Traveling from Istanbul to Tehran: what you need to know
Istanbul has a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Tehran leaving from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW).
Disembark at Tehran's chief entry point, Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
The average length of a direct Istanbul to Tehran flight is 4 hours.
The timezone in Tehran is UTC+3:30, which is 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul.
The most popular route for flights from Istanbul to Tehran is Istanbul Airport (IST) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). There are 93 services between these two airports each week.
Leave enough time to catch your Istanbul to Tehran flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Tehran
$85 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Tehran. A return flight starts from $190. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
Score cheap Istanbul to Tehran flights by booking 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on plane tickets from Istanbul to Tehran. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Istanbul to Tehran by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Tehran flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Tehran, you can leave from Istanbul Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in one continuous trip.
These are some of the leading airlines offering direct Istanbul to Tehran plane tickets with departures from IST:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from traveling — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for Istanbul to Tehran flights leaving from Istanbul Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Vienna Airport (VIE)
Muscat Airport (MCT)
IST is about 32 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel near Istanbul Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Tehran, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
You can take a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Tehran out of Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW). Start your trip at SAW and touch down at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
AJet offers direct Istanbul to Tehran plane tickets from SAW. Book your favorite seat and arrive at your destination without any detours.
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Tehran flight, here's where you can stop when setting off from Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
Vienna Airport (VIE)
Sharjah Airport (SHJ)
Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 31 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Istanbul to Tehran? Check in to a hotel near Istanbul Sabiha Airport before your adventure officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport has an on-time performance rate of 68%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights that leave from this airport arrive on time.
Arriving in Tehran
Mehrabad International Airport (THR)
Mehrabad International Airport (THR) to central Tehran takes around 25 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 2 kilometers away.
It typically takes 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Tehran has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city center in around 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Central Tehran is roughly 40 kilometers from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Best time to go to Tehran
March is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Tehran, while November is the most popular. Find the best time to visit Tehran based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Istanbul to Tehran ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Tehran to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Tehran around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Tehran
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Tehran, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Tehran:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Golestan Palace, National Museum of Iran and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art are major attractions which should feature on every Tehran itinerary.
Explore more of Iran
You've done Tehran, now it's time to explore more of Iran. Travel about 338 kilometers south to Isfahan to tick off its top sights. From Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque to Jame Abbasi Mosque and Shah Square, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 32 kilometers northwest of Tehran, Karaj is another favorite stop in Iran. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Shams Palace, Kosar Park and Dowlat Abad Park.
