Tehran Metro System is the Middle East’s largest underground rapid transit system. It is one of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to travel in Tehran. It covers 159 active stations with plans to add more to the system. The total track length is 296 km, with 221 km of urban and 75 km of suburban tracks. This mode of public transport helps more than 2.5 million people travel around Tehran daily. Tehran’s subway system can help travelers access many of Tehran’s tourist attractions across the Iranian capital.
History of Tehran Metro Map
The initial plans for building a subway system date back to the 1970s. The initial construction plans for the Metro were drawn up with the help of French architects. Construction started in 1978 but was halted after the 1979 revolution. The plan was forgotten until 1986 despite widespread opposition.
The initial plan was to establish 52 underground train stations connected via three subterranean tracks stretching over 90 km. The initial lines 1, 2, and 5 would respectively connect Mirdamad – Imam Khomeini’s Shrine (North-South), Dardasht – Sadeghieh (East-West), and a suburban track from Tehran to Golshahr. The initial construction project ended in 1995. The next phase was the installation of equipment which took four years.
History of Tehran Metro Lines
The first Tehran Metro line (Line 5) was inaugurated on March 7, 1999. It is Iran’s first commuter line connecting Tehran to the Karaj suburbs. This line was recognized as Express Line 1 in future Tehran Metro maps.
Line 2 was inaugurated in 2000, connecting Sadeshieh Station in southwest Tehran to Imam Khomeini Station in central Tehran. Line 1 became operational in 2001, connecting northern Tehran to Kahrizak in the south. Line 4 was inaugurated seven years later in 2008. It connected Kolahdooz in Tehran’s east to Ekbatan Town in western Tehran.
Line 3 became operational in 2012, connecting Ghaem in the northeast to Azadegan station in the southwest. Line 7 was inaugurated in 2017, connecting Sanaat Square in the northwest to Basij Highway in the southeast. Line 8 was inaugurated in 2019, and is supposed to connect Masoudieh Town in the southeast to the west and then Sarsabz Square in the east. This line is still under construction and partially operational.
Tehran Metro Map Expansion Plans
The construction of 5 new stations for Line 3 and 34 new stations for Line 8 is underway, in addition to 35 stations for the upcoming Line 10. Additionally, there are plans for two new lines, Line 9 with 39 planned stations and Line 11 with 17 planned stations. There are plans for inaugurating Line 11 which will connect Chitgar station to Eslam Abad in the southeast suburbs.
There are plans for three new commuter lines connecting the central Metro system to suburban areas in Karaj and Hashtgerd. Three LRT (light rail train) lines have been proposed that will further extend the Tehran Metro map.
The Tehran Metro system is a maze of stations connecting all important landmarks in Tehran. You can rapidly reach all major tourist attractions with the subway. However, navigating the various lines can be tricky for new visitors. You can use the following list of stations and interchange points to find your destination. Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 include the most visited Tehran tourist attractions, which we have listed below.
Line 1
Line 1 is red on Tehran Metro maps. It is 87 km long and connects Tajrish station to Kahrizak and Imam Khomeini Airport stations. It has 32 active stations and has interchange stations with lines 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. The stations include:
Tajrish, Gheytariyeh, Shahid Sadr, Gholhak, Shariati, Mirdamad, Shahid Haghani, Shahid Hemmat, Mosalla, Shahid Beheshti (interchange, Tehran Metro Line 3), Shahid Mofatteh, Shohada-ye Haftom-e Tir (interchange, Tehran Metro Line 6), Taleghani, Darvazeh Dowlat (connection, Tehran Metro Line 4), Saadi, Imam Khomeini (interchange, Tehran Metro Line 2) Panzdah-e-Khordad, Khayam, Meydan-e Mohammadiyah (interchange, Tehran Metro Line 7), Shush, Payane Jonoob (Bus interchange), Shahid Bokharaei, Ali Abad, Javanmard-e-Ghassab, Varamin, Shahr-e-Rey, Tehran-South Depot, Palayeshgah, Shahed – Bagher Shahr,Haram-e Motahhar (Imam Khomeini’s Shrine), Kahrizak, Shahr-e Aftab, Vavan, Imam Khomeini International Airport, and Parand.
Line 2
Line 2 is dark blue on Tehran Metro maps. It is 23.4 km long and connects Sadeghieh to Farhangsara. It has 22 active stations and has interchange stations with lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Line 2 stations include:
Tehran (Sadeghiyeh, Interchange with Line 5), Tarasht, Daneshgah-e Sharif, Shademan (Interchange with Line 4), Shahid Navvab-e Safavi (Interchange with Line 7), Meydan-e Horr, Daneshgah-e Emam Ali (Interchange with Line 3), Hasan Abad, Imam Khomeini, (Interchange with Line 1), Mellat, Baharestan, Darvazeh Shemiran, (Interchange with Line 4), Imam Hossein (Interchange with Line 6), Shahid Madani, Sabalan, Fadak, Janbazan, Sarsabz, Elm-o-Sanat University, Tehran-East Depot, Shahid Bagheri, Tehranpars, Farhangsara (towards Pardis)
Line 3
Line 3 is light blue (turquoise-colored). It is 33.7 km long and connects Ghaem station to Azadegan depot. It has 26 active stations and has interchange stations with lines 1, 4, 6, and 7. It is also connected to the Trans-Iranian railway, Tehran’s bus network, and the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system.
