- If you're self-driving – don't say we didn't warn you, by the way – make sure you have up-to-date maps of the region and plan your route very carefully.
- Avoid driving at night. Roads are usually poorly lit and signage is rare. If a night drive is unavoidable, remember to keep your doors locked at all times.
- While drinking is illegal for Muslims in Pakistan, most international hotels in the major cities will sell alcohol to tourists. If you're going to indulge, don't get behind the wheel. Drink driving isn't just illegal, it also makes the already dangerous driving conditions even more so.
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Search for the best car hire deals in Pakistan
Sitting at the crossroads of Central Asia, Pakistan is a breathtakingly beautiful country. It's off the beaten track for most travellers, but still doable for the adventurous – hire a rental car and a driver to explore its ancient cities and religious landmarks, and drive the epic Karakoram Highway.
| Travel Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Currency | Local time | Flight time |
| Urdu | Pakistan rupee (PKR) | GMT+5 hrs |
12 hrs |
*Average flight time from London to Pakistan
Fast facts about hiring a car in Pakistan
The majority of visitors to Pakistan arrive into the capital, Islamabad, or main cities of Karachi or Lahore. Car rentals can be picked up on arrival at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB), Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore and Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi. Getting from Benazir Bhutto airport to Islamabad city centre takes around 25 minutes.
If you're spending a few days in the city before exploring the local area, it could be worth hiring a car from one of the local city offices. Several international car hire companies have offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar, including Europcar, Avis and Hertz. From the airport, head to the main Islamabad Expressway dual carriageway and head north to the city centre. It takes around 25 minutes, depending on the traffic.
You'll find a Europcar car hire desk at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, while the Avis office is less than a mile away on Khayaban E Suhrawardy. Booking your car hire in advance is the best way to get a cheap car hire deal in Pakistan in 2020.
Car rental companies in and close to Benazir Bhutto International Airport include:
- Europcar: (+92 111773773)
- Avis: (+92 20512270751)
Driving in Pakistan
Driving in Pakistan is not for the faint-hearted. Roads are hazardous with frequent potholes, roadworks and diversions, and you'll see drivers making odd and sometimes outright dangerous decisions. With that in mind, we highly recommend hiring a driver with your hire car. They'll know the local area and know how to handle the adverse road conditions, taking a lot of the stress out of your trip. If you want to explore Pakistan independently, this is the safest and easiest way.
In terms of general advice, remember that Pakistan has a long history of political instability and unrest, which has led to large parts of the country becoming off-limits to visitors. Check the safety advice from the FCO prior to arrival, and make sure your driving routes won't take you into any high-risk areas.
Outside of the main cities, traffic is very slightly less chaotic, but the roads are still hazardous and many of them are little more than dirt tracks. You'll be sharing the roads with motorised rickshaws, public buses and motorbikes, so drive with care and check your mirrors constantly.
Most of the big city centre hotels have parking on-site, and these are usually free. You'll also find public parking areas dotted throughout the major cities.
Recommended day trips in Pakistan
Visit Badshahi Mosque
Driving time from Lahore: One hour
Mug up on your Mughal history at the Badshahi Mosque, located next to the Walled City of Lahore. Built in 1671 by Emperor Aurangzeb, Badshahi is the nation's second largest mosque and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan. Don't miss the Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal and the carved white-marble Prayer Hall, which can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time.
Explore the ancient city of Taxila
Driving time from Islamabad: One hour
One of the most important archaeological sites in Asia is located less than an hour's drive from the centre of Islamabad. Dating back to 1000 BCE, the ancient city of Taxila is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular attractions in the region. Visit the crumbling remains of a Buddhist monastery, explore the site's local history museum or watch the sun set over the 2000-year-old ancient ruins.
Relax on Hawke's Bay Beach
Driving time from Karachi: One hour 45 minutes
Pakistan may not be the first destination you think of when it comes to dazzling beaches, but its location on the Arabian Sea means but it is home to some of the finest beaches in Central Asia. Escape the smog of Karachi and spend the day lazing on Hawke's Bay Beach, located west of the city. Relax on the wide golden sands, paddle in the sparkling turquoise waters, or try camel or horse riding along the beach.