Getting Around Pakistan

Airlines

Tips

• Book Islamabad-Skardu and Islamabad-Gilgit flights well in advance (2-4 weeks). They sell out fast in summer.
• These routes are VFR (Visual Flight Rules) — cancelled in bad weather. Always have a backup plan (NATCO bus).
• Islamabad-Skardu flight takes ~50 minutes vs 20+ hours by road.
• Baggage: typically 23kg checked + 7kg cabin. Confirm when booking.
• Check-in 2 hours before domestic flights.

Major Bus Companies

Journey Times (approximate)

• Lahore to Islamabad: 4-5 hours (motorway)
• Islamabad to Peshawar: 2-3 hours (motorway)
• Lahore to Karachi: 16-18 hours
• Islamabad to Gilgit: 15-18 hours (Karakoram Highway via Babusar Pass)
• Islamabad to Skardu: 20-24 hours
• Islamabad to Naran: 8-10 hours

Pakistan Railways operates an extensive network connecting all major cities. It's slower than buses but scenic and comfortable in business/AC class.

Key Routes

• Green Line: Islamabad-Karachi (fastest train, ~16 hours)
• Business Express: Lahore-Karachi (~18 hours)
• Shalimar Express: Lahore-Karachi
• Jaffar Express: Quetta routes (scenic through Bolan Pass)

Classes

• AC Business: Comfortable, reclining seats, meals included. PKR 3,000-6,000.
• AC Standard: Good comfort, air-conditioned. PKR 2,000-4,000.
• Economy: Basic but cheap. PKR 500-1,500. Can be very crowded.
• Sleeper: Available on overnight routes. Book business class for best experience.

Book online at pakrail.gov.pk or at railway stations. Book AC/Business class 1-2 weeks ahead for popular routes.

Apps

• Careem: The main ride-hailing app in Pakistan (owned by Uber). Operates in all major cities. Cars, bikes, and rickshaws. Metered, cashless option. Very reliable.
• InDrive: Bid-based ride-hailing. Available in most cities. Cheaper than Careem but you negotiate the price.

Traditional Taxis & Rickshaws

• Auto-rickshaws: Green and yellow three-wheelers. Iconic and cheap. Negotiate the fare before getting in — no meters.
• Yellow cabs: Available at airports and major locations. Agree on price before starting.
• Tip: Always use Careem/InDrive for safety and fair pricing. Traditional taxis may overcharge tourists.

Car Hire & Jeeps

• With driver (recommended): Hire a car with a local driver. Much safer and more practical than self-driving. Costs PKR 5,000-10,000/day for city, PKR 8,000-15,000/day for northern trips (including fuel).
• Self-drive: International Driving Permit accepted. However, driving in Pakistan is challenging — heavy traffic, unpredictable road conditions, and different driving culture. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
• 4x4 Jeeps (northern areas): Essential for mountain roads beyond main highways. Hire through local tour operators or directly from drivers in Gilgit/Skardu/Chilas. PKR 8,000-15,000/day. The jeep tracks to Fairy Meadows, Naltar Valley, and Deosai are adventures in themselves.

Karakoram Highway (KKH)

The Karakoram Highway — the "Eighth Wonder of the World" — connects Islamabad to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass (4,693m). It's one of the world's most spectacular road journeys.

• Route: Islamabad → Mansehra → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Khunjerab Pass (China border)
• Total distance: ~1,300 km to the border
• Driving time: 2-3 days with stops (don't rush it — the scenery is the point)
• Open: Typically May to November. Babusar Pass section (shortcut) closes in winter; longer Kaghan route available year-round.
• Landslides: Common in monsoon season. NATCO buses and local drivers know the current conditions.