Home » Layover Guide » Tehran Mehrabad Layover Guide (THR)

Tehran Mehrabad Layover Guide (THR)

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

Tehran Airport (THR) is an international airport located in the capital city of Tehran, Iran. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Tehran. The airport officially opened in 1938. Tehran is the largest city in Iran and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant bazaars, and proximity to scenic mountains, offering a mix of urban life and natural beauty.

Can you leave Tehran Airport (THR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Tehran’s international airport may exit the terminal and explore during a layover, but to enter Iran you must hold a valid visa with passport. Most nationalities can apply for a 30-day electronic visa online, extendable once, or visa-on-arrival at Tehran airports; visa exemptions apply for certain countries. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Golestan Palace Discover the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace complex featuring 19th-century royal chambers, brilliant mirror work, colorful tile mosaics, serene gardens and exquisite art collections in Tehran’s historic heart, an architectural masterpiece jewel. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)
• Tehran Grand Bazaar Experience the bustling Tehran Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of historic alleys offering spices, carpets, jewelry and local crafts. Immerse yourself in vibrant commerce and rich Persian traditions dating back centuries. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)
• Milad Tower Ascend Milad Tower’s observation deck for panoramic city views, dine at themed restaurants and explore its free museum showcasing Iranian culture and science in of Tehran’s most iconic skyscraper landmarks. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~60 minutes.)
• Tehran National Museum Visit the Tehran National Museum of Iran showcasing diverse remarkable ancient artifacts from the Paleolithic to Islamic eras, including pottery, coins and sculptures, offering captivating insights into Persia’s millennia-old civilizations. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)
• Tabiat Bridge Stroll across Tabiat Bridge, a stunning multi-level pedestrian crossing offering lush park vistas, architectural elegance and scenic views of Tehran’s skyline, linking Taleghani and Abo-Atash Park for a tranquil retreat. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~60 minutes.)
• Museum of Contemporary Art Explore the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, housing Iran’s premier modern art collection with works by Picasso, Warhol and local avant-garde artists in a striking architectural setting within Laleh Park. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)
• Darband & Tochal Cable Car Venture to Darband’s scenic foothills, where mountain trails weave through cafes, waterfalls and terrain. Enjoy local snacks at teahouses before hopping the Tochal cable car for panoramic views of Tehran. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~60 minutes.)
• Azadi Tower Marvel at Azadi Tower’s iconic white marble archway, symbolizing Iran’s modern history. Wander its informative educational museum, ascend to the observation deck for city panoramas and admire surrounding Azadi Square. (Time required: 45 minutes–1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~50 minutes.)

Things to Do in Tehran Airport (THR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Mahan Air operates a paid lounge in Terminal 4, offering complimentary snacks, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Iran Air and some other carriers provide access to a small CIP lounge. Airside cafés and seating areas also offer charging points and quiet corners for unwinding before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While no on-site hotels exist at THR, full-service options within 10 km include the Espinas International Hotel and Olympic Hotel, both offering airport shuttles, 24-hour front desks, luggage storage, and conference facilities. Rates start around USD 70, with easy metro or taxi links to Mehrabad terminals. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Mehrabad Airport lacks dedicated rest zones, quiet rooms, or cots. Travelers may camp on benches in landside or airside areas; bring your own mat or sleeping bag for comfort. Some fee-based lounge spaces permit short-term rest. Late-night travellers often rely on nearby hotel bookings for proper sleep.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available in both arrival and departure lounges. To connect, register with a local mobile number to receive a one-time password via SMS. Speeds are moderate and sessions generally last up to 60 minutes before re-authentication is required.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards for MCI, Irancell, and Rightel are sold at kiosks landside after baggage claim; expect to show your passport. eSIM plans can be pre-ordered online and activated upon landing, offering 4G coverage across Tehran. Rates start from USD 10 for 5 GB valid 7 days. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Yellow airport taxis queue landside at each terminal exit. Fares to central Tehran average IRR 300,000–400,000, payable in cash or card. Shared “line” taxis offer lower per-seat rates. Official airport cab stands are metered and endorsed by airport authorities for safety and fixed rates.

Train: Tehran Metro Line 4 serves Mehrabad via Bimeh Station, connecting terminals 1, 2, 4, and 6 with the city’s rapid transit network. Trains run every 10–15 minutes from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. more info

Bus: Municipal buses depart hourly from the landside bus stop to Azadi Square and central districts. Tickets cost under IRR 10,000 and are purchased onboard. Official routes and schedules are available via the Tehran Bus Company website. more info

Shuttle: Numerous nearby hotels and private companies offer pre-booked shuttle services to THR, usually timed with flight schedules. Shared minibuses run between Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini Airport at 30-minute intervals. Contact your accommodation for complimentary or paid transfers.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Europcar, Local Rent A Car) maintain desks in Terminal 2’s arrivals hall. Pre-paid bookings can be collected on arrival; walk-up rentals subject to availability. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs with daily rates starting around USD 40, including basic insurance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Two multi-story lots serve THR: Parking 1 (Terminals 1 & 2, 3,000 spots) and Parking 3 (Terminals 4 & 6, 1,200 spots), plus a 750-car Hajj area. Fees begin at IRR 25,000/hour, rising to IRR 530,000 for 24 hours; contact numbers: 021-44631378 and 021-44665546.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official left-luggage lockers are provided landside or airside. Instead, use “Amanaat” left-luggage counters at airport bus and train terminals, or secure short-term storage at nearby hotels. Rates vary by provider, typically IRR 50,000–100,000 per bag for 24 hours. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

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