Turkish Airlines offers 4 or 5 direct flights on a daily basis from Istanbul to Tehran. Both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serve as a point of departure for the direct flights to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), which take nearly three to three and a half hours. Ongoing all year round, the number of flights remains quite the same throughout the year.
As the most populous city in Türkiye, Istanbul is encircled by Marmara inland sea and Black sea in the northwestern Türkiye. Owning an extremely advanced infrastructure especially in industry, commerce, finance, education and culture, this magnificent metropolis offers a more comfortable life of higher standards for its inhabitants by optimizing technology in the best way possible.
The historic city appealing to the tourists by its splendid artifacts, delightful nature, prosperous museums and glorious palaces also hosts numerous facilities to try the palatable tastes of both Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. Topkapı Palace and museum where properties of royal Ottoman dynasty are exhibited; Hagia Sophia which was built as a church in Byzantine period and turned into mosque, now serving as a museum; the charm of the Bosporus, Maiden’s Tower and Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque bearing the valuable traces of history are the top popular icons in the city.
There are two airports serving to the extremely busy air traffic in Istanbul all year round: İstanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Both airports serve as the points of departure for Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST) is located on the D20 road. Even though the airport is approximately 35 km from the city center there are many transportation options available to passengers.
When it comes to public transport, the scheduled IETT buses and Havaist shuttles depart from many spots in the city. If you would rather not use public transport you can catch a taxi. Guests that want to travel privately and with ease can rent a car from car rental companies based at the airport. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport from the city center by taxi and costs around 100-110 TL.
For more detailed information check our transport information page.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) offers different transport opportunities for reaching the city center.
Those interested in using public transport may get on the municipal buses serving from both the Anatolian and European side. The line numbered SG-2 sets off from Taksim, E-3 from 4th Levent, together with SG-1 and E-11 from Kadıköy. Note that the bus SG-1 serves as express, stopping by only at Çamlık and Yenisahra stations.
As the subway line to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is not completed yet, it is not possible to reach the airport directly via subway right now. However, you may get off the subway at Kartal station and change here to the municipal bus numbered KM22 to reach the airport comfortably in a short period.
Airport shuttles departing from Taksim, Kadıköy and Yenisahra would be another alternative. Furthermore, it is possible to also use the cabs serving 7/24 all around the city.
Tehran, the impressive capital of Iran, one of the richest countries of the Middle East ranks among the top popular destinations of its region. Shining out particularly by its cultural prosperity and historical artifacts, this enchanting capital offers an utterly different experience for its guests in an authentic atmosphere.
The Treasury of National Jewels, an outstanding museum as one of the richest in the world, owns breathtaking collections of jewelry captivating every visitor. The Museum of Archeology, on the other hand, where the country’s most valuable archeological artifacts are exhibited simply provides an insight into the region’s background by its mesmerizing collection. The Azadi Tower as the icon of the Persian Empire serves as a remarkable model of Islamic architecture, whereas the stunning palaces like Sadabaad Palace, Niavan Palace and Golestan Palace are the top crowd-pulling destinations of the country, attracting considerable number of visitors.
Two airports serve in the capital Tehran: Mehrabad Airport (THR) serves only for domestic flights. Passengers booking their flight to Tehran with Turkish Airlines land at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located 55 kilometers to the center.
The most practical option in transport between Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and city center would be the subway. It is possible to reach the center within nearly 35 minutes via the red subway line numbered 8 operating from the first floor of the airport. You may also get on the minibuses serving on the way out the airport to reach the center.
It is possible to take the cabs available in the airport to reach anywhere in the city; however it would be advisable to negotiate on the fare prior to your journey.