How to reach Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

This has been divided into two sections 

I : Travel to Pakistan

II : Travel within Pakistan

Section I - Travel to Pakistan

By Air -

More than 25 airlines fly to Pakistan from over 40 countries. Most of the flights arrive at Karachi, but PIA, British Airways, Saudia and China Xinjiang Airlines fly direct to the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. PIA, Indian Airlines, Saudia and Thai Airways fly direct to Lahore. PIA has direct flights from the main Mediterranean and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi. It also runs a Far East Network from Tokyo, Beijing, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. PIA also has flights to Tashkent and Almaty from Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Lahore.

By Land -

1: From China

The Khunjerab Pass is open from 1st May to 31st October for groups and to 15th November for individual tourists. Customs, Immigration post shall remain open daily from 08:30 to 11:00 for outgoing travelers and upto 16:00 (Pakistan Standard Time) for incoming tourists. Travel time from Sost to Taxkurgan (China) is 5 hours (220 kms). The Chinese border post, Taxkurgan is open 12:00 noon to 14:00 (Beijing Time) for outgoing tourists and upto 19:00 for incoming travelers.

2: From India

Wagah is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore-Amritsar route). The Wagah border post is open daily for foreigners; Summer (16 April to 15 October) 08:30 to 14:30 hrs and Winter (16 October to 15 April). Minibus No.12 leaves from outside Lahore Railway Station for Wagah every 15 minutes, costs approx US$ 0.20 per person. Taxi shall charge around US$ 8 for this half an hour journey.

3: From Iran

Pak-Iran border crossing is only possible through Taftan-Zahidan, from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs with break from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs. Several buses and coaches daily leave from Taftan to Quetta (634 km - 16 - 18 hours). Approximate fare is around US$ 8 per person on coach and US$ 7 per person on bus. There is a weekly express train from Zahidan to Quetta (via Taftan - 27 hours). Economy Class fare with berth is approximately around US$ 10 and First Class Sleeper is US$ 13 per person. Another Passenger (slower) train leaves Taftan every Thursday for Quetta.

4: Lahore - Delhi Bus Service

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) have started a direct luxury bus service between Lahore and Delhi w.e.f. 16th March 1999. The 43-seater, air-conditioned bus leave simultaneously from Faletti's Hotel, Egerton Road, Lahore and Dr. Ambedkar Terminal, Delhi Gate, New Delhi on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 06:00 hours. One-way fare is equivalent to US$ 19 per person.

5: Lahore - Delhi Train Service

The Lahore-Delhi (Samjhota Express) train leaves Lahore at 11:00 hrs on Mondays and Thursdays. Check-in time at Lahore Railway Station is 08:00 hrs. First Class fare to Delhi is approx. US$ 10, Economy Class is US$ 3, whereas Lahore - Amritsar First Class is US$2 and Economy Class is US$1 per person.

6: By Sea (1998 Census)

No passenger boats or ships for the general public sails to or from Pakistan at present. A few pilgrim ships/boats do ply between Pakistan and the Gulf States.

Section II  - Travel Within Pakistan

By Air -

PIA serves 38 domestic airports with scheduled connections including multiple daily flights between major cities of Punjab like Multan, Lahore, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Two private airlines, Aero Asia and Bhoja Air, also serve Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad/Rawalpindi. PIA has daily flights to Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi/Islamabad, airport is actually located outside of Islamabad, closer to the city of Rawalpindi, in an area known as Chaklala. Being the main airport for the Pakistani capital it often hosts officials and citizens from other nations. Airport is closer to Rawalpindi than to Islamabad, and it serves the city along with the capital.

By Road -

Pakistan has an extensive network of roads and highways, linking every town. There are several highways like Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) between Lahore and Peshawar and Indus Highway linking Peshawar with the Southern Punjab. A landmark has been achieved with the completion of Lahore-Islamabad Motorway, which has opened the remote area of the Salt Range for visitors.

You will find all types of public transport in Punjab ranging from Taxis, auto-rickshaws, vans to tongas (horse & cartridge) and mini-buses, which are used for traveling within the city/town/village limits, whereas air-conditioned, non air-conditioned and deluxe types of buses, vans and coaches regularly ply between major cities and tourist destinations.

Transport Wing of Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab provides comfortable transport system to the different tourist destinations on regular and seasonal basis. The transport system is equipped with a fleet of luxury A/C buses and operated from Tourist Information Centers located in the heart of major cities of Punjab. Advance booking is available round the clock at the terminals, booking is also be made on telephone.

At present Lahore-Multan-Lahore, Lahore-Rawalpindi-Lahore, Lahore-Murree-Lahore, Multan-Rawalpindi-Multan services are in operation.

Lahore-Swat-Lahore, Rawalpindi-Swat-Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi-Balakot-Rawalpindi, Multan-Murree-Multan are seasonal services. Vans, Coaster, Buses are available for special booking.

TDCP also offers package tours for tourists.

By Train -

Pakistan has over 12,700 kilometers of railways, including 8,500 kms inherited from the British. Main line runs from Karachi to Peshawar connecting important tourist places like Moenjodaro, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Taxila and Peshawar. There are several daily trains running on these lines, however, Shalimar Express (Lahore-Karachi) and Railcar (Lahore-Rawalpindi) have more comfortable air-conditioned compartments for travelers.

Pakistan Railways allow a 25% concession in all classes, to foreign tourists and 50% discount for foreign students (both for groups and individuals).