Tehran Metro Map, Tickets, Hours, Stations and Airport Routes

Tehran Metro, known in Persian as متروی تهران, is the rapid transit system serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is owned and operated by Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway and is the largest metro system in the Middle East. The network includes six operational metro lines plus an additional commuter rail line, carries more than 3 million passengers a day, and had 820 million trips in 2018. As of 2023, the system covers 310 kilometers (190 miles), with planned expansion to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and 330 stations across eleven lines by 2040.

Key	Information
System type	Rapid transit and commuter rail serving Tehran and nearby areas
Operator	Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway
Network size	310 kilometers (190 miles) as of 2023
Lines	Six operational metro lines plus one commuter rail line
Daily ridership	More than 3 million passengers
Main operating hours	05:30 to 22:00 daily
Standard fare noted	5,300 Iranian toman, equal to 53,000 rials, about US$0.11 depending on exchange rate
Track gauge	Standard gauge, with most of the system underground

Tehran Metro Map

Map of Tehran Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Tehran Metro map in PDF format.

Tehran Metro Lines and Stations

Tehran Metro has 7 lines (Lines 1–7) with more than 160 stations.

Line 1 (North–South)

Main stations: Tajrish, Mirdamad, Shahid Beheshti, Haft-e Tir, Darvazeh Dowlat, Imam Khomeini, Shush, Shahr-e Rey, Kahrizak
Info: Longest line; connects north Tehran to the south and historical areas.

Line 2 (East–West)

Main stations: Farhangsara, Tehranpars, Imam Hossein, Baharestan, Imam Khomeini, Shademan, Sadeghiyeh
Info: One of the busiest lines; crosses city center and connects with many other lines.

Line 3 (Northeast–Southwest)

Main stations: Ghaem, Heravi, Shahid Beheshti, Vali Asr, Teatr-e Shahr, Rahahan, Azadegan
Info: Important for central districts and major squares.

Line 4 (East–West)

Main stations: Kolahdooz, Piroozi, Shohada, Darvazeh Dowlat, Ferdowsi, Enghelab, Azadi, Ekbatan
Info: Connects eastern districts to Azadi Square and airport branch.

Line 5 (Suburban Line)

Main stations: Sadeghiyeh, Karaj, Golshahr
Info: Commuter rail line connecting Tehran with Karaj city.

Line 6

Main stations: Shahran, Tarbiat Modares, Vali Asr, Imam Hossein, Shohada, Dowlat Abad
Info: Expanding line serving northwest to southeast areas.

Line 7

Main stations: Meydan-e San’at, Towhid, Navvab Safavi, Mahdiyeh, Molavi, Basij
Info: Newer line with modern stations; still partly under development.

Key Interchange Stations

Imam Khomeini (Lines 1 & 2)
Shahid Beheshti (Lines 1 & 3)
Teatr-e Shahr (Lines 3 & 4)
Shademan (Lines 2 & 4)

Operating Hours and Train Frequency

Tehran Metro operating hours generally run every day from 05:30 to 22:00. These opening hours cover the main network and make the metro a reliable option for daily city transport. If you are checking timings today, especially for early morning, late evening, or airport travel, look at the specific line before you go.

Some lines have slightly different opening times in available travel materials. Line 1, Line 2, and Line 4 are also described as running from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM, while the airport-linked service is described as operating 24 hours a day. For most passengers, the practical closing time to remember is around 22:00 on the main network, although the last train can vary by line and branch.

Service detail	Timings
General daily service	05:30 to 22:00
Line 1, Line 2, and Line 4 in some travel materials	5:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Peak frequency	About every 3 to 5 minutes
Off-peak frequency	About every 7 to 10 minutes
Airport-related late service	Described as 24-hour service, with limited overnight frequency
Special airport frequency noted	About every 80 minutes on the airport-related service

The working hours and train schedule are straightforward for most city trips, but airport branches and suburban services may follow a different route timetable. Check the schedule today if your trip depends on the first train, last train, or a tight airport connection.

Fares, Tickets, and Cards

Tehran Metro fare options cover single trips, suburban services, airport travel, and rechargeable smart cards. Fare information varies across the available material: one standard single-journey price is listed as 12,000 Iranian rials, about US$0.02 depending on exchange rate, while another commonly noted fare is 5,300 Iranian toman, equal to 53,000 rials, about US$0.11. Some descriptions also mention distance-based pricing and cheaper prepaid travel.

For regular riders, a rechargeable card is usually the simplest choice. It can be topped up and reused, and some materials note that it also works on buses and BRT services. Cards and recharge services are available at station ticket counters, customer service points, kiosks, wall-mounted devices, vending devices, and in some cases through mobile services such as the My Tehran app.

Common ticket types

Regular single tickets are valid for one journey.
Suburban single tickets are used on selected suburban metro services.
Airport single tickets are used for the Imam Khomeini Airport subway line.
Electronic or smart cards work as rechargeable passes for multiple trips.

