# Tehran Airport Transfer Guide (THR) Practical guide to transfers from Mehrabad Airport (THR) to Tehran city center. Honest pricing, taxi options, and tips for navigating Iran's domestic airport. **Airport:** THR **City:** Tehran **Country:** Iran **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/thr --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Mehrabad Airport sits roughly 10 km west of central Tehran. A pre-booked private transfer to most parts of the city takes 20 to 50 minutes depending on Tehran's notorious traffic. Expect to pay between 15 and 35 USD equivalent for a sedan transfer. The airport handles domestic and some regional flights, so it is smaller and less chaotic than Imam Khomeini International (IKA), but the taxi situation outside arrivals can still feel overwhelming if it is your first time. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Mehrabad has four terminals, though most domestic passengers arrive at Terminals 1 or 2. After collecting your bags, you walk out into a busy arrivals hall. There is no formal queue system for taxis outside. Drivers may approach you, and unofficial taxis are common. If you have a pre-arranged transfer, your driver will typically hold a sign with your name near the exit doors. The airport has basic currency exchange counters, but rates are poor. ATMs exist but international cards rarely work in Iran due to sanctions, so plan your cash before arrival. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Official airport taxis** are available from the taxi stand outside arrivals. They use meters, but you should confirm the rate before getting in. Fares to central Tehran run roughly 300,000 to 700,000 IRR depending on destination and traffic. **Snapp and Tapsi** are Iranian ride-hailing apps that work well from Mehrabad. They are usually cheaper than airport taxis, but you need an Iranian phone number to register. If you have a local SIM, this is the budget option. **Tehran Metro** Line 4 connects Mehrabad to the city center. The station is at Terminal 1. It is cheap and avoids traffic, but not practical with heavy luggage or late at night when the metro closes around 22:30. **Pre-booked private transfers** are the most predictable option, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Tehran. The driver meets you at arrivals, handles any language barrier, and takes you directly to your hotel. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations Iran's currency situation makes pricing confusing for visitors. As of 2026, a taxi from Mehrabad to central Tehran costs roughly 10 to 25 USD equivalent. A pre-booked private transfer typically runs 15 to 35 USD for a sedan, depending on the exact destination and vehicle type. Prices increase slightly for areas like northern Tehran (Tajrish, Darband) which are farther from the airport. Keep in mind that you will almost certainly pay in Iranian Rial, so have cash ready. --- ### Late night arrivals Mehrabad receives domestic flights until late evening, and some regional flights arrive after midnight. The metro stops running around 22:30. After that, your options narrow to airport taxis, ride-hailing apps, or a pre-booked transfer. Unofficial taxi drivers become more aggressive late at night. If you arrive after midnight, a pre-arranged pickup eliminates the negotiation and uncertainty. Tehran traffic is actually lighter at night, so the drive to your hotel will be shorter than during the day. --- ### Families and luggage Mehrabad is a manageable airport for families. The walk from gates to arrivals is short, and there are trolleys available. If you are traveling with children and multiple bags, a private transfer is the practical choice. Regular taxis at the stand are mostly standard sedans (Iran Khodro Samand or similar) with limited trunk space. If you need a larger vehicle, you will need to arrange it in advance. Car seats for children are not standard in Iranian taxis and must be specifically requested with a private transfer. --- ### Where you meet the driver For pre-booked transfers, drivers wait in the arrivals hall or just outside the exit doors, depending on the terminal. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have clearly marked exits. Your driver will hold a name board. If you cannot find them, step outside and look for the vehicle description provided in your booking confirmation. Mobile coverage at Mehrabad is generally good, so you can call your driver directly. Note that WhatsApp works in Iran but may be slow; local apps like Eitaa or regular phone calls are more reliable. --- ### Decision helper **Choose the metro** if you are traveling light, it is daytime, and you want the cheapest option. **Choose Snapp or Tapsi** if you have an Iranian SIM card and want a good balance of price and convenience. **Choose an airport taxi** if you want to leave immediately and are comfortable negotiating. **Choose a pre-booked transfer** if you want certainty on price and pickup, especially on your first visit to Tehran, traveling with family, or arriving late at night. