How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Iran

How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Iran? [2025 Budget breakdown]

Planning a trip to Iran and wondering about the cost? Look no further! In this guide, you’ll find the best tips for saving money while maintaining quality. Cost of traveling to Iran from affordable hotels to delicious local cuisine and transportation options. In this 2025’s budget breakdown, I will help you plan ahead and create a budget that fits your needs.

When considering the cost of a trip to Iran, factor in several key elements. Round-trip flights typically range from $700 to $1,500, depending on the season and airline you choose to fly with. Accommodation costs from budget hostels starting at about $10 per night to luxury hotels that exceed $100. Iran’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient, with 5 hours bus travel cost not more than $5.

Is it expensive to travel to Iran?

Traveling in Iran is NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL – cost of foods while traveling in Iran! On a budget, you can spend around $5 to $10 per person at moderate good restaurants for proper meal. In more expensive restaurants, expect to pay between $30 per couple.

So, how much should you budget per day? For budget travelers, a daily expenses of $30 to $50 should be sufficient to cover accommodation, food, transportation, plus some activities. Mid-range travelers spend around $70 per day, this allows for a more comfortable experience, moderate good 4 star hotels.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Iran For 10 Days?

Planning for a trip to Iran & wondering about the cost of traveling for 10 days? Most tourists are following a standard route to visit the tourist highlights in Iran: Tehran > Shiraz > Yazd > Isfahan. These are the main and must-visit destinations cities in Iran that attracts many foreign tourists.

The price 10 days trip to Iran can fluctuate based on several options. These include your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation ideas, and any activities you may wish to indulge in. Here is the rough estimate of the expenses necessary for budget-conscious travelers:

Break down the costs for Traveling in Iran

Flights to Iran → Why they’re that expensive?

First and foremost, discuss airfare and cost of flying to Iran. A round-trip ticket from major cities in Europe typically costs between $800 and $1,500. This range depends on the departure location, booking time, and airline category. However, If you’re departing from New York, Los Angeles, or London, expect a one-way ticket to Iran to cost around USD 1000 in 2025, depending on airline and time of flying. For a round-trip ticket, you might see prices ranging from $900 to $2,000.

The best airlines to fly to Iran including Qatar, Emirates, Turkish and they’re flying to Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz & Tabriz, or Kish- Island. The only airline that’s direct flights, the Iran air with estimated flying time over 7 hours from London to Tehran.

Accommodation

Accommodations & pleaces to stay plays a key-factor based on cost of traveling in Iran – If budget hotels are your target, Iran offer affordability. Expect to pay around $7 to $15 per night for a budget-friendly hotel. The estimated prices are based on a stay in Iran’s capital, Tehran, where lodging costs differ significantly. For instance, a double room including breakfast in Tehran’s 4-star hotel costs about USD60 / Night. This could be a lower to half in other cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd.

Transportations

Getting around Iran is relatively inexpensive, especially on public transportation. A one-way train ticket between Tehran & Isfahan costs around USD12 for over 7 hours of trip while the comfortable bus travel from Shiraz to Tehran costs around USD8 for over 10 hours of bus journey.

Inside the cities, there are efficient public transportation such as city-bus lines and taxis that are relatively cheap and super comfortable to go around the town on your sightseeing days. A cost of Taxi for 10km trip would only be around USD2.

Food & Drinks

Iran’s cuisine has a vast array of tastes and styles to fit all budgets. There are options for everyone, regardless of your preference for a sit-down lunch at a local old-school foodie to the grab and eat falafel & sandwiches in the streets of Tehran.

The breakdown of typical meal costs in Iran: $1–$2 for fast foods & sandwiches > $5 for casual eating at a local restaurants > $10 for mid-range restaurants >$20+ for high-end or luxury dining in big cities.

Convenience stores & supermarkets provide a range of snacks and ready-to-eat meals at reasonable costs, making them more cost-effective solutions if you’re traveling on a very high-budget. In Iran, tipping isn’t expected, however, a small tip of around $1 or a bit more is appreciated only if you would like to express your gratitude.