Some materials list a smart card cost of 15,000 rials, about US$0.03, while others mention 30,000 to 50,000 rials, about US$0.06 to US$0.10, depending on the card type. After purchase, the card can be topped up as needed. A frequent-user discount is also mentioned, which makes smart cards a better deal than buying a new ticket each time.

Seniors may travel for free on the metro. Women have designated space on trains: the first and half of the second carriages from each end are reserved for women, while women may also ride in other cars.

How payment works

Single tickets are best for one ride or occasional travel.
Rechargeable cards are deducted automatically during travel.
Some fare systems calculate the cost by distance, while other materials give fixed prices for specific trip types.
If you do not validate your card correctly at exit, the fare may be charged at the highest applicable rate.
Because published ticket price information differs, check the current price at the station or through an available fare calculator before airport or suburban trips.

Public Transport Links in Tehran

Tehran Metro is one of the main pillars of public transport in Tehran. It links the city center with residential districts, airport branches, Karaj, and suburban destinations, making it a practical alternative to heavy road traffic. For many daily commuters, it is the fastest local transport option in the city.

The metro route network includes Line 1 from northern Tehran to the south, with a connection toward Imam Khomeini International Airport. Line 2 runs mostly east to west. Line 4 connects western and eastern Tehran and includes a branch to Mehrabad Airport. Line 5 serves the Tehran-Karaj corridor, so it works as an important commuter rail route.

Line 6 and Line 7 improve cross-city transportation in Tehran and add more transfer options. A stations map is useful because several interchange stations connect major lines and reduce travel time.

Station	Details
Darvazeh Shemiran	Major interchange station for changing metro routes
Imam Khomeini	Central transfer point and useful station for the Grand Bazaar area
Shademan	Interchange station for cross-city movement
Sadeghiyeh	Important western interchange and connection point for Line 5
Eram-e Sabz	Transfer station with access toward western Tehran destinations
Meydan-e Shohada	Interchange station serving central Tehran routes
Imam Hossein	Transfer point on the urban metro network

Tehran city transport is broader than the metro alone. Buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and the Bus Rapid Transit system connect with the metro and help passengers continue trips beyond the nearest station.

Airport Connectivity

Tehran Metro provides direct rail access to both of Tehran’s main airports. Line 4 has a branch from Bimeh Station to Mehrabad International Airport, with stops at airport terminals. Line 1 connects Tehran with Imam Khomeini International Airport through its airport branch.

The airport branch is useful for passengers traveling to and from international flights. Since August 2017, Darvazeh Dowlat Station has been open 24 hours a day to support airport travel demand on this route. Overnight frequency is limited, so check the airport train schedule before relying on a late-night connection.

For Imam Khomeini International Airport, an International Airport Single Ticket is available for the airport subway line. The listed fare is 90,000 rials, about US$0.18 depending on exchange rate.

The metro is a practical airport route plan if you are traveling light. If you have large luggage, a taxi may be easier, especially during late hours or when the airport service frequency is low.

Regulations

Tehran Metro regulations are simple, and they help keep the system safe and orderly.

Animals are not allowed in the metro.
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the system.
Transporting toxic materials is forbidden.
Bicycles and similar vehicles are not permitted.
The women-only carriages at both ends of the trains are reserved for women, and men must not enter them.

Passengers should also follow station staff instructions and posted notices inside stations and trains.

Interesting Facts

Tehran Metro has a French-inspired design because early planning involved RATP-linked SOFRETU before the Islamic Revolution.
It is the largest metro system in the Middle East.
The system carries more than 3 million passengers a day.
In 2018, passengers made 820 million trips on the Tehran Metro.
Main service runs daily from 05:30 to 22:00.
Some descriptions note a flat fare for each journey, regardless of distance, and seniors may travel for free.
On every Tehran Metro train, the first and half of the second carriages from each end are reserved for women.
Shahr-e Aftab station is described as the largest station in the Middle East.

History

The history of Tehran Metro goes back to the late 1960s, when the first plans were prepared. In 1970, the Plan and Budget Organisation and the Municipality of Tehran announced an international tender, and the French company SOFRETU, affiliated with RATP, won the contract and began preliminary studies.

In 1974, SOFRETU submitted a final report with a street-metro proposal. It recommended a road network with a central loop expressway, two highways for new urban areas, and an eight-line metro network supported by bus and taxi services. Geological surveys began in 1976, and construction started in northern Tehran in 1978.

The project was soon interrupted by the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. SOFRETU stopped operations in Iran in December 1980, and on 3 March 1982 the Iranian Cabinet formally announced the end of the French company’s Tehran Metro work.

In 1985, the Tehran Metro Execution Plan was re-approved by the Majles, the Iranian Parliament, under the amended law establishing Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Company. Progress remained slow because of the war, but growing urban pressure and the lack of a developed public transport system pushed the project forward again.

