Pakistan Travel Guide - Getting Around

Most domestic services are operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PK) (website: www.piac.com.pk). Other airlines are Aero Asia (website: www.aeroasia.com) and Bhoja Air (website: www.bhojaair.com.pk). There are many daily flights between Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Quetta. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of travel.

Rp120 for internal flights. Children under two years are exempt.

Traffic along the Indus River is almost exclusively commercial. Many goods are carried to Punjab and the north from the main port at Karachi.

Pakistan Railways (tel: (42) 920 1642; website: www.pakrail.com) operates the extensive rail network, much of which is a legacy of British rule. The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several daily trains. Even first-class compartments can be hot and crowded. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised, as are reservations on long-distance journeys and overnight service.

Children under three years of age travel free. Children aged three to 11 years pay half fare. Concessions are available for tourists (on presentation of a certificate issued by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation), excluding Indian nationals travelling by rail. A discount of 25% is offered to individuals and groups, and 50% for students. Details are available from railway offices in Pakistan.

Approximate rail times: Karachi to Lahore is 20 hours, to Rawalpindi is 28 hours and to Peshawar is 32 hours; and Lahore to Rawalpindi is 5 hours.

Traffic drives on the left. Legal driving age is 18. The highway network between cities is poorly maintained. Caution should be taken when driving at night as roads are badly lit. It is advised that tourists to Pakistan travel with local drivers or guides. When driving it is advised to keep doors and windows locked at all times.

Bus: Regular services run between most towns and villages. Lahore–Rawalpindi–Peshawar has an hourly service. Air-conditioned coaches/buses are recommended for long distances. Advance booking is advised.

Car hire: Available in major cities, as well as at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi airports. Most hotels can book cars for guests.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or own national licence is required.

Extensive bus and minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns, although services can be crowded. Taxis are reasonably priced and widely available; they are by far the most efficient means of urban travel. Note that they may not operate after sunset during Ramadan. Auto-rickshaws are also available.