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Mehrabad is one of the easier airports to navigate in Iran, mainly because it is close to the city and relatively compact. The main challenge for visitors is the currency situation and the language barrier with taxi drivers. A pre-booked transfer solves both problems cleanly. If you are connecting through Mehrabad on domestic routes, the proximity to central Tehran also makes it practical for a quick stopover before continuing your journey. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Mehrabad Airport from Tehran city center?** About 10 km. In normal traffic, the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes. During Tehran's rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM), it can stretch to 50 minutes or more. **Q: Is Mehrabad the same as Imam Khomeini Airport?** No. Mehrabad (THR) is the older, city-side airport handling mostly domestic and some regional flights. Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is 50 km south of Tehran and handles international flights. Make sure you know which airport your flight uses. **Q: Can I use Uber or international ride-hailing apps in Tehran?** No. Uber and other international apps do not operate in Iran. The local equivalents are Snapp and Tapsi, which require an Iranian phone number to register. **Q: Do taxis at Mehrabad accept foreign currency?** Generally no. You should have Iranian Rial in cash. Exchange money before arriving or at the airport exchange counter, though airport rates are not favorable. Some pre-booked transfer services allow you to pay in advance online. **Q: Is it safe to take a taxi from Mehrabad at night?** Tehran is generally safe, but unofficial taxis at night can overcharge significantly. Using the official taxi stand, a ride-hailing app, or a pre-booked transfer is the sensible approach after dark. **Q: Does Mehrabad Airport have a metro connection?** Yes. Tehran Metro Line 4 stops at Terminal 1. It runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 22:30. A single ride costs very little, but the metro gets extremely crowded during rush hours. **Q: How much should I pay for a taxi from Mehrabad to central Tehran?** Roughly 10 to 25 USD equivalent in Iranian Rial, depending on the exact destination and traffic. Pre-booked transfers are slightly more but include meet-and-greet and fixed pricing. **Q: Can I get a car seat for my child in a Tehran taxi?** Not in regular taxis. Child car seats are not standard in Iran. If you need one, arrange a private transfer and request the seat when booking. **Q: What terminal do domestic flights use at Mehrabad?** Most domestic airlines use Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Check your airline's terminal assignment before heading to the airport, as terminals are in separate buildings. **Q: Is there Wi-Fi at Mehrabad Airport?** Free Wi-Fi is available but unreliable. Many international websites and services are restricted in Iran without a VPN. Consider getting a local SIM card with data at the airport for reliable connectivity. --- ## Additional Guides ### Late Night Transfer Guide for Mehrabad Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/thr/late-night Mehrabad handles domestic flights that can land well into the evening, and some regional flights arrive past midnight. If your flight gets in late, here is what to expect and how to handle the transfer. ## What is available after midnight The Tehran Metro stops running around 22:30, so it is not an option for late arrivals. Snapp and Tapsi ride-hailing apps work 24 hours, but driver availability drops after midnight and wait times increase. The airport taxi stand usually has some cars available for arriving flights, but the selection shrinks as the night goes on. Unofficial taxi drivers become more visible late at night. They hang around the arrivals exit and approach passengers directly. While most are harmless, they are unregulated and their prices are unpredictable. ## The safety picture Tehran is generally safe at night, and the roads between Mehrabad and the city center are well-lit main arteries. The risk is not physical safety but rather being significantly overcharged when you have no alternative. A taxi driver at 2 AM knows you have limited options, and the price reflects that. ## Why pre-booking makes sense at night A pre-booked transfer eliminates the two problems of late-night arrivals: availability and pricing. Your driver is committed to being there regardless of the hour, and the price was agreed upon when you booked. You walk out, find your driver, and go. No negotiation, no uncertainty, no standing around hoping a taxi appears. ## The upside of late-night driving in Tehran Tehran traffic during the day is some of the worst in the world. At night, the same journey that takes an hour at 5 PM takes 15 minutes. The drive from Mehrabad to most central neighborhoods is genuinely quick and pleasant after 22:00. Even northern Tehran destinations like Tajrish, which can take over an hour during rush hour, are reachable in 25 minutes at night. ## Practical tips for late arrivals Have your hotel address saved on your phone in Farsi. Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport if you need cash for a taxi (the exchange counter may be closed very late, so plan ahead). Let your hotel know your arrival time so they are expecting you. If you are using Snapp or Tapsi, open the app and check driver availability before you leave the terminal. And if you do not have a pre-booked transfer, use the official taxi stand rather than accepting offers from individuals inside the terminal. ## Flight delays Domestic flights in Iran are frequently delayed. If your originally early-evening flight becomes a late-night arrival, this is when having a pre-booked transfer really pays off. Your driver adjusts to the actual landing time. With a taxi, you are starting the process of finding transport from scratch at whatever hour you finally land. --- ### Mehrabad Airport Taxi vs Private Transfer: An Honest Comparison **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/thr/taxi-vs-transfer Both taxis and private transfers get you from Mehrabad to central Tehran in roughly the same time. The difference comes down to predictability, comfort, and how familiar you are with Tehran. ## The taxi experience at Mehrabad Outside the arrivals exit, you will find a taxi stand with official airport taxis. These are usually Iran Khodro Samand or Peugeot 405 sedans. The vehicles are functional but older compared to what you might expect from European or Gulf airports. Drivers speak limited English in most cases. The process involves walking up, stating your destination, and either agreeing on a price or using the meter. Many drivers prefer a flat fare over the meter. The price negotiation is brief but can be frustrating if you do not know what the going rate is. Payment is in cash Rial only. There are also unofficial taxi drivers who approach you inside the terminal. These are not regulated, and while many are perfectly fine, prices tend to be higher and there is no accountability if something goes wrong. ## The private transfer experience A pre-booked transfer means a driver is waiting specifically for you, usually holding a sign with your name. The vehicle is typically a newer model in better condition than the average taxi. The driver knows your destination in advance, the price is fixed and often paid online, and there is no negotiation at the curb. For someone visiting Tehran for the first time, this removes the two biggest stress points: the language barrier and the currency confusion. ## Where taxis win Taxis are cheaper by a modest margin, roughly 30 to 40 percent less than a private transfer. They are available immediately with no advance planning. If you speak some Farsi or have traveled in Iran before, the taxi is a perfectly reasonable choice. The ride-hailing apps Snapp and Tapsi are even cheaper than airport taxis if you have an Iranian SIM. ## Where private transfers win Private transfers win on certainty. You know the price before you land. You know someone is waiting for you. You do not need Iranian cash in hand. This matters most when you are arriving late at night, traveling with family, or visiting for the first time. The vehicle quality is also better, which matters on longer rides to northern Tehran. ## The practical verdict If you are an experienced Iran traveler with a local SIM card, use Snapp or Tapsi for the best price. If you are comfortable with a bit of negotiation and have Rial cash, the official taxi stand works well. If you want the smoothest possible arrival, especially on your first visit, a pre-booked transfer is worth the premium. The cost difference is small in absolute terms, usually around 5 to 10 USD. --- ### Family and Kids Transfer Guide for Mehrabad Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/thr/family-and-kids Traveling through Mehrabad with children is manageable, but it requires more planning than most airports simply because of how things work in Iran. ## The airport itself Mehrabad is compact compared to international mega-airports. The walk from the gate to baggage claim is short, which helps when you are carrying a sleeping child. Trolleys are available at the carousel area. There are basic facilities like restrooms and a small shop, but do not expect family lounges or extensive dining options. Get through the terminal and into your vehicle as quickly as possible. ## The car seat situation This is the biggest concern for families. Child car seats are essentially nonexistent in Iranian taxis. Regular airport taxis, Snapp, Tapsi, none of them provide car seats as standard. Iran does not have the same child restraint laws as European countries. If a car seat is important to you (and it should be for young children), your only reliable option is to book a private transfer and specifically request a child seat at the time of booking. Even then, confirm the request a day before your flight. Alternatively, bring your own travel car seat. Compact, portable models like the BubbleBum or mifold work well for this. ## Vehicle and luggage considerations Standard Tehran taxis are sedans with limited trunk space. If you are traveling with a