Transport in Lahore - Lonely Planet Travel Information

Getting there & away

Lahore is Pakistan’s gateway to India.

Contents

Land
Air

Land

Bus

During research there were rumours that the main bus stand was going to be renovated or shifted, so it’s worth double-checking its status. At the time of writing there were two places where long-distance buses operated: the main bus stand (Lariadda) and the Sherakot bus stands (Bund Rd). Although all services depart from the slightly more conveniently located main bus stand, this place is chaotic, dusty and swarming with people. You’ll encounter far less hype if you catch one of the buses that leave from the Sherakot terminals on Bund Rd (tickets cost the same at both places). An autorickshaw from The Mall to Sherakot costs about Rs 150, or you can catch bus 1 (Rs 10/15 for standard/air-con) from The Mall (first ask the driver if the bus goes to Sherakot, as not all do).

For long-haul trips a growing number of private companies offer comfortable air-con buses; most take advance bookings, however, it is still worth going to the bus stand a few days before you want to travel to secure your ticket. Companies include New Khan Road Runners (7728355), which services various destinations including Dera Ghazi Khan (Rs 300, seven hours), Karachi (Rs 920, 22 hours), Multan (Rs 180, five hours), Peshawar (Rs 380, six hours) and Rawalpindi (Rs 320, five hours). Other reputable companies include Skyways (7470242) and Niazi Express (740188).

The most luxurious buses are operated by Daewoo (111007008; 231 Ferozpur Rd) near Kalma Chowk. Daewoo has state-of-the-art vehicles and the fare includes a light meal (an autorickshaw from The Mall to the Daewoo terminal should cost Rs 100). To Rawalpindi, Daewoo offers two bus types: luxury (Rs 450, 4½ hours) and super-luxury (Rs 530, 4½ hours) – the latter has more leg space, a footrest and more comfortable seats. Other destinations serviced by Daewoo include Multan (Rs 400, 5¼ hours), Bahawalpur (Rs 470, 6¾ hours) and Peshawar (Rs 570, 6½ hours).

Train

All trains stop at the Lahore City Railway Station, also known as Lahore Junction. Porters will lug your load for Rs 25 to Rs 50 (depending on how much baggage you have).

Timetables and fares are subject to constant alterations so there are likely to be changes during the life of this book. To double-check, call railway inquiries on 117, get a copy of the twice-yearly updated Pakistan Railways Time & Fare Table (Rs 25), which is usually available at major train stations as well as at Ferozson’s bookshop, or log on to www.pakr ail.com.

It’s highly advisable to buy a ticket at least a few days before your intended departure to improve your chances of securing a seat on your preferred train. Tickets are sold at the Railways Headquarters reservation office (Empress Rd; 8am-7.30pm Sun-Thu & Sat, 8am-12.30pm & 2.30-7.30pm Fri) about 1.5km south of the main train station.

Don’t forget to avail yourself of the 25% concession for foreign tourists and, if applicable, the generous 50% concession for foreign students. If you intend travelling by train in other parts of Pakistan it’s wise to collect your concession letter in Lahore – it can be a hassle getting it elsewhere. To get this concession, take your passport and student card (if applicable) to the commercial department of Railways Headquarters (Empress Rd; 8am-3pm). This office can be tough to find – if you get lost, ask someone to point you in the direction of the ‘Chief Commercial Manager – Passenger’.

If you’re experiencing any difficulties booking a ticket or getting a concession letter, see the manager of the public relations office in the Railways Headquarters building.

Freighting a vehicle

If you’ve got your own wheels and are en route to Iran via Quetta (but don’t wish to drive to Quetta) it’s possible to freight your vehicle. The cost is Rs 920/12, 020 per motorcycle/car. This may be a judicious option if authorities deem private vehicle travel unsafe (eg if there are tribal tensions in Balochistan) at the time of your visit.

^ Back to top

Air

Lahore’s well-kept Allama Iqbal International Airport (9211604) contains both the domestic and international terminals. Facilities at the airport include two tourist offices, a railway reservation office and money-changing counters.

Check-in for domestic flights is one hour prior to departure. It’s wise to book domestic tickets at least three days in advance, as flights can unexpectedly fill up at the last minute. The airport can be prone to fog in December and January, sometimes disrupting airline schedules.

For flight/air cargo inquiries call 114 or 9220786.

PIA (111786786; PIA Bldg, Egerton Rd) has domestic services from Lahore to Bahawalpur (Rs 4250, one hour 20 minutes), Islamabad (Rs 4725, 50 minutes), Karachi (Rs 6550, 1¾ hours), Multan (Rs 4400, one hour 20 minutes), Peshawar (Rs 4990, one hour 25 minutes), Quetta (Rs 4775, one hour 25 minutes), Rahim Yar Khan (Rs 5100, one hour 20 minutes) and Sukkur (Rs 6325, one hour 20 minutes).

Shaheen Air International (111808080; www.shaheenair.com; Ali Complex, Empress Rd) flies only to Karachi; there’s a twice daily service (Rs 6045).

Airblue (111247258; www.airblue.com; Asad Centre 1-E, Main Blvd, Gulberg II) has three daily flights to Karachi only (Rs 7998).

Airline offices

International carriers servicing Lahore are prone to change – to get the latest details consult your travel agent or surf the net. International airline offices in Lahore include the following:

Air Canada (6305229; Ali Complex, Empress Rd)

Air France (6360930; Wapda House, The Mall)

British Airways (6300701; Transport House, Egerton Rd)

Cathay Pacific Airways (6369558; Ali Complex, Empress Rd)

Emirates (6676522; 1-2 Cantonment Commercial Complex, Abid Majid Rd)

Gulf Air (5716405; Eden Heights Plaza, Jail Rd)

Indian Airlines (6360014; Ambassador Centre, Davis Rd)

Kenya Airways (6312138; Ali Complex, Empress Rd)

KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines (6361510; Wapda House, The Mall)

Lufthansa Airlines (6315105; Avari Hotel, The Mall)

Malaysian Airlines (6305100; 2nd fl, PIA Bldg, Egerton Rd)

PIA (111786786; PIA Bldg, Egerton Rd)