Transportation in Iran

Telephone taxis are available through local agencies in Tehran and most hotels in provincial centers can arrange taxis for hire although it should be noted that there are no meters. Cheap bus transport is available but is not often used by foreigners in Tehran. Local orange taxis (or private vehicles operating as "taxis") are numerous and efficient for Iranians as they provide an interlocking network of north-south and east-west transportation on an ad-hoc shared basis. There are road, rail and air services to most key centers. The bus network is reliable and efficient.

Tehran Underground Metro started its official operation in 1999. Currently two of the metro lines (one North-South and the other East-West) are operational in addition to the line connecting West Tehran to Karaj. With its cheap ticket rate, using metro for transportation is becoming more and more popular amongst Iranians and one of the most convenient ways to reach down-town Tehran.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) located 35 km South-West of Tehran. Access is by road. There are separate international terminals that are approximately five minutes apart by motor vehicle. To travel between terminals by public transport, visitors can use taxis that are available readily. There are now official taxi stands from which all the official airport taxis are dispatched and will charge a fixed rate. Individual cabs may also try to hawk a passenger. It is advisable to avoid such cars, even if they offer lower fares. Access roads to this airport are via Tehran-Qom highway, Tehran-Saveh road and Tehran-Saveh highway. One special railroad linked to the metro network is also predicted to provide fast access to the airport. There is a 20 km long access highway to the passenger terminal between Tehran-Qom and Tehran-Saveh highways. Airport facilities are now relatively streamlined although delays can arise over minor bureaucratic issues. For international departures, visitors are advised to be at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, travelers should check in one hour before their flight. Customs checks and inspections, even for domestic flights, are rigorous.