Cost of Sightseeing and Activities while in Iran

Iran offers a wealth of ancient – historical attractions & cultural encounters. Here is the breakdown of cost of sightseeing & visiting the tourist sights, location, activities in different part of Iran:

Persepolis

Step back in time in this historic ancient city, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance fee is USD5 – best to hire a guide & car and visit the site from Shiraz city and its worth to visit nearby sites including Naghsh-e Rostam, all in a day tour.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

This highly appreciated 19th century photogenic mosque is located in the heart of Shiraz city with an entry ticket of about USD2. Visit it together on a walking tour with Vakil mosque.

Golestan Palace

This lavish palace complex in Tehran highlights Tehran’s short history. For about USD5, you can enter and tour the magnificent gardens and royal buildings, the whole visit may takes 3 hours.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan

Listed by UNESCO, this square surrounded by jaw-drowning mosques, a terraced edifice and a huge space used to be a polo playground back in the time. Entrance isn’t required to enter the square itself, however, monuments surrounded the place required an admission fee of USD3-5. Visiting the square takes at least 5-6 hours of your sightseeing day. Check out Things to do in Isfahan Iran

Yazd Old Town

Take in the city’s distinctive architecture as you meander through the labyrinthine passageways of the desert town. Entrance ticket fee to tourist sights vary from USD 1-3.

Eram Garden in Shiraz

Entry to Eram Garden cost you USD3 and it’s well-known for its lovely 18th century Persian gardens.

Tabriz Bazaar

This vibrant bazaar in Tabriz is a must-visit if you enjoy walking through the old arched bazaar. No entry, shopping including worthy carpets of any kind, bargain is expected. Check out Persian carpets before buying one

Masuleh village

This terraced village, sat humbly and tucked away in the foothills of the northern mountains of Iran. visiting offers an insight into Iranian rural life. Take in the breath-taking sights as you freely explore the village. No entry, homestay and shops are available at the village.

Cost of sightseeing & visiting attractions are relatively inexpensive, in additions, markets, old grand arched bazaars, beaches in southern Iran and historic bridges are all free to visit.

How much does it cost to shop / souvenirs when traveling in Iran?

Depending on what you’re searching for, where you shop, and the item’s quality, the price of souvenirs in Iran might vary significantly. Iran offers a big choices of antique shopping, from carpets to small items that carries a piece of ancient history in it, from the busy bazaars of Tehran to the charming shops in Isfahan. Let’s dive into how to shop, what to souvenirs and cost of shopping while traveling in Iran:

Persian rugs

Beyond ordinary shopping, Iranian carpets are unique in the sense that they carries exquisite works of art and each costs a big amount of time on it. The cost varies from $300 to $10,000 based on the complexity, size, and design. They’re definitely cheaper if you buy them in Iran.

Saffron from Iran

Sometimes referred to as “red gold,” is an expensive spice belong to Iran’s eastern city of Mash’had. They’re sold at bazaars and supermarkets, the price of 1 gram cost around USD2-3.

Persian miniatures

Very attractive word of art and an item almost any travelers would want to buy. These miniature paintings, which feature scenes from Persian history and mythology, can cost as little as USD 50 or as much as $500 for larger piece. Isfahan would be great place to look for one.

Silvers jewellery

Comes in different design for necklace, bracelet and or rings. The silvers in Iran are known as durability for up to 50 years or more, so, getting one with cost of less than USD100 would definitely worth the money.

How much does a tourist visa cost for traveling to Iran?

Many travelers are required to apply for a visa before traveling to Iran. For the cost of visa, and or whether you’ll need one, check with the nearest embassy. Online Visa application fees vary based on your nationality. American, British, Canadian expect to pay USD115 for the visa.

Citizens of Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Japan and few others can get a 15 days entry on arrival with no cost. Again, check with the Iranian embassy to get the latest update for cost and visa changes.

Cost of Wi-Fi & Internet when traveling in Iran?

Wi-Fi and internet are now widely available in Iran and hotels, restaurants, cafes and establishments all are offering free wi-fi for them customers. To buy a sim-card, you’ll need a copy of your passport and you can get one at the airport and on arrival or anywhere in the cities. A sim-card won’t cost more than USD3 and top-up with 4G internet cost you USD1. Android phones are good to use but iPhones are only work for less than 3 weeks before you register them.

