Flying from Istanbul to Tehran: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Check out your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when searching for a flight from Istanbul to Tehran.
Touch down at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), the major arrival point in Tehran.
The average length of a direct Istanbul to Tehran flight is 3 hours 10 minutes.
The timezone in Tehran is UTC+3:30, which is 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 91 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Istanbul to Tehran is with Iran Air at 23:15. Opt for the first IST to IKA departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:55 to make the most of your first day in Tehran.
To ensure you catch your Istanbul to Tehran flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Tehran
AED 99 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Tehran. A return flight starts from AED 549. These fares can change depending on availability.
Book one month before traveling. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Istanbul to Tehran flights.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Tehran. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Getting a cheap flight from Istanbul to Tehran is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Istanbul to Tehran flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Tehran, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Fly from IST to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in one continuous trip.
Direct Istanbul to Tehran plane tickets are offered by numerous airlines at IST. Choose one of these and take to the skies:
We make it a breeze to book an Istanbul to Tehran flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometers in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul to Tehran or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Tehran out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Nonstop services from SAW will get you to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
You can book a direct Istanbul to Tehran plane ticket with AJet. This is one of the leading airlines that operates this route out of SAW.
Break up your Istanbul to Tehran flight with a stop so you can freshen up or cross a new place off your list. Popular stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Tehran are:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Esenboga International Airport (ESB)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 31 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to Tehran? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77%.
Arriving in Tehran
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to central Tehran takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. The center is roughly 40 kilometers away.
Stay right next to the airport for convenience if you're jetting in on an late flight from Istanbul to Tehran. Remis Hotel is a comfortable option close to IKA. Or check in and get some rest at Rexan Hotel before traveling to your final destination.
Best time to go to Tehran
April is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Tehran, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to go to Tehran based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book an Istanbul to Tehran ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Tehran to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF).
January has 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 when it's cooler.
More about Tehran
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Tehran right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Tehran:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. Golestan Palace, National Museum of Iran and Azadi Tower are must-visits when exploring Tehran.
Explore more of Iran
Tehran is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Iran just waiting to be discovered. About 338 kilometers south of Tehran, a trip to Isfahan will keep your itinerary busy. Start with attractions like Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Chehel Sotoun and Vank Cathedral.
Around 32 kilometers west of Tehran, Karaj is another favorite stop in Iran. Start your sightseeing at Lale Park, Fatemiyeh Park and Vahdat Park.