Line 1, from Shahid Ayatollah Haghani Boulevard to Rey and toward Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery, became the priority. Line 2, from Dardasht in Tehran Pars district to Sadeghiyeh Second Square and onward toward Karaj and Mehrshahr, was the second priority. Studies also continued for Lines 3 and 4, and the Metro Company was formed to manage future development.

The first operating section came later. On 7 March 1999, an overland Tehran-Karaj express electric train began limited service over 31.4 kilometers (19.5 miles) between Azadi Square in Tehran and Malard in Karaj, with one intermediate stop at Vardavard. Line 5 began operating in 1999, and commercial service on Lines 1 and 2 started from 2000 onward.

Expansion continued with new rolling stock, new lines, and airport links. A branch of Line 4 to Mehrabad International Airport opened in March 2016, and an express line to Imam Khomeini International Airport opened in August 2017. During the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran, mask requirements were introduced for station entry, with enforcement staff and mask-selling desks across the network.

Future Developments

Tehran Metro expansion is still moving forward. The long-term plan is to grow from 310 kilometers (190 miles) to about 500 kilometers (310 miles) by 2040, with 330 stations across eleven lines.

Projects under construction include extensions to Line 4, Line 6, Line 7, and Line 2, along with new routes such as Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, and Line 11. Planned work also includes additional stations on existing lines, including the proposed Vavan station on Line 1.

Line 3 is planned to continue south from Azadegan to Eslamshahr with five new stations. Line 6 is being extended southeast from Shohada-ye Dowlat Abad. Line 7 has extensions planned in the northwest and east, while Line 2 is also gaining new stations in the east.

New lines are designed to improve the route plan across Tehran and reduce congestion. Line 10 is planned as a west-east corridor. Line 8 and Line 9 are planned as circular lines around the city center, and Line 11 is planned as a tangent route serving southern and southeastern Tehran.

Beyond metro lines, three LRT tram lines have been proposed, along with additional commuter rail lines linked to Line 5. These tramway and rail projects would add more options to the city’s public transportation system.

Travel Tips

Tehran Metro is an efficient way to move around the city and avoid heavy traffic. It works well for daily commuting, sightseeing, and airport access when the timings fit your trip.

Some current travel materials describe seven active lines, while long-term plans aim for eleven lines. The network can feel large at first, so check the metro map, stations list, and route before you travel.

Download a high-resolution Tehran Metro map to make station finding and route planning easier.
Metro signs include English translations, which helps visitors navigate the system.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices inside stations.
If you plan to ride more than once, a rechargeable ticket card is usually more convenient and often cheaper than single tickets.
Smoking is forbidden throughout metro stations, including open areas.
Women-only wagons are located at each end of the train; men must not enter these cars.
Rush hours are usually around 7:00 to 9:00 and 18:00 to 20:00, when trains are busiest.
If you arrive at Imam Khomeini Airport, the metro is connected to the airport, but a taxi may be faster if you have large luggage.

Stations are generally modern and clean, and escalators are available in almost all stations. Not every station has elevators, so travelers with mobility needs should check facilities in advance.

The metro also connects with other transport options, including BRT buses and taxis. For an easy trip, confirm the opening times, route timetable, and closest station before you set out.

Attractions Accessible via Tehran Metro

Tehran Metro is a practical way to reach many major sights without getting stuck in traffic. Several stations sit close to museums, bazaars, parks, and landmarks, so the metro works well for both visitors and regular passengers.

Key Stations and Nearby Attractions

Station	Details
Tajrish Station	Access to Darband, Tajrish Bazaar, and Sa’adabad Complex
Imam Khomeini Station	Close to Tehran Grand Bazaar and the National Museum of Iran
Panzdah-e Khordad Station	Convenient for Golestan Palace
Shahid Haghani Station	Near Tabiat Bridge, Ab-o-Atash Park, and Taleghani Park
Baharestan Station	Near Iran’s parliament and Masoudieh Palace
Hassanabad Station	A starting point for visiting Moghaddam Museum House
Theater-e-Shahr Station	Useful for the city’s main theatre area, cafés, and restaurants
Ferdowsi Station	Close to the House of Artists
Meydan-e Azadi Station	Provides access to Azadi Tower and the West Bus Terminal
Milad Tower Station	The nearest stop for Milad Tower
Chitgar Station	Good for Chitgar Park, Bamlend Mall, and Chitgar Lake
Eram Sabz Station	Handy for Eram Park

Some lines also connect travelers to airports and suburban destinations. Line 1 serves Imam Khomeini International Airport, Line 4 includes a branch to Mehrabad Airport, Line 5 connects Tehran with Karaj and Golshahr, and Line 1 also has a branch toward Parand.

For sightseeing, choose the station closest to your destination before you start. In central Tehran, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, and Line 4 are especially useful for museums, bazaars, parks, and cultural landmarks.