Cost of Tour to Iran for a family, couples or solo backpackers in 2025

The first few questions are: When, Where, For how many people as well as the length of the trip, the kind of hotel and accommodations & activities. However, here are the estimated cost & budget planning for families, couples and solo traveling in Iran;

Cost of airfare to Iran

Depending on the departure city & season, a round-trip ticket to Iran from the UK or USA costs from USD 1000. Flying to Iran during high-season and New year will add a few hundred bucks to the cost of air-ticket. However, if you book a tour package, the price of flights to Iran are usually NOT included on this.

Hotels & accommodations; what’s the cost?

This is very clear since deals on tours & packages are very straightforward when it comes to book an accommodations in Iran. Your tour package is included hotels of your choice (usually 3-4, or 5 stars) and you can choose to book different options depending on your budget and interests. In addition, cost of hotels in Iran starts from USD5 to 150 per night for a double occupancy.

Food and Drink; how’s the cost?

Aside from breakfast, the cost of lunch and dinners on a mid-range restaurants often cost $20 to $30 for a family of 4 while budget meals typically cost around USD15. In addition, cost of meals are slightly higher in Tehran than other cities.

Cost of transportation and gettin there & away

Train, bus travel, domestic flights and private cars are available to choose from. There are regular bus services to travel from Tehran to everywhere in Iran and that would cost around USD 10 per person. Train travel is slightly higher but more comfortable. Domestic flights from Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Mashad, Kish are available for booking and that costs around USD30/ person.

Tips for Traveling to Iran

Arranging a journey to Iran, checking costs of each place and in overall, visiting a country with rich history, and hospitable people, Iran is becoming a must see destination. However, before going, make sure you follow few tips to make you respect the local culture and also enjoy your own trip;

The Culture & Etiquette

Iran is a nation rich in customs and heritage. Spend some time learning about the customs, manners, and things to do, learn about people and also female travelers should wear a headscarf and dressing modestly. Men should likewise refrain from going out in public in shorts or sleeveless shirts. check the dress code for Iran

Visa Requirements

Very easy yet very important. Apply for your visa well in a head of time and get it done before buying an air-ticket. The best is to apply online through the GOV appointed website.

Basics of language

Farsi is the official language and in big cities and tourist places you always find someone to speak English with you. however, mastering a few fundamental Farsi words can be quite beneficial, specially the way to get you closer to the locals. Speaking farsi while traveling in Iran can be greatly appreciated by the locals and will improve your experience in general. Check out Farsi language

Money mater & costs

The Iranian Rial (IRR) is the country’s official currency. Leave your visa & master at home since they’re not working in Iran – the best and only way is to bring cash in USD, GBP, or, Euro and change them to Iranian rial.

Traveling inside Iran

Iran offers a vast network of domestic aircraft, trains, and buses for transportation. Book them in advance and ONCE in Iran, usually your hotel guy can be a great help to do it on behalf of you.

Enjoy the local foods

Iranian food is a wonderful fusion of local spices and flavors different from Turkish, Indian and Arabic cuisines. They’re heavily based on rice and stew and the plain Naan.

FAQ → Cost of Traveling in Iran

Here I am trying to cover some of the short yet frequently asked questions about cost of traveling in Iran, by travelers.

ATMs in Iran – Can I use my credit card?

International credit cards such as Visa, Master, Amex etc are not accepted and not working in Iran at all, so you can’t use them to withdraw money from the ATMs. Bring all you want in cash in euros or dollars. However, tourists are not able to get an Iranian- local credit cards such as Mah Card or Daric Card, get one upon arrival at the airport, change your USD – Euros and apply for a debit card at the money changer or right at the bank.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Iran from USA?

A well long all inclusive tours including 4 star hotels, visa, foods and traveling inside Iran would cost approximately around USD1000 per person excluding international flights. This however could be lower or higher depending on traveling time and type of services & hotels.

What is the cost of traveling to Iran from India?

Cost of tTraveling to Iran from India is significantly lower than those flying from Europe or UK. You will however need around USD 600 – 800 for 10 days trip to Iran from Indian including budget hotels & breakfast, sightseeing and transfers.

Is Iran cheap to travel in 2025?

Traveling to Iran is relatively cheap compared to other destinations such as Turkey, Dubai, Jordan or other destinations in Central Asia. Costs of accommodation, foods and transportation are very affordable and cheap.  Cost of activities, touring & visiting tourism sights won’t be more than USD 2-3 per place. In addition, Iran is considered as a budget-friendly destination, cheap and very affordable in 2025.