Imam Khomeini International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (IKA)

Imam Khomeini International Airport is the main international terminal of Iran, located approximately 30 km southwest of Tehran.

Domestic departures and arrivals use Mehrabad Airport instead, located in the city: always verify which airport serves your flights for domestic routes.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.ikia.ir

How to get to Imam Khomeini International Airport

Tehran city centre is approximately 30 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 1 hour by taxi or metro, depending on traffic.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Tehran in approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Train

Tehran's metro connects the airport to the city center, but with a mandatory transfer at Shahed-Baghershahr station and infrequent service (every 80 minutes, last departure toward the airport generally by 19:15): always check updated schedules before relying on it.

By Bus

The bus connects the airport to the city center; it is economical (less than 500,000 rials, check the day's exchange rate) but slow, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.

💡

Tips Purchase your taxi ride at the official counter inside the terminal before exiting, not from taxi drivers who solicit outside: this is the safest way to get a correct fare. Bring cash in USD or EUR to exchange, as foreign cards do not work in any way in Iran.

Average travel time to IKA

TrainVariable, buses every 80 minutes with mandatory transfer

Shuttle bus60-90 minutes (bus)

Taxi / Private hire45-60 minutes

Parking near Imam Khomeini International Airport

The authorized parking lot is located in front of the terminal building.

Rates are not reliably posted online; confirm the amount at the counter.

How to get to Tehran from IKA

By Train

The metro connects the airport to the city center with a transfer at Shahed-Baghershahr; trains run every 80 minutes, final departure typically by 19:15. Ticket approximately less than 1 USD equivalent in rial.

By Bus

A bus connects the airport to Tehran city center in approximately 60–90 minutes; cost approximately less than 1 USD equivalent in rial.

By Taxi

Taxis are purchased from the official counter inside the terminal before exiting: approximately 25–40 USD equivalent in rial to Tehran city center, approximately 45–60 minutes.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Imam Khomeini International Airport

Some local car rental operators have desks in the arrivals area, typically with driver included; pure self-drive is rare for foreign visitors.

Bring your license, passport, and cash for the deposit, as foreign credit cards do not work.

Hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport

Several international hotels can be found in central Tehran.

Hotels in the city center (45-60 minutes, approximately 50-150 USD/night) are generally well-secured; remember that women must wear hijab in all public spaces, including hotel common areas.

Airport services

The airport is Iran's only major international air gateway; domestic flights operate from Mehrabad in the city.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area features Persian carpets, saffron, and pistachios, high-quality Iranian specialty products.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport features a dedicated lounge, typically accessible via paid day-pass.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas, though access to Western sites and apps is often restricted without VPN. Irancell and MCI operators have a SIM corner at the airport.

Families & Children

For travelers with children, the available assistance is of an essential nature.

Terminal guide

The single terminal for international flights is adequately sized for its role as the country's main entry point.

It is advisable to allow for longer-than-usual customs checks and arrive 3 hours before international flights.

Map of Imam Khomeini International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad the same airport?

No, they are two separate airports in Tehran: Imam Khomeini (IKA) handles international flights, while Mehrabad (THR), in the city, handles domestic ones. Always check which one you need.