Line 3 stations include:
Ghaem Shahid, Mahallati, Aghdasiyeh, Niavaran Branch, Nobonyad, Hossein Abad, Heravi, Shahid Zein-o-din, Khajeh Abdollah-e Ansari, Shahid Sayyad-e Shirazi, Shahid Ghoddoosi, Sohrevardi, Shahid Beheshti (interchange with Line 1) Mirzaye Shirazi, Meydan-e Jahad, Meydan-e Vali Asr (interchange with Line 6) Teatr-e Shahr (interchange with Line 4), Daneshgah-e Emam Ali (interchange with Line 2), Moniriyeh, Mahdiyeh Tehran( interchange with Line 7) Rah Ahan or Tehran Central Station (interchange with Iran railway system, Bus, Bus rapid transit) Javadieh, Zam Zam, Shahrak-e Shari’ati, Abdol Abad, Ne’mat Abad, Azadegan, Azadegan Depot.
Line 4
Line 4 is yellow on Tehran Metro maps. It connects Kolahdooz station to Ekbatan, the domestic Mehrabad Airport, and Eram-e Sabz. This line has interchange stations with lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.
Line 4 stations include:
Eram-e Sabz (interchange with Line 5) Shahrak-e Ekbatan, Mehrabad Airport Terminal 4 & 6 (Airport interchange), Mehrabad Airport Terminal 1 & 2 (Airport interchange), Bimeh, Meydan-e Azadi, Ostad Moein, Doctor Habib-Olah, Shademan (interchange with Line 2), Towhid (interchange with Line 7), Meydan-e Enghelab-e Eslami, Teatr-e Shahr, (interchange with Line 3), Ferdowsi, Darvazeh Dowlat (interchange with Line 1), Darvazeh Shemiran (interchange with Line 2), Meydan-e Shohada (interchange with Line 6), Ebn-e Sina, Piroozi, Nabard, Nirooye Havaei, Shahid Kolahdooz, Shahid Kolahdooz Depot.
Travel Around the Greater Tehran Metropolitan Area
Tehran is the most crowded city in Tehran with the highest traffic congestion. The Tehran Metro system is one of the best answers to the traffic issue that offers rapid transit across the city and beyond. If you are traveling to Tehran using the subway system, use the Tehran Metro map to avoid getting lost.
Using public transport systems is one of the best ways to follow the principles of responsible tourism and reduce Carbon emissions and air pollution, and prevent climate change in the long term. Destination Iran recommends using public transport systems on your travels to be responsible travelers and engage with the everyday lives of the host community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tehran Metro Map
If you have any other questions about the Tehran Metro or related topics, please let us know in the comments. We will respond as soon as possible.
What is the Tehran Metro?
The Tehran Metro is a rapid transit system that serves the city of Tehran, the capital of Iran. It provides an efficient means of transportation within the city and connects various neighborhoods and suburbs to the city center.
How many lines are there in the Tehran Metro?
As of October 2023, the Tehran Metro has several operational lines, including Line 1 (Blue Line), Line 2 (Red Line), Line 3 (Green Line), Line 4 (Yellow Line), Line 5 (Light Blue Line), and additional lines under construction or planned for the future.
What is the coverage area of the Tehran Metro?
The Tehran Metro covers a significant part of the city and extends to various suburbs. It connects key locations such as shopping centers, business districts, and cultural sites, making it convenient for both residents and tourists.
How can I read the Tehran Metro Map?
The Tehran Metro Map typically uses color-coded lines to represent different routes. Stations are marked along each line, and interchanges between lines are indicated where applicable. It’s essential to check for the final destination when planning your route.
Are there any Tehran Metro maps available in English?
Yes, the Tehran Metro Map is usually available in both Persian and English, especially in major stations and on the official metro website. However, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with basic Persian terms or the names of lines and stations.
How do I purchase a ticket for the Tehran Metro?
Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines and counters available in metro stations. There are also rechargeable smart cards that can be used for multiple trips, which are convenient for frequent travelers.
What are the operating hours of the Tehran Metro?
Typically, the Tehran Metro operates from around 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. However, hours may vary by line and station, so it’s advisable to check schedules posted at stations.
Is the Tehran Metro safe for travelers?
The Tehran Metro is generally considered safe for travelers. However, like in any major city, it’s advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and observe local customs and regulations.
How fast is the Tehran Metro train?
The average speed for the Tehran Rapid Transit system is 80 kilometers per hour. The Tehran-Karaj commuter has an average speed of 62 kmph, with a maximum speed of 140 kmph. The international airport line is significantly faster at 120 kilometers per hour.
Can I use the Tehran Metro to reach the Imam Khomeini International Airport?
Yes, Line 1 connects to the Imam Khomeini International Airport, making it convenient for travelers to access the airport directly via the metro.
Are there any discounts for students or seniors?
Yes, there are often discounts available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. It’s best to check in the metro stations for specific concessionary fares.
