Tehran Imam Khomeini Layover Guide (IKA)

What are you looking for in IKA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tehran Airport (IKA) is an international airport located in Tehran Province, Iran. It’s situated about 30 km (19 miles) southwest of downtown Tehran. The airport officially opened in 2004. Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and economic significance. The city offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with a wide range of cultural attractions, parks, and mountainous landscapes nearby.

Can you leave Tehran Airport (IKA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Leaving Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport requires a valid visa. Iran offers transit visas (24- to 72-hour) and e-visas obtainable online or on arrival at IKA for eligible nationals. Without one, you cannot exit the terminal during layovers. Apply via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa portal. Some visa-exempt exceptions apply. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Golestan Palace A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring exquisite Qajar-era architecture, mirrored halls, intricate tilework and royal gardens. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 min or Metro Line 1 to Panzdah-e Khordad Station (~50 min), then 5 min walk.)
• National Museum of Iran Explore ancient Persian artifacts from Paleolithic era to Sassanian dynasty in two linked buildings with world-class exhibitions. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~50 min or Metro Line 1 to Darvazeh Dowlat Station (~55 min), then 7 min walk.)
• Azadi Tower Iconic symbol of Tehran built in 1971, blending Sassanid and Islamic architecture, with an interior museum and panoramic views from its terrace. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~40 min or Metro Line 1 to Meydan-e Azadi Station (~45 min), then 3 min walk.)
• Grand Bazaar Wander through labyrinthine alleys of stalls selling carpets, spices, jewelry and traditional handicrafts, soaking up vibrant local atmosphere and tea houses. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~50 min or Metro Line 1 to Panzdah-e Khordad Station (~50 min), then 8 min walk.)
• Milad Tower Visit Iran’s tallest tower for revolving restaurant, observation deck with 360° city views and modern art gallery. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min or Metro Line 1 to Shahid Hemmat Station (~45 min), then short taxi.)
• Niavaran Palace Complex Tour lavish royal residence with ornate halls, elegant gardens and fine art collection of the Pahlavi era. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~50 min or Metro Line 1 to Tajrish Station (~55 min), then taxi 10 min.)
• Tabiat Bridge Stroll across this award-winning three-level pedestrian bridge connecting parks over a busy highway, offering cityscape and mountain views, plus cafés. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 min or Metro Line 1 to Tajrish Station (~55 min), then bus 20 min.)
• Darband & Tochal Footpath Escape to foothills for a short hike, riverside cafés and chairlift ascent on Tochal Telecabin, enjoying cooler air and scenic vistas. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~50 min or Metro Line 1 to Tajrish Station (~55 min), then taxi 10 min.)

Things to Do in Tehran Airport (IKA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
At IKA, travelers can unwind in the CIP Lounge or Business Lounge. CIP, just outside the international arrivals hall, offers complimentary buffet, snacks, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, showers, private check-in, fast-track immigration and reading materials. Business Lounge access is available to all passengers for a nominal fee. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Two on-site hotels, Rexan and Remis (formerly Ibis and Novotel), connect directly via sky-bridge and complimentary shuttle. Both feature 24-hour reception, all-day dining, fitness centres, swimming pools, spa services, business facilities and free Wi-Fi. Luxury options like Espinas International and Novotel Tehran are within 40 km, offering upscale rooms and extensive amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 1 is open 24/7 but lacks dedicated rest zones, cots or sleeping pods. Standard seating in departure and baggage areas offers limited comfort and power outlets. Quiet corners near boarding gates and prayer rooms can serve as makeshift rest spots, but most passengers prefer nearby hotels or the CIP Lounge for overnight stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi covers departure and arrival lounges across all levels. To connect, register with a valid mobile number, receive an SMS password and enjoy browsing, streaming or work. Coverage is generally reliable, with charging stations and USB ports available at most seating areas. Registration may take a minute but is straightforward.

SIM/eSIM Card: Arrival hall kiosks sell local SIM cards from Irancell and Hamrah Aval. Purchase requires passport registration; starter packs (~200,000 IRR) include generous data and call allowances. For immediate connectivity, travelers can arrange eSIM plans online before landing, activating service on arrival without changing a physical SIM card. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis operate 24/7 from the arrivals curb. Fares to central Tehran follow fixed-rate meters; ride-hailing services like Snapp and Tap30 also pick up here. A typical trip to the city center takes 45–60 minutes, costing roughly 600,000–800,000 IRR, depending on traffic and time of day.

Train: The airport is served by Tehran Metro Line 1, with a station outside the main terminal reachable via an 8–10 minute walk. Trains run 24/7 approximately every 70–80 minutes; a transfer at Shahed-Baghershahr requires two tickets (total ~102,000 IRR). (more info)

Bus: An hourly bus links IKA to Azadi Square, Holy Shrine and Mehrabad Airport, stopping at central metro stations. The one-way fare is under 100,000 IRR and the journey takes about 70 minutes. Vehicles are basic but reliable, making this the most budget-friendly option. (more info)

Shuttle: Complimentary hotel shuttles serve Rexan and Remis via sky-bridge or road link. A free airport shuttle also connects IKA with Mehrabad domestic terminal every 30 minutes. Private transfer shuttles to downtown Tehran and major hotels can be booked in advance through hotel concierge or third-party operators.

Car rentals: Major agencies like Europcar, Sixt and local firms maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Fleets include economy hatchbacks to luxury sedans. Drivers access Tehran via the Qom and Saveh freeways. Reservations and international driving permits are recommended; insurance and GPS rental are available on request. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short- and long-term parking lots flank Terminal 1, offering covered and open-air spaces. Rates are charged by the hour, day or week. EV charging stations, disabled bays and secure surveillance are available. A free shuttle operates between remote lots and the terminal entrance 24/7.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage or lockers in Terminal 1. Passengers can leave bags in the CIP Lounge for a fee or use storage services at on-site hotels. Lost-and-found and inquiries are handled at information desks or via airport police at +98 21 5100 7328. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tehran Airport (IKA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks