Book Cheap Flights to Tehran from UK

Cheap Flights to Tehran from the UK

Tehran flights from London take 9-14 hours depending on your routing. There are no direct flights from the UK. The destination is served by Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located 50km from Tehran city centre.

The main airlines serving this route include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Iran Air. Most connections route through Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, with layover times of 2-5 hours. Istanbul with Turkish Airlines (around 10 hours) offers one of the quickest journey times.

Return fares range from £320-480 in low season to £680-950 during peak periods. March-April (Nowruz) / October-November sees the highest demand. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best deals.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) - Facilities & Travel Guide

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the primary airport serving Tehran, Iran. Located 50km from Tehran city centre, it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport connects Tehran to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Imam Khomeini International Airport provides a range of facilities for travellers:

Terminals: Modern terminals with standard amenities.
Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and local cuisine options.
Lounges: Business and premium lounges available (Priority Pass accepted at most).
Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Imam Khomeini International Airport is well-connected to the city centre and surrounding areas:

Transport: Metro limited, Taxis (IRR 1,500,000-2,500,000). Travel time: 45-75 minutes to city centre.
Ride-hailing: Uber/local apps available in most areas.
Public Transport: Bus services and rail connections where available.

To ensure a smooth journey:

Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR) is the local currency.
Time Zone: Tehran is 3.5 hours ahead of UK.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November.

Flight Times to Tehran

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Tehran. Istanbul with Turkish Airlines (around 10 hours).

One-stop flights to Tehran typically take 9-14 hours total, depending on your chosen routing and layover duration:

Via Istanbul: 2-3 hour layovers typical.
Via Dubai: Similar timings with good connections.

Istanbul offers convenient connections for Tehran. Minimum connection times are typically 60-90 minutes for international transfers.

Tehran operates on IRST (GMT+3:30), which is 3.5 hours ahead of UK.

Airlines Flying to Tehran

Turkish Airlines

Qatar Airways

Emirates Airways

Pegasus Airlines

Tehran Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	June-August (very hot)	£320-480
Economy - Mid Season	May / September	£480-680
Economy - High Season	March-April (Nowruz) / October-November	£680-950
Business - Low Season	June-August (very hot)	£1,500-2,200
Business - High Season	March-April (Nowruz) / October-November	£2,200-3,200

Booking Tips:

Book 6-8 weeks before travel for best prices.
Avoid peak periods: Prices can surge by 30-50% during holidays.
Fly midweek (Tue-Thu): Fares are often cheaper.
Compare airlines and routes for the best deals.

Best Time to Book Tehran Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Compare multiple airlines for the best deals

Peak periods (March-April (Nowruz) / October-November): Book 2-3 months ahead

Ideal Booking Window

Low season (June-August (very hot)): Book 4-6 weeks ahead

High season (March-April (Nowruz) / October-November): Book 8-12 weeks ahead

Set price alerts to catch fare drops

Money-Saving Tips

Compare hub options for the best fares

Fly midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for better prices

Be flexible with dates and airports

Things to Do in Tehran

Golestan Palace

Visit Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex showcasing Qajar-era architecture and gardens.

Grand Bazaar

Explore Tehran’s Grand Bazaar for carpets, spices, jewellery, and local trade.

Milad Tower

Head up Milad Tower for panoramic views over the sprawling city.

Mountain Escape

Walk through Darband at the foot of the Alborz Mountains for fresh air and cafés.

Museum Trail

Discover Iran’s art and history at the National Museum and contemporary galleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from London to Tehran?

How much does it cost to fly to Tehran?

Which airport serves Tehran?

Which airlines fly to Tehran from the UK?

When is the best time to visit Tehran?

Do I need a visa for Tehran?

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to ATOL Certificate