Cheapest time to fly to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)
The summers in Tehran are hot – up to 40 degrees Celsius, and the winters are cold, averaging minus two degrees Celsius in January. As a result, most tourists visit in the spring and autumn, and the cheapest return flights to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) are concentrated in the summer or winter months. However, we suggest looking out for great last-minute flights in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to see Tehran at its best.
Flying to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)
Imam Khomeini Airport is the largest airport in Iran. Currently it has one terminal, but Terminal 2 is now under construction. The airport is 19 miles from the centre of Tehran. Direct flights to Imam Khomeini Airport are available from London Heathrow with British Airways. However, there are many more indirect flights combinations with airlines such as Austrian Airlines via Vienna, and UIA via Kiev. To fly from Manchester, check out Turkish Airlines indirect flights via Istanbul.
On arrival and getting around IKA
Imam Khomeini Airport is a busy and architecturally modern airport, however, it has limited shops and dining options. Getting through security and passport control can be slow, so make sure you have plenty of time before boarding your return flights. The information desk is open 24 hours, but the cafés and shops are not, so it may be a good idea to take snacks and drinks with you. If you need flights to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) do a search with Netflights whose search engines locate the best combination of flights, and if you are flexible on dates will find the cheapest day for you to fly.
Getting to the city from the airport
Whilst you can catch one of the regular buses to the city centre that operate from just outside the terminal building, our recommendation would be to instead get a taxi, as they are charged at a fixed rate of 400,000 Iranian rials to the city centre and will take you directly to your destination. You can book and pay for the taxi in advance at the taxi booth in the arrivals hall at the airport. The journey will take approximately 90 minutes depending on how heavy the traffic is. There are also shuttle buses available, these will take you to the nearest metro station and you can get to the city centre from there.
Don't forget before you fly
All British nationals will need a visa to visit Iran, and you should apply for one far in advance of your travel date: be wary of this if you look for last-minute flights. Currently, British Nationals can only apply for a visa as part of an organised tour, or if they have a sponsor in Iran. The currency is the Iranian rial – buy these before you go because your credit and debit cards are unlikely to work in Iran.
