Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Tehran: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran is 3 hours 15 minutes.
Tehran is 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located. Tehran runs on the UTC+3:30 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the most traveled route, with 91 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from IST to IKA is with Iran Air at 23:15. Go for the first departure with Turkish Airlines at 00:55 if you want to get on your way earlier.
To avoid rushing for your IST to Tehran flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran ticket. Start your journey at IST and end it at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
A range of airlines operate direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran. The most well-known include:
We make it easy to book flight tickets from IST to Tehran with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight offering a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near IST. Whether you're taking an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Tehran
The best price we've found for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran flight is $49. The cheapest price for a return flight is $130. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap flight from IST to Tehran. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
There's no need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from IST to Tehran.
Find a cheap flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Tehran
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to the centre of Tehran takes about 1 hour by car. The centre is roughly 56 kilometres away.
Few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal if you've just jumped off a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran. Remis Hotel and Rexan Hotel are handy accommodation options near IKA.
Best time to go to Tehran
Before locking in your flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Tehran offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran flight ticket with a departure in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from IST to Tehran around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Tehran
Start your Tehran trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Tehran, check out our range of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace and Azadi Tower are must-do's during your Tehran adventure.
Explore more of Iran
Tehran has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Iran just waiting to be explored. Around 338 kilometres south of Tehran, a trip to Isfahan will keep you busy. Start with popular sights like Hasht Behesht Palace, Jameh Mosque of Isfahan and Kakh-e Ali Qapu.
If there's time to check out another major stop in Iran, head for Qom, roughly 129 kilometres south of Tehran. Ferdosi Park, Astaneh Museum and Gonbad Sabz Garden are among its highlights.