Flights to Islamabad

Take a journey to the modern capital of Pakistan when you book flights to Islamabad. The buzzing streets, broad highways and mountain backdrops of Islamabad make this an Asian metropolis like no other.

You'll find the cheapest flights to Islamabad by booking in advance, giving you time to prepare for travel to this interesting capital...

Whether it's for an adventure holiday, a cultural exploration or simply a family or spiritual visit (more than one million British Pakistanis live in the UK), travellers snap up cheap flights to Islamabad for departures throughout the year.

You'll arrive at Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB) in the northern Punjab province, after a flight time of around eight hours from the UK. A new airport, designed to withstand the volume of visitors better than the current facility, will be named Gandhara International Airport and is likely to be operational by the middle of 2015.

Of course many people fly into Islamabad airport to make onward connections to destinations such as Peshawar and Hyderabad. But those who stay a little longer in the capital, which at first glance seems little more than an enclave of government buildings and embassies, are rewarded by sights such as the Faisal Mosque, modern museums exploring ancient themes, family attractions, a heap of national monuments and a plethora of parks and green spaces.

For those who simply can't do without the typically intoxicating crush of everyday life that Asia's mega cities are known for, nearby Rawalpindi has everything you need to feel the true rush of this part of the world. The airport is actually closer to Rawalpindi - or just Pindi - than Islamabad, so you could consider a stay in this centuries-old city.

For more information on where to stay in Islamabad, use our guide below and then compare prices on flights and hotels in Pakistan using the TravelSupermarket search tool.

With a large population travelling to visit friends and family in Pakistan, there are good options for flights to Islamabad...

Pakistan International Airlines has the only non-stop flights to Islamabad from the UK, taking around seven and a half hours. There are departures from from London Heathrow, Birmingham or Manchester.

There is also a good range of connecting flights to the city. Qatar flies via Doha from London, Manchester and Edinburgh; Emirates goes via Dubai from London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow; and Etihad Airways flies via Abu Dhabi from London and Manchester. Connecting flights take upwards of 12 hours.

Transport options are good for journeys between Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport and wherever you want to be...

Taxis from the airport into either Islamabad or Pindi are very cheap. It should take no more than 30 minutes to get to the centre of Islamabad and cost about 500 Pakistani rupees (around £3). Taxi touts operate at the airport, although the official taxi rank is easy to find and you should use it where possible. Agree the fare before you travel or see that the meter is set for the start of your journey.

Car hire in Islamabad is good value and getting around is straightforward. You can collect your vehicle rental at the airport.

Choose between quiet and classy or busy and bustling...

If you prefer luxury and chaos-free surroundings, you can stay in one of the many excellent upscale hotels in Islamabad. This modern capital caters well to business visitors, ex-pats, foreign dignitaries and high-ranking government officials - standards are high. There are many four- and five-star hotels here from a range of well-known international brands. You can also find cheaper guest houses and basic budget hotels that are still central to the attractions.

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan is at its most traditional. This is Islamabad's sister city, though she's much older and less concerned with government business and shimmering monuments. Life in Pindi is about shopping in busy bazaars and seeing the handful of sights. There are some very good luxury hotels present, as well as a wider range of budget and mid-range accommodation.

Wherever you wish to be, you can compare deals on flights and hotels when you use the search tool on TravelSupermarket.