Tehran is a huge, busy city, and getting around it is half the battle. The good news is that it has a cheap and extensive metro, a network of rapid buses and, above all, ride-hailing apps that make taxis easy even if you speak no Persian. This guide to getting around Tehran brings together all of our transport coverage, from your first ride out of the airport to buses and flights to the rest of Iran.
Arriving. Most international flights land at Imam Khomeini International Airport, about 50 km south of the city. Our airport guide covers the options for getting into town, and our guide to airport taxis explains fares and the official taxi desk. If you have a long layover, the CIP terminal and business lounge and the airport hotels in our hotels guide are worth knowing about. Our list of foreign airlines flying to Tehran covers who flies in.
The metro. The fastest way across the city at rush hour. Start with our Tehran metro guide for lines, tickets and tips, then read about new stations and route changes. The first and last carriages of each train are reserved for women, though women can ride anywhere. Cyclists can take a folding bike on board, and our guide to taking your bike on the metro explains the rules for full-size bikes.
Buses. Tehran’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) runs in dedicated lanes along the main avenues, including Valiasr Street, and is often quicker than a car. For buses out of the city, our guide to bus terminals and timetables covers the four main terminals, and we have advice on choosing the best seat for the Tehran to Shiraz coach.
Taxis and ride-hailing. Most residents use Snapp or Tapsi, the Iranian equivalents of Uber. Our best apps for foreigners covers them, and if you have an iPhone, read how to install them without the App Store. If you prefer to flag a car down, our guide to darbast taxis explains how private hire works and how to agree a price.
Driving. Driving in Tehran is not for the faint-hearted, but many residents do it. Read how to drive in the traffic zones, which restrict access to the centre, and our guide to the best car rental companies. If you plan to stay, see where to buy a car in Iran and the rules on bringing your own car into Iran. Our report on the new green and blue number plates explains what they mean. For weekends on the Caspian coast, see where things stand on the Tehran-North Freeway.
Two wheels. Electric bikes are increasingly popular for short trips; see where to buy one in Tehran.
Travelling around Iran. Domestic flights are cheap and frequent. Our guide to domestic flights covers Mehrabad Airport, the airlines and how to book. For ideas on where to go, see our day trip to Filband, our guide to Lavasan and our autumn guide to Qeshm Island.
Finding your way. Street names change and many addresses are given by landmark, so show your driver the destination in Persian script. The neighbourhood guides to Baharestan Square, Enghelab Square and Valiasr Street include the nearest stations, and the Persia Learning course, whose first lesson is free, will help you read signs and street names.
