Layover in Tehran (THR)

Mehrabad International Airport (THR). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.

Plan my Tehran layover

About Tehran

Tehran, is the capital city of Iran. A bustling metropolis of 14 million people, it sits at the foot of the towering Alborz mountain range. Tehran is a cosmopolitan city, with great museums, parks, restaurants, and warm friendly people. It deserves at least a few days of your Iranian itinerary.

From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.

How much time can you use?

After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.

LayoverDomestic arrivalInternational arrival
4 hoursAbout 1h 43m in the cityHead straight to your gate
6 hoursAbout 3h 43m in the cityAbout 2h 8m in the city
8 hoursAbout 5h 43m in the cityAbout 4h 8m in the city
12 hoursAbout 9h 43m in the cityAbout 8h 8m in the city

Getting into Tehran

About 21m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 7 km (4 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.

Worth seeing near the center

Questions

Can I leave the airport on a layover in Tehran?

On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Tehran and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.

How do I get from THR to central Tehran?

Allow about 21m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 7 km (4 mi) from the airport.

How early should I head back to THR?

Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.

Build a plan for your exact flight

Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.