Getting Around Tehran: A Practical Guide
Tehran is a large, sprawling city with significant traffic congestion, but it offers several transport options for visitors. The metro system is considered the star of Tehran's transport network, offering a reliable way to navigate the city without dealing with traffic. However, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services also serve the city, each with their own advantages and considerations.
The Metro System
Tehran's metro consists of seven lines that connect major areas of the city. The two most useful lines for visitors are Line 1, which runs north to south from Tajrish Station to Haram-e-Motahar Station, and Line 2, which runs east to west. The metro is fast and avoids Tehran's congested traffic, making it an efficient way to travel during the day. However, expect large crowds during rush hours, as many residents have switched from cars to metro commuting.
Metro tickets can be purchased as single journeys or as prepaid contactless cards. A single metro ticket costs 7,000 rials, and the same card can be used across the entire network. Prepaid cards with minimum values of 5,000 rials can be bought at booths beside metro stations. Like buses, metro cars have designated men-only and women-only sections.
Buses and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Tehran has an extensive but complex bus network. Regular buses are inexpensive but require knowledge of Persian route numbers and station names. Some buses require prepaid contactless cards (minimum 5,000 rials), while others accept cash fares ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 rials. Buses are divided into men-only sections at the front and women-only sections at the back.
For visitors unfamiliar with the system, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service offers a more straightforward option. BRT buses are colored red and operate on dedicated lines with minimal stops. They travel quickly across major routes: from Azadi Square in the west to Terminal-e-Shargh in the east, from Railway Square in the south to Tajrish Square in the north, and several other key routes. BRT fares range from 1,000 to 3,000 rials. During peak traffic hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–8:00 PM), the BRT is particularly effective. Note that men and women have separate seating areas and queues on BRT buses.
For both regular buses and BRT, asking locals for help is often the most practical approach, as signage and route information are primarily in Persian. Most people are willing to assist visitors in finding the correct bus or station.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available in Tehran and are generally considered your best option for getting around, though they are more expensive than public transport. They can be flagged down on the street or booked in advance. Ride-hailing services also operate in the city and offer an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walkability
Tehran is a large, congested city, and walkability varies by neighborhood. While some areas are pedestrian-friendly, the scale of the city means that walking alone will not be practical for covering significant distances. A combination of metro, buses, and taxis is recommended for most journeys.
Getting from Imam Khomeini International Airport to the City
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is located approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Tehran's city center. Several transport options are available:
- Metro: Line 8 connects Airport Terminal A to Metro Line 1 (the red line). A single ticket costs 7,500 rials and can be used for the full metro network. The service runs irregularly with departures at set times throughout the day (06:50, 08:10, 09:30, 10:50, 12:10, 13:30, 14:50, 16:10, 17:30, 18:50, 20:10). This is considered the easiest option for reaching the city center, though schedules are limited. Metro Line 1 also runs hourly during daytime hours.
- Bus: Buses operate between the airport and the city center (such as Haram Metro Station) every 30 to 60 minutes from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Buses depart from in front of the main exit and cost 20,000 to 30,000 rials.
- Shuttle taxis and shared minibuses: Green minibuses operate between the airport and Shahed Station on the metro's red line. These depart when full and cost 40,000 rials, making them one of the cheapest options if you don't mind waiting. The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes. The last shuttle departs around 9:30 PM. Combined with a 7,000-rial metro ticket, this remains an economical choice for reaching central Tehran.
- Taxi: Fixed-rate taxis are available at a counter in the arrivals hall. A taxi to the city center costs 800,000 rials (approximately $19 or €17 as of November 2025). The journey typically takes 45 minutes without traffic but can exceed 90 minutes during congested periods. Taxis to the nearest metro station (Haram-e-Motahhar) cost 500,000 rials. You may also negotiate with taxis dropping off passengers, as they otherwise must return empty.
There is no exit fee for foreign travelers at either Imam Khomeini or Mehrabad airports. Note that an exit fee applies only when leaving Iran by land or sea.
Mehrabad Airport
Mehrabad Airport handles domestic and cargo flights only. It is connected to Tehran Metro Line 4, making it accessible by metro if you are arriving on a domestic flight.
Regional Travel
Tehran has four major bus terminals serving different regions: the Western terminal (serving the Caspian Sea region and western destinations), the Eastern terminal (for services from Khorasan province), the Southern terminal (for destinations south of the city), and Beihaghi terminal (offering services to major cities throughout Iran). A central railway station, served by metro, connects Tehran to other Iranian cities including Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, Kerman, and Yazd.