Iran Travel Costs: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Iran has something for everyone: history lovers can discover different ancient sites that have stood for centuries. Nature lovers can explore serene deserts, green rainforests, jagged mountains, and emerald jungles while enjoying the country's favorable climate.

What makes it even more appealing is that it is one of the most budget-friendly destinations to explore. However, planning a trip requires thorough research to determine its feasibility. That is why we’ve explored travel to Iran cost including the cost of living in Iran per month, cost of accommodation, transport, and food. By breaking it all down, we can help you understand what you can expect to spend during your visit to Iran.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Iran?

To plan your trip more effectively, it is important to consider factors such as flight tickets, accommodation costs, food expenses, transportation within the country, and any additional excursion fees. That is why we decided to break down the cost of traveling to Iran into different categories including accommodation, food & drinks, sightseeing, transport, and other expenses.

The cost of traveling to Iran will depend on the type of hotel you choose, transportation, and the restaurants you plan to visit. However, on average, you can expect to spend $40-70 per day, which covers the essentials for a comfortable trip. However, you have the flexibility to adjust this amount based on your preferences for a more luxurious or budget-friendly experience but you don't have to worry as Iran is an affordable destination.

Money in Iran

Money in Iran can be a bit confusing due to factors such as the presence of rials and tomans, and limited acceptance of foreign cards. To help you understand the money situation and plan your Iran travel budget, here are some key points to consider:

Exchange Rate in Iran

The exchange rates in Iran may differ from the rates you see online. In fact, your Euros or Dollars could be worth more or less when exchanged within the country. For example, while the online rate might be 560,000 IRR for $1, the actual rate in Iran could be 540,000 IRR.

Iranian Currencies

Iran's official currency is the Iranian Rial, but the Toman is commonly used as a pricing unit. The Rial is worth 10 times the Toman, for example, 500,000 Rials would be 50,000 Tomans. So, to avoid confusion, always check the zeros when making payments and clarify if the price is in Rial or Toman when asking for prices

ATMs in Iran

Foreigners cannot access ATMs in Iran, so it's necessary to bring sufficient cash in Euros or Dollars. It's advisable to overestimate your expenses and have backup funds available. For a two-week trip, bringing around $1000-2000 in cash can provide a safety net.

If you don't want to carry large amounts of cash, you can consider obtaining a Debit Card for Touristsdesigned for tourists and temporary visitors like a Mah Card or Daric Card. These cards can be loaded with cash upon arrival at your hotel or online.

Cost of Food in Iran

Iran is famous for having a variety of delicious dishes. Fortunately, the cost of food and drinks in Iran is generally affordable, although prices can vary depending on the type of food you choose to eat and where you choose to eat it.

When dining out at local restaurants and street food vendors, you can expect to pay around $2 to $5 for traditional dishes like kebabs, rice, and stews. Even fast food chains and modern restaurants are reasonably priced, with meals typically ranging from $5 to $10. If you are seeking a more upscale dining experience, higher-end restaurants may charge around $15 to $20 or more for a meal.

Cost of Accommodation in Iran

Accommodation expenses can make up a significant portion of your budget when traveling in Iran. Accommodation costs in Iran vary depending on the type of accommodation and its location.

Budget Accommodation

In most cities and towns, you can find hostels and budget hotels offering dormitory beds starting at around $10 to $20 per night. Private rooms in these budget accommodations typically range from $20 to $30 per night. While these options may be basic, they provide clean and comfortable stays, making them suitable for budget-conscious travelers.

Mid-range Accommodation

If you are looking for a service a bit higher than the hostels, you can opt for cheap hotels and guesthouses which are available in various cities and towns, offering accommodation starting at approximately $30 to $50 per night.

Luxury Accommodation

If you want top-notch services and a luxurious stay during your visit to Iran. You can find many luxurious hotels in major cities and tourist destinations in Iran. Their prices usually start around $100 to $200 per night.

Traditional Accommodation

If you are looking to immerse yourself in Iranian culture, you should consider one of the Traditional Iranian houses, also known as "Caravanserais”. Prices for a private room in these traditional accommodations start at approximately $30 to $50 per night.

Cost of Transportation in Iran

Transportation costs in Iran are budget-friendly, making it convenient to travel within the country. With its vast size and large cities, moving from one place to another is necessary to explore the country fully.  Here is a breakdown of various transportation options available in Iran.

