With heavy traffic jams holding up Iran’s capital city on a daily base, traveling by car can take more of your time then desired. A good alternative to navigate your way through the city is the Tehran Metro. From the cultural aspects to buying tickets and getting around. This blogpost covers everything you need to travel Tehran’s metro like a pro.

Why use the Tehran metro?

Besides saving time on traveling, the metro can be part of the cultural experience as it carries a diversity of people who live and work in the city. Squeeze yourself in the carriage during rush hour, watch a constant flow of people trying to sell everything; from chewing gum to socks, bread, pens or phone accessories. And notice how the Islamic dress code has integrated the metro signs. Amaze yourself about the ease and convenience of traveling by Tehran’s subway and the incredible low-cost tariff. Moreover, expect to see a lot of friendly faces. And to meet lots of curious people who are always ready to help you and in for a chat. Undoubtedly, traveling by metro in Tehran is an experience on itself.
Conveniently located throughout the city and in walking distance of most sightseeing places, it will hard to miss them!

Islamic dress in metro icons

Getting around;

The Tehran metro currently has eight operating lines going to every corner the city. As lines are marked with both colours and numbers, it’s super easy to navigate your route. Add the English signs that are written all over the metro stations, and you’ll soon understand the ease of traveling by Tehran subway.
The red line (line 1), light blue line (line 3) and yellow line (line 4) are most important for travellers, because they connect to most sightseeing locations, money exchangers, airports and the railway station.

Easy to read metro maps can be found inside every station and also above every door inside the trains. In addition to that the Tehran Metro app for both Android and IOS can be of great use.
Track your journey easily by looking at the ‘next destination’ sign that alters between Farsi and English. Or read the station names written on the walls at every stop. But if, above all, you still feel confused for some reason; don’t worry at all! There will always be a kind-hearted Iranian ready to help you find your way!

Simple maps above every metro door

Buying tickets;

The Tehran metro offers two ticketing options; the first one is to buy paper printed one–way or return tickets before each journey. Secondly travellers can purchase an electronic metro card and add credit to this card. In September 2018 the fare for a single journey is 1000 Toman. And the price for the metro card is 1500T, plus credit.
Traveling by card allows you to roam around the city easily, without waiting in line every time you want to use the metro. Next to that you pay per kilometer instead of a fixed price. While both options are great for travellers, the electronic card is recommended if you plan to explore Tehran by metro for two days or longer. A charge of 5000T should be sufficient to cover two days of sightseeing.

Both paper tickets and electronic card can be bought at the ticket windows inside the subway stations. As each window serves one type of ticket only, be sure to check that you are waiting in the correct line. After purchase, be sure to keep your ticket ready as you need them to open the electronic gates that give access to the platforms.

Electronic metro card

Getting on the train;

Depending on the time of the day, traveling by Tehran metro can be a comfortable or a challenging experience. Rush hours especially feature super crowded and overfull trains. Squeezing yourself into the isles generally results in a bit more space and a higher chance on a seat. If at any time you think there might be enough space to squeeze yourself onto the seats; go for it. However, if you’re not at all comfortable traveling like a sardine in a can, try to avoid rush hour from 07:00-09:00 AM and 05:00-07:00 PM.

Woman only carriages;
In Tehran’s metro, every first two and last two sections of the train are designated for woman. Although this might sound like woman should only use these sections, they are actually free to enter the metro anywhere they want. So there’s no need to split up if you’re traveling in mixed company. And even if you are woman only, or traveling solo as a female; you are free to enter wherever you want.

Women only sign

Operating times;

The Tehran metro operates between 5:30AM and 10:30 PM on weekdays.
The Tehran metro operates between 06:00 AM and 10:15 on weekends.
Trains run with an interval of 2-5 minutes on weekdays
Trains run with an interval of 5-10 minutes on weekends and holidays.
* A quick reminder; the weekend in Iran falls on Thursday and Fridays.

List of important metro stations;

Line 1, red line;

• Shahid Haghani; closest metro station to the Tabiat Bridge, the Ab-o- Atash Park and the Taleghani Park.
• Taleghani; closest metro station to the artist park and the former US embassy
• Imam Khomeini square; closest metro station to museum of national treasures (jewelry museum), The National Museum of Iran, the Post Museum and the Glassware and Ceramics Museum.
• Panzdah-e Khordad; closest metro station to the Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
• Terminal- Jonoob; closest metro station to Tehran’s southern bus terminal.
• Shahed; transferring station to the Imam Khomeini airport. Read all about your metro transfer to the Imam Khomeini International airport here.

Line 3, light blue line;

• Theater-e- Shahr; closest metro station to the main city theatre hall and the Danshjoo (student) park. Packed with nice cafés and restaurants.
• Rah- Ahan; closest metro station to the Tehran’s only Railway station.

Line 4, yellow line;

• Tajrish; closest metro station to the Tajrish Bazaar, Imamzadeh Saleh Shrine, Saadabad Palace Complex, Darband, Tochal mountains and the Niavaran Palace complex.
• Ferdowsi; best place in Tehran to exchange money.
• Theater-e- Shahr; closest metro station to the main city theatre hall and the Danshjoo (student) park. Packed with nice cafés and restaurants.
• Meydane Azadi; closest metro station to the Azadi Tower and the West bus terminal.
• Mehrabad Domestic Airport; Terminal 1 and 2
• Mehrabad Domestic Airport; Terminal 3 and 4

When it’s not crowded; a rare sight

Did you travel by metro in Tehran? Did you have a good, funny or bad experience? Tell us by replying through the comment section below.