Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
The main gateways are Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI) and Lahore (LHE). From the airport into the city, the usual options are taxis, ride-hailing apps (Careem, inDrive, Yango) or a hotel pickup. Agree a fare or use an app so the price is clear before you set off.
- Airports
- ISB, KHI, LHE
- Into city
- Taxi, ride-hailing, hotel pickup
- Tip
- Agree fare or use an app
- Ride-hailing apps make the fare clear in advance
- A hotel pickup is convenient for late arrivals
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
City transport relies on local buses, auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps. Lahore has a Metrobus and the Orange Line Metro Train, and a Metrobus links Islamabad with Rawalpindi. Traffic can be heavy in the big cities, so allow extra time and consider a ride-hailing app for door-to-door trips.
- City modes
- Bus, rickshaw, ride-hailing
- Lahore
- Metrobus, Orange Line
- Islamabad
- Metrobus to Rawalpindi
- Traffic is heavy in big cities; allow extra time
- Ride-hailing is handy for door-to-door trips
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
There is no single nationwide travel card. Lahore's Metrobus and Orange Line use a rechargeable transit card (and single-journey tokens) sold at station counters, while other cities rely on cash or ride-hailing apps. For most trips, keep small cash for rickshaws and buses and use an app when you want a set fare.
- Nationwide card
- No single system
- Lahore metro
- Transit card / tokens
- Elsewhere
- Cash or ride-hailing
- Buy metro cards/tokens at station counters
- Keep small cash for rickshaws and local buses
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Pakistan drives on the left. Renting a car with a driver is a common and popular choice, as it removes the stress of dense city traffic and long intercity routes. Self-drive is possible with a valid licence (often an International Driving Permit), but road conditions and driving styles vary, so many visitors prefer a hired driver.
- Driving side
- Left
- Popular
- Car with driver
- Self-drive
- Valid licence / IDP
- A car with driver avoids city traffic stress
- Carry an International Driving Permit if self-driving
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Intercity travel is served by long-distance coaches (Daewoo Express and other operators), trains run by Pakistan Railways, and domestic flights. Coaches are comfortable and popular between major cities; trains connect a wide network. To reach the northern areas, the Karakoram Highway is the main road route.
- Coaches
- Daewoo Express and others
- Trains
- Pakistan Railways
- North
- Karakoram Highway
- Coaches are comfortable between major cities
- Book popular routes ahead in busy periods
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights connect the main cities and save time over long road or rail journeys. Carriers include PIA (Pakistan International Airlines), AirSial and SereneAir. Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI) and Lahore (LHE) are the busiest hubs. Book early for popular routes and allow time for airport security.
- Carriers
- PIA, AirSial, SereneAir
- Hubs
- ISB, KHI, LHE
- Tip
- Book early, allow security time
- Flights save time over long road/rail journeys
- Allow extra time for airport security checks
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Remember Pakistan drives on the left. City traffic can be heavy, so leave extra time and use ride-hailing apps for clear fares. Keep small cash for rickshaws, buses and tolls. For long distances, coaches, trains and domestic flights all work well; for the northern mountains, allow for longer road journeys.
- Driving side
- Left
- City traffic
- Heavy, leave extra time
- Cash
- Small notes for rickshaws/buses
- Use ride-hailing apps for clear, set fares
- Northern mountain roads take longer than expected