Public Transportation: In cities like Tehran, public transportation is inexpensive and efficient. A single bus or metro ride typically costs around $0.25 to $0.50.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced. Short rides can cost approximately $1.50 to $2.50, with an additional charge of around $0.10 to $0.20 per kilometer thereafter. Sharing a taxi with other travelers can significantly reduce costs.

Long-Distance Bus Travel: If you're planning to travel between major cities, long-distance buses are a cost-effective choice. Prices for one-way trips usually start at around $5 to $10.

Trains: While train travel is also an option, the train network in Iran is not as extensive as the bus services. However, train fares are the cheapest.

Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are available for longer distances, but the cost depends on the specific route and airline. One-way tickets typically start around $30 to $50.

Renting a Car: Renting a car is more expensive compared to other options, and it's not commonly recommended for travelers in Iran especially in Tehran because of the traffic, and navigating through the city and finding parking spaces can be difficult.

Cost of Sightseeing in Iran

When it comes to sightseeing and tours in Iran, it's important to be prepared for the associated costs. While the country boasts a wealth of beautiful sights, including UNESCO World Heritage gardens and stunning mosques, exploring them often comes with a price tag.

Prices for tourist attractions are often divided between locals and tourists. While these entry fees may appear reasonable individually, they can add up, especially if you plan to visit numerous mosques and sights. However, it's worth noting that not all attractions require an entry fee.

Still, you should keep at least $200 on sightseeing and tours, and although it may seem expensive. Trust me, it's worth it to cross everything off your Iran bucket list!

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

When traveling from the United States to Iran, the cost of a round-trip ticket varies based on factors such as the departure city, season, and airline. Generally, prices range from $2000 to $3500 for a week’s trip.

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

A trip to Iran is generally cheap. If you are traveling to Iran from India, considering the flight ticket and the above costs we have mentioned, you will need around $800 to $1000 for a week's trip.

Is Iran Cheap to Travel?

Traveling to Iran is relatively cheap compared to other destinations. The cost of living, accommodation, and transportation in Iran are generally affordable. Dining out and grocery shopping are reasonably priced, allowing travelers to experience local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Additionally, leisure activities, such as visiting historical sites and enjoying cultural attractions, often have affordable entrance fees. However, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on the city and the traveler's preferences. Overall, Iran offers budget-friendly options for travelers seeking an enriching experience without a hefty price tag.

Cost of living in Iran per Month

The cost of living in Iran can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Accommodation is a significant expense, with renting a place in Tehran being relatively expensive.

Dining out is affordable compared to Western countries, with a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costing about $20. Grocery shopping is generally cheaper than eating out, and everyday items can be found at reasonably priced supermarkets.

Transportation costs in Iran are low, with public transport being relatively inexpensive. Monthly bills for utilities like electricity, water, heating, and cooling are affordable, with an average cost of $32 for a normal-sized apartment.

Leisure activities and sports tend to have higher prices, but cinema tickets are cheaper compared to other countries. So in total, living in Iran per month can cost from 200-500 dollars for locals and 2000-3000 dollars for tourists.

Methods to Save Money When Traveling to Iran

When traveling to Iran, there are several methods you can use to save money and keep your travel budget low:

1. Travel in the low season: Prices are significantly lower during the low season, allowing you to find discounted rooms, free upgrades, and cheaper tours compared to the high season.
2. Eat local street food: Opt for affordable and delicious street food options like kebabs or falafel sandwiches, which are cheaper than eating at restaurants.
3. Take Public Transports: Utilize public transport in Iran for your transport to save and reduce your expenses.
4. Split costs: If you are traveling in a group, it will be helpful to split expenses such as taxi fares, car rentals, and room charges, reducing individual costs.
5. Be selective with sights: While there are many mosques, palaces, and historic sites in Iran, entrance fees can add up. Prioritize the must-visit sights and look for free alternatives or check some popular tourist destinations here to determine if a sight is worth the cost.

Bottom Line

Iran is one of the cheapest destinations that houses a lot of natural wonders and cultural heritage. The good news is with one of our Iran tours, you can maximize your savings and ensure a memorable trip to Iran. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover this fascinating country without breaking the bank.

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