stroller, two suitcases, and carry-on bags, it will be a tight fit. A family of four with typical vacation luggage really needs a larger vehicle. When booking a private transfer, request a van or SUV if your group has more than two large bags. ## The language factor Children make the language barrier both easier and harder. Drivers tend to be friendly and accommodating when they see families, but communicating specific needs (temperature, stops, route preferences) remains challenging without Farsi. Having your hotel address written in Farsi on your phone is essential. A private transfer driver will typically have received all this information in advance. ## Practical recommendations For families with children under 5, book a private transfer with a car seat request. For families with older kids, any option works, but a private vehicle avoids the squeeze of a standard taxi. Pack snacks and water for the car ride, as Tehran traffic can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour during rush hours. If you have a connecting domestic flight from Mehrabad, note that the terminals are separate buildings, so allow extra time to move between them with children and luggage. ## One more thing Iranian people are genuinely warm toward children. Do not be surprised if your taxi driver offers your kids candy or tries to entertain them despite the language gap. The cultural hospitality is real, and it makes the journey more pleasant for everyone. --- ### How Much Does a Transfer from Mehrabad Airport to Tehran Cost? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/thr/cost-to-city Mehrabad Airport is about 10 km from central Tehran, making it one of the more affordable airport-to-city transfers you will find. But Iran's currency situation adds a layer of confusion that is worth understanding before you land. ## The pricing landscape in 2026 Iran's economy means prices in Rial look enormous while the actual USD equivalent is modest. A taxi from Mehrabad to destinations like Vali-e-Asr, Enghelab Square, or Vanak runs roughly 300,000 to 700,000 IRR. At 2026 exchange rates, that translates to about 10 to 25 USD equivalent. The catch is that you need Iranian Rial in cash. International cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions. You can exchange money at the airport, but the rate will be worse than what you would get at a licensed exchange shop in the city. Many experienced travelers bring USD or EUR in cash and exchange a small amount at the airport for the taxi fare. ## Option-by-option breakdown **Tehran Metro (Line 4):** Under 1 USD equivalent. The cheapest option by far, but only practical if you are traveling light and it is between 5:30 AM and 22:30. **Snapp or Tapsi (ride-hailing):** 7 to 18 USD equivalent. Cheaper than airport taxis, but requires an Iranian phone number. If you have a local SIM, this is the sweet spot for price and convenience. **Official airport taxi:** 10 to 25 USD equivalent. Available immediately outside arrivals. Meters are sometimes used, sometimes not. Confirm the fare before you get in. **Pre-booked private transfer:** 15 to 35 USD for a sedan. Slightly more expensive, but includes meet-and-greet, fixed pricing, and no need to carry exact change in Rial. ## Destinations and what they cost Fares vary by how far into Tehran you are going. Central areas like Imam Khomeini Square or the Grand Bazaar are closest and cheapest. Northern Tehran neighborhoods like Tajrish, Darband, or Niavaran are 15 to 20 km away and cost more. If you are heading to the very north of the city, expect the higher end of every price range. ## Traffic matters more than distance Tehran's traffic is legendary. A 10 km ride can take 20 minutes at night or over an hour during morning rush. This affects metered taxi fares and ride-hailing prices (which use surge pricing during heavy traffic). Pre-booked transfers have a fixed rate regardless of traffic, which can actually save you money during peak hours. ## Tips to avoid overpaying Do not exchange all your money at the airport. Change just enough for the taxi and find a better rate in the city. If taking an airport taxi, ask a local (airport staff, shop workers) what the current fair rate is before approaching the taxi stand. Drivers know that tourists are unfamiliar with the currency and may quote higher. Having the price written down in Farsi on your phone can help communicate clearly. --- ## Related Pages - [THR Airport Transfer Guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-transfers/thr) - [THR Airport Transfer Cost to Tehran](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-transfers/thr/cost-to-city) - [THR Taxi vs Private Transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-transfers/thr/taxi-vs-transfer) - [THR Family and Kids Transfer Tips](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-transfers/thr/family-and-kids) - [THR Late Night Transfer Options](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-transfers/thr/late-night) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Tehran (THR). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.