prepaid ticket results in a significantly lower cost for your journey.
For bus and BRT services, fares are generally lower, with some options ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 rials (note: currency values may vary based on local inflation). For example, BRT fares typically range between 1,000 and 3,000 rials. You can purchase prepaid contactless cards at booths located near bus stops and metro stations; these cards are shared across both the Metro and certain bus networks.
From the airport
There are several ways to reach the city center from the primary international gateway:
- Metro: You can take a train from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to the city. Line 8 connects Terminal A to Metro Line 1 (the red line). Trains typically run hourly during the day.
- Bus: Shuttle buses operate between the airport and the city center, often departing every 30–60 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00.
- Shuttle Taxis and Minibuses: These options provide a faster alternative to standard buses for reaching specific stations like Shahed.
- Taxi: Fixed-rate taxis are available at the airport's arrivals hall, though travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions.
Etiquette & customs
When riding the metro in Tehran, be mindful of gender-specific carriage rules: the first and half of the second carriages from each end are reserved specifically for women. While women may still use other cars, these designated areas ensure space for female passengers.
On the city's bus network, vehicles are physically partitioned into men-only (front) and women-only (back) sections. In BRT lines, the women-only section is located at the front. During peak hours, expect significant crowds; however, locals are often willing to offer their seats to those identified as tourists.
Survival terms
- مترو (Metro) - subway/metro
- بلیط (Bilit) - ticket
- خط (Khat) - line
- ورود (Vorud) - entrance
- خروج (Khoruj) - exit
- انتقال (Enteqal) - transfer
- موجب واحد (Mojeb-e Vahed) - single fare
- مجوز روزانه (Mojav-e Rozaneh) - day pass
To ensure a smooth journey, check the current status of your route as traffic can be heavy and some shuttle services may have limited schedules.