Direct flights to Tehran

Tehran, Iran's capital and largest city, lies at the heart of the Middle East, a region that is familiar to many owing to its regular appearances in news headlines. However, relatively few people have had a personal experience of actually visiting this part of the world. It is positioned at the base of the Alborz mountain range in Northern Iran and is home to the usual tourist attractions such as museums, shopping centers, art galleries and palaces.

Those who do make the effort to travel to Tehran will find a rich and fascinating city offering a diverse array of sights, activities and cultural experiences.

Getting to Tehran

Global travelers heading to Tehran are most likely to catch flights to Imam Khomeini International Airport, which now serves as the base for most of the foreign airlines flying to the destination.

Direct services to the airport are available from a number of airports in Asia and Europe. Among the links below you can find some of the most popular direct connections to Tehran – follow the links to learn more about each flight option.

From Asia

• Direct flights from Dubai (DXB) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Doha (DOH) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Tbilisi (TBS) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Tehran (IKA)

From Europe

• Direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Vienna (VIE) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from Paris (CDG) to Tehran (IKA)
• Direct flights from London (LHR) to Tehran (IKA)

The base is located about 30 km south-west of Tehran and the city can be reached via taxi and bus services along the Tehran-Qom Freeway. Iran's capital is also served by Mehrabad Airport, which is now only used for regional and cargo flights.

What to experience in Tehran

Tehran is the political and social heart of Iran, often loud, busy and chaotic but also dynamic and diverse, and never boring.

It is the largest city in Iran and western Asia and the 19th largest in the world based on population, with nearly eight million people living in the main urban area.

There are many sights and attractions for travellers to discover in Tehran, including mosques, churches, synagogues and temples that stand as symbols of the city's religious and cultural richness.

Visitors can also head to museums to learn more about the destination and the country as a whole, while the selection of restaurants on offer provides plenty of options for gastronomes interested in sampling Iranian cuisine.

Top five attractions

One of the first stops for many people taking tours of Tehran will be the Azadi Tower. This distinctive monument was built to mark the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire and today serves as a symbol of Tehran.

The National Museum of Iran, while a relatively modest attraction, is a 'must-see' for anyone who wants to learn more about this country during their trip. The collection boasts a number of highlights, including stone figures, ceramic pieces and carvings dating back thousands of years.

More memorable sights are on offer at the Iranian Central Bank in Tehran, which is home to Iran's imperial crown jewels. Guests can see everything from intricately decorated crowns and thrones to tiaras and other unusual items gilded with precious gems and stones.

The Golestan Palace complex is the oldest of Tehran's historical monuments. It comprises dozens of palaces, museums and halls housing all sorts of interesting objects and artefacts, as well as a peaceful garden that serves as the centrepiece of the attraction.

Travellers who want to explore outdoors during their time in Tehran can head to Jamshidieh Park, which is located in the Niavaran neighbourhood. The park, which is considered one of the most picturesque in the city, boasts features including a waterfall and pond, a network of walking paths, restaurants, teahouses, picnic areas and artworks.

Direct flights travel tip for Tehran

One way to add an exciting and memorable aspect to a trip to Tehran is by taking a ride on a motorcycle taxi. This mode of transport is popular among people looking for a quick way to get around the busy city.

When should I visit Tehran?

Travellers who would rather not deal with oppressive heat while visiting Tehran should avoid the summer months from June to August, when temperatures are typically in the mid-30s in degrees C and can climb as high as 43 degrees C.

The mildest and most comfortable conditions generally arrive in the spring and autumn, while winter can often be very cold.