From Tehran IKA to the city: taxis, Snapp, the metro and private transfers compared.
Arriving at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)? The airport is about 30–40 km southwest of central Tehran, so getting to your hotel takes some planning. This guide compares official airport taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Snapp, the metro and pre-booked private transfers, with essential tips on cash, SIM cards and traffic.
تهران
Tehran centre
مهرآباد
Mehrabad Airport (THR)
قم
Qom
Approximate road distances from IKA
45–75 minutes
Typical travel time, depending on the time of day and highway traffic.
Bring cash
Foreign cards do not work; pay in Iranian currency, or USD or EUR where accepted.
Official taxis
Official airport taxis wait outside the Terminal 1 arrivals exit around the clock.
Snapp app
Iran's main ride-hailing app; you need a local SIM card to use it.
IKA to Tehran: Transport Options Compared
Time, cost level and the best fit
| Option | Travel time | Cost | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | 45–60 min | $$ | Around the clock | Luggage, late arrivals, direct drop-off |
| Snapp / Tapsi | 45–60 min | $ | Around the clock | Budget travellers with a local SIM and cash |
| Metro | 70–90 min | $ | Limited hours | Solo travellers with light luggage by day |
| Private transfer | 45–60 min | $$$ | Pre-booked, any time | Families, business travellers, first-timers |
$ = lowest, $$$ = highest. Prices in Iran change often with the exchange rate, so confirm the fare before you travel.
Your Transport Options Step by Step
Pick an option
Official airport taxis
The most popular option. Official taxi counters are in the arrivals hall and just outside the terminal doors, and taxis run around the clock.
How it works
- Fares to central Tehran are set by zone; confirm the price at the counter
- Pay in cash at the official booth
- Ignore unofficial drivers approaching you inside the terminal
Snapp and Tapsi ride apps
Snapp is Iran's main ride-hailing app, working much like Uber, and Tapsi is a popular alternative. Fares are usually lower than official airport taxis.
How it works
- You need a local SIM card for SMS verification and driver calls
- Agree the pickup point with your driver in the app
- Pay the driver in cash at the end of the trip
Tehran metro
The airport metro station connects to the city network; change at Shahed station for Line 1, which runs north to central Tehran.
How it works
- The cheapest way into the city
- Hours are more limited than the city lines; check the schedule
- Not ideal with several large suitcases at rush hour
Pre-booked private transfer
The most relaxed option: your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, helps with luggage and drives straight to your hotel.
How it works
- Can be arranged and paid in advance
- Fixed price, with no currency confusion on arrival
- Ideal for first-time visitors, families and late arrivals
From the Gate to Your Hotel
Your arrival route at IKA
Immigration
Visa on arrival if needed, then passport control.
Bags and customs
Collect your luggage and clear customs.
SIM and cash
Buy a SIM card and change money in the arrivals hall.
Choose transport
Official taxi, Snapp, metro or your private driver.
Arrive
About 45–75 minutes to central Tehran by road.
Rials vs Tomans: Don't Get Confused
The most common money mistake in Iran
Iran's official currency is the rial, and banknotes are printed in rials. In everyday life, however, prices are usually quoted in tomans, where 1 toman equals 10 rials. Drivers often drop the thousands too, so always confirm the unit before you get in.
Driver says
"100"
A quick, shortened price
Usually means
100,000 tomans
Thousands are often dropped
On banknotes
1,000,000 rials
Ten times the toman figure
Tehran Traffic and Timing
Plan around the rush hours
Tehran is known for heavy traffic, especially during the morning rush (around 07:00–09:30) and the evening peak (around 17:00–20:00). At these times, the drive from IKA to central or northern Tehran can stretch from about 45 minutes to well over an hour.
If you are heading to the airport for a flight, leave extra time at peak hours, and consider the metro for daytime journeys with light luggage.
Travelling Between IKA and Mehrabad (THR)
For domestic connections
Most domestic flights in Iran leave from Mehrabad International Airport (THR) in western Tehran, not from IKA. The drive between the two airports takes roughly 45–60 minutes by taxi or Snapp, longer at rush hour.
Essential IKA Transit Tips
Avoid the common arrival mistakes
Buy a tourist SIM at arrivals
Kiosks for local operators such as Irancell and Hamrah-e Aval are in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall. A SIM gives you data for maps and apps like Snapp.
Change money at the airport
Exchange a little cash at the airport for your taxi and first expenses.
Avoid touts
Book only at official taxi counters or through an app, and ignore drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Have your address in Persian
Show drivers your hotel's name and address written in Persian, or a map pin.
Plan Your Arrival in Tehran
A pre-booked private transfer, the CIP service or an airport hotel can make your first hours in Tehran much easier, especially after a long or late flight.
Explore Tehran Airport Services