Istanbul to Mashhad (IST–MHD) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Turkish passport holders enter Iran visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. At Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) in Tehran or other international airports, you receive a stamp at immigration. Turkey and Iran share a land border with crossings at Gurbulak-Bazargan (Agri to Maku) and Esendere-Sero (Hakkari to Urmia), both open to passenger traffic.

No passport stamp is placed when entering or exiting Iran, which some travelers prefer for future visa applications to other countries. The 90-day visa-free stay covers tourism, visiting family, and short business trips. For employment or longer stays, apply for a visa at the Iranian consulate. Iran requires women to wear a headscarf in public spaces. Turkish travelers familiar with cultural norms in conservative parts of Turkey will find the adjustment modest.

Direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Tehran (IKA) run about 3 hours 15 minutes on Turkish Airlines and Iran Air. Istanbul to Tabriz, Isfahan, and Shiraz also have direct or one-stop service. Iran uses the Iranian rial (IRR), but prices are commonly quoted in tomans (1 toman = 10 rials). International credit and debit cards do not work in Iran due to banking restrictions. Bring euros or US dollars in cash and exchange at official exchange offices (sarafi) in Iranian cities. ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Snapp is Iran's ride-hailing app and works in all major cities.

Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.