Intercity route

Rent a Car from Lahore to Islamabad

380 km · 4-5 hour drive · PKR 18,000–PKR 28,000 with driver

380 km
45 hours
Best: Toyota Corolla
October to April (avoid heavy fog in December-January)

Lahore to Islamabad is a 380 km drive that takes 45 hours one-way and costs PKR 18,000PKR 28,000 with a driver-inclusive rental. Best months: october to april (avoid heavy fog in december-january).

About the Lahore to Islamabad route

Lahore to Islamabad on the M2 motorway is the most-driven intercity route in Pakistan. The drive is straightforward — 4 to 5 hours one-way on a six-lane controlled-access motorway with three major rest stops (Bhera, Kallar Kahar, and the Salt Range viewpoint near Khewra). Most rental vendors quote a one-way sedan trip at PKR 18,000-22,000 (vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls inclusive) or a round-trip same-day at PKR 25,000-32,000. The motorway toll is approximately PKR 1,200 each way for a sedan. Speed limit is 120 km/h. The route is generally safe year-round but heavy fog between November and February occasionally drops visibility below 50 m — confirm weather before booking for these months.

Recommended stops along the way

  • Bhera Service Area
  • Kallar Kahar (Mahmood Kotha)
  • Salt Range viewpoint
  • Khewra Salt Mine (~30 min detour)

Best time of year

October to April (avoid heavy fog in December-January). Always confirm current road conditions with the vendor before paying any deposit — Pakistani mountain weather can change abruptly.

Vendors in Lahore who run this route

12

FAQ

FAQ — Lahore to Islamabad

  • How long is the drive from Lahore to Islamabad?

    380 km one-way, typically 4-5 hours depending on traffic and weather. The route's standard rental package handles the drive with an experienced local driver.

  • How much does a car rental cost for the Lahore to Islamabad route?

    Verified vendors in Lahore quote PKR 18,000–PKR 28,000 for the route, typically inclusive of vehicle, driver, fuel, and motorway tolls. Hotels, meals, and side-trip entry fees are usually separate. Multi-day packages discount 15-30%.

  • Which car is best for the Lahore to Islamabad route?

    Most vendors recommend a Toyota Corolla or equivalent. The right vehicle depends on terrain, season, and group size — confirm in your WhatsApp inquiry.

  • When is the best time of year for the Lahore to Islamabad route?

    October to April (avoid heavy fog in December-January). Always confirm road conditions with the vendor before paying any deposit — Pakistani mountain weather can shift quickly and closures happen.

  • Can I make stops along the way?

    Yes — most rental packages include 2-4 hours of total stop time along the route at no extra charge. Common stops: Bhera Service Area, Kallar Kahar (Mahmood Kotha), Salt Range viewpoint. For longer detours, expect a per-stop or per-extra-km surcharge.