Mehrabad Airport Tehran – Flights, Terminals & Travel Guide

Introduction

Mehrabad Airport (IATA: THR) is the only airport for domestic flights in Tehran, the capital and the largest city in Iran. It is one of the busiest airports in Iran, having over 18 million passengers annually.

Mehrabad Airport is approximately 8–10 km (5–6 miles) west of Tehran and close to the Azadi Tower. This airport is 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) above sea level and is one of the most convenient airports in Iran.

History

Mehrabad Airport was established in 1938. It was created primarily to serve Tehran’s growing aviation and military needs during the early development of aviation in Iran. It was initially associated with the Iranian military aviation and later on became an important base for the Iranian Air Force.

This airport gradually became the airport for commercial passenger flights in Tehran. At first, it was used for both domestic and international flights. However, as Tehran grew and its population increased, the need for a new airport dedicated to international flights became apparent. Right now, Mehrabad Airport is being used for domestic flights only, and Imam Khomeini International Airport is used for international flights.

Airport Terminals

Mehrabad Airport has 4 active terminals. This airport covers flights to most Iranian major cities.

Popular routes include:

• Abadan
• Ahvaz
• Ardabil
• Bandar Abbas
• Birjand
• Bushehr
• Chabahar
• Dezful
• Gachsaran (seasonal)
• Gorgan
• Ilam
• Iranshahr (limited/seasonal)
• Isfahan
• Jask (limited)
• Jiroft (limited)
• Kerman
• Kermanshah
• Khorramabad (limited)
• Kish Island
• Mahshahr
• Maku (limited)
• Mashhad
• Qeshm Island
• Rafsanjan (limited)
• Rasht
• Sanandaj
• Shahrekord (limited)
• Shiraz
• Sirjan
• Tabas (limited)
• Tabriz
• Urmia
• Yasuj
• Yazd
• Zabol (limited)
• Zahedan

Depending on your airline, you need to go to the designated terminal.

Airport Facilities

Mehrabad Airport offers a good variety of facilities for the passengers to use.

• Restaurants and cafés
• Coffee shops
• ATM machines
• Banking services
• Tourist information
• Medical center
• VIP and CIP lounges
• Capsule rooms
• Left luggage facilities
• Prayer rooms
• Car rental
• Large parking area for private vehicles
• Library
• Shops

Transportation to Tehran City Center

The airport is relatively close to the city center. There are a few options available to get to the city center.

• Official Airport Taxi: Depending on the traffic, it can take up to 30 minutes to reach the city center.
• Metro: There are metro stations at the airport connecting to different parts of the city and providing an economical option for travelers.
• Private transfer: Many hotel or tour operators provide private transfer for their clients.
• Snapp & Tapsi ride-hailing apps: you can easily use these reliable Iranian apps to get to any part of the city. To know more about these apps. See Snapp & Tapsi in Iran – A Traveler’s Complete Guide.

Travel Tips

• Make sure to arrive 2-3 hours before your international departure.
• During Nowruz or pilgrimage seasons, Tehran will be at its busiest. Make sure to consider that when going to the airport.

Nearby Attractions

Within 15 kilometers of the airport, visitors can reach:

• Azadi Tower
• Milad Tower
• National Museum of Iran
• Golestan Palace
• The Grand Bazaar of Tehran
• Tabiat bridge
• National Jewelry Museum
• Sa’dabad Complex
• Niavaran Palace Complex
• Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
• Carpet Museum of Iran
• Reza Abbasi Museum
• Darband
• Tochal

FAQ