# IKA — Tehran (Imam Khomeini International Airport)

> IKA (Imam Khomeini International Airport) is the main international airport serving Tehran, Iran. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ika-tehran

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Use Snapp! app or pre-arrange hotel pickup
- **Typical fare:** IRR 800,000–1,500,000 (~USD 15–25 at black-market rate)
- **Journey time:** 45–80 min to central Tehran
- **Pickup point:** Designated rideshare zone outside arrivals
- **Key warning:** International cards do NOT work in Iran — bring USD/EUR cash to exchange
- **Fare reality (IKA → central Tehran):** expected USD 15–25 equivalent · concerning USD 50+ · likely scam USD 100+ taxi flat
- **Overall risk:** medium — Airport is 30km south of Tehran. Snapp! (Iran's Uber) is the safest option but requires a local SIM.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (medium confidence)

## Ways out of IKA, ranked

1. **Snapp! / Tapsi** _(recommended)_ — cost IRR 800k–1.5M, journey 45–80 min, wait 5–15 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Fair price; Tracked ride
   - Cons: Needs Iranian SIM for OTP
2. **Hotel pickup** _(recommended)_ — cost USD 30–50 equiv, journey 45–80 min, wait Pre-arranged, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Driver with sign; Removes friction
   - Cons: Premium
3. **Official airport taxi** — cost IRR 1.5M–2.5M, journey 45–80 min, wait 5–10 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Set rate
   - Cons: 1.5x Snapp
4. **Metro Line 1 + bus** — cost IRR 100,000, journey 90–120 min, wait Every 15 min, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Cheapest
   - Cons: Slow; Transfers needed

## First 30 minutes after landing at IKA

1. Clear immigration (visa pre-arranged)
2. Exchange USD/EUR cash to IRR at airport bank
3. SIM at Hamrah-e-Aval / Irancell counter (passport required)
4. Open Snapp! and walk to designated zone
5. 45–80 min to central Tehran

## Common scams at IKA

- **Currency rate scam** (high risk): Street 'changers' offer dramatically worse rates than official sarrafi. _How to avoid:_ Use airport bank or known city sarrafi only.
- **USD flat-rate taxi** (high risk): Touts quote USD 50–100 for the airport run. _How to avoid:_ Use Snapp! or hotel pickup.

## Payment warnings at IKA

- NO international cards work in Iran. Bring USD or EUR cash.
- Use airport bank or licensed sarrafi (exchange) — never street touts.
- Get an Iranian Mah Card (prepaid debit) if staying long.

## Arrival checklist for IKA

- Bring sufficient USD/EUR cash for entire trip
- Exchange at airport bank only
- Iranian SIM for Snapp!
- Hotel pickup if you want zero friction

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ika-tehran
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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