Imam Khomeini International Airport is approximately 30 kilometers from downtown Tehran. It is located in the administrative region of Rey city along the Tehran-Qom highway.
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History of the Airport
The idea for this airport was proposed by ICAO in 1967. The plan was approved five years later, and construction began in 1975 with collaboration from local and American companies. The project was halted during the revolution but resumed in 1995 with French and Iranian companies. The first phase was completed and opened in 2004. The airport currently has one active terminal, handling 6.5 million passengers annually, with plans to open two more terminals.
Airlines Operating at Imam Khomeini International Airport
Over 40 airlines operate here. Alongside Iranian airlines like Mahan, Iran Air, Zagros, and Caspian, many international airlines also fly to this airport, including Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Austrian Airlines, Alitalia, and Flydubai.
Facilities at Imam Khomeini International Airport
Dining and Shopping
- Several restaurants, fast food outlets, and cafes are available in the general entrance hall.
- A coffee shop is located in the transit hall for passengers waiting for their flights.
- Free internet access is available throughout the passenger terminal.
- An internet café is available for tasks like scanning, copying, printing, or mobile phone activation.
- A children’s play area with supervision is located in the west corner of the general entrance hall.
- Smoking rooms with TVs are available in both the eastern and western boarding areas.
- Various shops in the transit hall sell perfumes, leather goods, jewelry, chocolates, souvenirs, watches, handicrafts, coffee, and cigarettes.
- Stalls selling Irancell and Hamrah Aval SIM cards and car rental services are also available in the entrance hall.
Lounges and Relaxation
After receiving your boarding pass, you can access the lounge or boarding area, which features a buffet, smoking room, souvenir shop, and reclining chairs for rest.
Hotels Near Imam Khomeini Airport
Book Tehran Hotels
Previously, Iran lacked airport hotels, but now, the 4-star Remis (formerly Ibis) and 5-star Rexan (formerly Novotel) hotels at Imam Khomeini Airport City offer rooms for rest before or after flights. These hotels provide free round-trip transfers to the airport.
Additional Amenities
- Several banks and a currency exchange office are available in the departure hall.
- A two-story covered parking lot is available for short-term stops.
- Parking lots 3 and 4 are designated for longer stays, with real-time availability information on the airport’s website.
- The airport is equipped with 24-hour emergency services, a border health station, and special services.
Flight Information
For information on arrivals and departures at Imam Khomeini International Airport, you can contact the following numbers:
- Information Desk: 5100118
- Flight Information: 09633
- SMS Service: 10009633
- Parking: 51007199
- Lost and Found: 51007897
- Taxi Service: 1833
- Airport Website: ikac.ir
Transportation to the Airport
Metro
For outbound flights, you can take the metro from Dowlat Gate Station to Aftab Station, then to Vavan Station, and from there to the airport. The trip takes 40 minutes and costs 7,500 Toman.
Bus
Some passengers prefer the bus over the metro. Buses to Imam Khomeini Airport depart from Mehrabad Airport opposite Terminal 4, as well as from Azadi Square Metro Station and the Holy Shrine Station.
Taxi
Tehran Airport Transfers
The airport taxi service operates 24/7. Regardless of your arrival time, taxis are always available to take you to any part of the city with fixed rates. The fare varies by car type; for instance, a Toyota Camry costs 85,000 Toman. Taxi booths are located outside the airport building. Online taxis are also available and usually cheaper.
For outbound flights, you can book a taxi in advance by calling 1804, 1828, or 1833.
A shuttle taxi service between Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini airports is available, with the journey taking less than one hour.
Personal Car
If you drive to Imam Khomeini Airport, follow the Tehran-Qom or Tehran-Saveh highways and follow the airport signs.
Car Rental
Car rentals are available for short-term (less than 28 days) and long-term (28-360 days) periods. Rates vary; for example, a Renault Logan costs 180,000 Toman per day for 3-6 days, while a Hyundai Elantra costs 540,000 Toman per day for the same period.
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Important Note
Arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Mobile charging stations are located in the departure hall, near the security gate, and in the check-in area.
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