Getting Around Pakistan 2026
Pakistan has a comprehensive transport network ranging from modern motorways and domestic flights to chaotic city buses and hair-raising mountain jeep tracks. For the lowlands, comfortable air-conditioned buses connect all major cities. In the mountains, NATCO buses and private jeeps are the only options. Domestic flights are affordable but unreliable in the mountain areas. Ride-hailing apps (Careem, InDriver) have transformed city travel. Here is everything you need to know about getting around Pakistan.
Domestic Flights
| Route | Airline | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad → Lahore | PIA, Serene Air, AirSial | 1 hr | PKR 6,000-12,000 | Frequent, reliable |
| Islamabad → Karachi | PIA, Serene Air, AirSial | 1.5 hrs | PKR 8,000-15,000 | Frequent, reliable |
| Islamabad → Gilgit | PIA | 1 hr | PKR 8,000-15,000 | Cancels 50%+ (weather) |
| Islamabad → Skardu | PIA | 1 hr | PKR 10,000-15,000 | Cancels 40-50% (weather) |
| Islamabad → Quetta | PIA | 1.5 hrs | PKR 8,000-12,000 | Reliable |
Mountain flights (Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral) are spectacular but cancel frequently due to cloud cover. Always have a road backup plan. Book online at piac.com.pk or sereneair.com.
Intercity Buses
Luxury/Express (Motorway Routes)
- Daewoo Express: The gold standard. A/C, reclining seats, onboard toilet. Islamabad-Lahore (4.5 hrs, PKR 1,500-2,500). Book online: daewoo.com.pk
- Faisal Movers: Similar quality to Daewoo. Good Lahore-Islamabad-Peshawar routes.
- Bilal Travels: Economy to business class. Covers major routes.
Mountain Routes
- NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation): The lifeline of Gilgit-Baltistan. Runs buses from Islamabad to Gilgit (14-18 hours, PKR 2,500-3,500) and Skardu. Basic but reliable. Book at the NATCO office in Islamabad (Pir Wadhai).
- Mashabrum/Skyways: Private operators covering Islamabad-Gilgit/Skardu. Slightly more comfortable than NATCO.
Pakistan Railways
Pakistan Railways operates a slow but atmospheric network. The main routes:
- Islamabad → Lahore: 4-5 hours (Business Express). PKR 500-2,000 depending on class.
- Islamabad → Karachi: 18-24 hours (Karakoram Express, Green Line). PKR 1,500-6,000.
- Lahore → Karachi: 16-20 hours (Shalimar Express).
Trains are slow but scenic and a great way to see the countryside. Book at pakrail.gov.pk. First class (A/C sleeper) is comfortable. Economy is an adventure. Delays are common.
Private Jeep Hire (Mountains)
The best way to explore Northern Pakistan. A private 4x4 with driver gives you flexibility to stop for photos, take detours and move at your own pace.
| Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to Hunza (via Babusar) | 2 days | PKR 25,000-35,000 |
| Full week KKH circuit | 7 days | PKR 60,000-80,000 |
| Skardu to Deosai day trip | 1 day | PKR 8,000-12,000 |
| Fairy Meadows jeep (Raikot Bridge to Tato) | 1.5-2 hrs | PKR 8,000-12,000 |
Arrange through your hotel, a tour operator, or directly at jeep stands in Gilgit, Skardu or Karimabad. Driver's food and accommodation is usually included or a small extra.
City Transport & Ride-Hailing
- Careem: The main ride-hailing app (like Uber). Works in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Faisalabad. Affordable and reliable.
- InDriver: Ride-hailing with negotiable fares. Popular in all major cities.
- Auto-rickshaws: Three-wheeled vehicles for short city trips. Negotiate fare before boarding.
- Metro Bus: Islamabad-Rawalpindi and Lahore have BRT systems. Clean, cheap (PKR 30-40).
- Orange Line Metro (Lahore): 27 km elevated metro. PKR 40. Modern and efficient.