About flights from Tehran (THR)
Mehrabad International sits in the western fold of Tehran, a city of fourteen million that presses up against the Alborz mountains like it's trying to escape its own noise. This airport has a particular character — older, more worn-in than the newer Imam Khomeini International to the south, and entirely focused on getting Iranians around Iran. It's a domestic workhorse, and that tells you something important about the country itself: vast, geographically extreme, and not easily crossed by road.
Quick stats for THR
- Direct destinations: 29
- Countries served: 1
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 692 km
- Longest non-stop: Chah Bahar (ZBR) — 1,431 km (~1h 47m)
- Shortest non-stop: Sary (SRY) — 198 km (~15 min)
- Reach score: 54/99
Why fly to Tehran?
Iran is bigger than most people picture it. The longest route out of Mehrabad reaches Chah Bahar, a port city on the Gulf of Oman coast, 1,431 kilometers away — a trip that would take the better part of two days overland. Flying makes the country navigable in a way nothing else does. At the other end of the scale, Sary in Mazandaran province sits just 198 kilometers north, yet the Alborz range makes that a serious undertaking by car. Carriers like Iran Air and Caspian Airlines run these routes with frequency that reflects genuine demand. For foreign travelers who've secured the necessary visa, domestic flights are the only honest way to understand how much Iran actually contains.
Longest non-stop flights from THR
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Tehran:
- Chah Bahar, Iran (ZBR) — 1,431 km, approximately 1h 47m
- Zahedan, Iran (ZAH) — 1,132 km, approximately 1h 25m
- Qeshm Island, Iran (GSM) — 1,084 km, approximately 1h 21m
- Bandar Lengeh, Iran (BDH) — 1,072 km, approximately 1h 20m
- Bandar Abbas, Iran (BND) — 1,057 km, approximately 1h 19m
Short-haul flights from THR
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Tehran:
- Sary, Iran (SRY) — 198 km, approximately 15 min
- Rasht, Iran (RAS) — 237 km, approximately 18 min
- Gorgon, Iran (GBT) — 308 km, approximately 23 min
- Isfahan, Iran (IFN) — 332 km, approximately 25 min
- Ardabil, Iran (ADU) — 390 km, approximately 29 min
Tips for travelers at THR
Mehrabad is roughly 15 kilometers from central Tehran, and taxis from Azadi Square or Valiasr are the most practical option — expect 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, which in Tehran is never a small variable. The metro's Line 4 stops at Mehrabad, a genuinely useful connection that most first-timers overlook. Book domestic tickets well in advance during Nowruz, the Persian New Year in late March, when every flight in the country fills completely. Carry cash for airport incidentals, and confirm your flight time the day before — schedules here shift more readily than you might be used to.
Airlines operating from THR
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Mehrabad International:
B9, EP, IR, QB
Frequently asked questions about flying to Tehran
What's the best way to get from Mehrabad International Airport to Tehran city center?
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing app like Snapp for around 200,000-300,000 IRR, or use the airport bus which is cheaper at about 50,000 IRR but takes longer. The trip typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
When is the best time to fly to or from Tehran?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while summer can be extremely hot and winter occasionally brings disruptions. Book in advance during Persian New Year (Nowruz) in March as it's peak travel season.
How many direct flight destinations can I reach from Mehrabad?
Mehrabad International Airport offers 29 direct destinations, connecting you to major cities across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia without needing to change planes.
What do I need to know about visa requirements for Iran?
Most visitors need a visa to enter Iran, which you should arrange before arrival through an Iranian embassy or consulate—tourist visas typically take 1-2 weeks. Some nationalities may qualify for visa-on-arrival, but it's best to confirm your specific requirements beforehand.
What's a helpful tip for Mehrabad Airport?
Download offline maps and have your hotel address written in Farsi, as English signage is limited in some areas and staff may not speak English. Also, have some Iranian Rial cash ready since not all vendors accept cards.
How much should I budget for airport transfers and getting around Tehran?
A taxi from the airport costs roughly $5-10 USD, and getting around the city by taxi is very affordable at $1-3 per ride, making Tehran one of the cheapest destinations for ground transportation. Public metro rides are even cheaper at under $0.50 per trip.
Plan your trip from Tehran
Browse the complete list of 29 destinations below to find your next flight from Mehrabad International. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.