Asia > 🇵🇰 Pakistan
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Pakistan can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Pakistan; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Pakistan?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Pakistan?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Pakistan
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | ISB | |
| Karachi | KHI | |
| Lahore | LHE |
🚗 Renting a Car in Pakistan — The Basics
For most visitors, renting a car with a driver is the norm rather than self-driving. Roads can be chaotic, traffic unpredictable, and local driving styles aggressive. Navigating Pakistan’s cities — particularly Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad — requires patience and quick reflexes.
That said, having private transport gives you flexibility, especially when exploring sites that are poorly connected by public transport. Domestic car hire firms and international brands operate mainly from major airports and hotels in big cities.
If you prefer driving yourself, it’s possible — but only advisable for confident drivers with prior experience in South Asia.
🛣️ Road Conditions and Safety
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Motorways: The M1 (Peshawar–Islamabad) and M2 (Islamabad–Lahore) are modern, well-maintained, and toll-based — among the best in South Asia.
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Highways: Conditions vary; rural routes may include potholes, livestock, and unmarked junctions.
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Mountain Roads: Northern areas such as Hunza, Skardu, and the Karakoram Highway offer breathtaking scenery but require extreme caution, especially in winter.
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Fuel: Readily available and inexpensive compared to Europe.
Driving is on the left, and police checkpoints are common, particularly near sensitive regions. Always carry your passport, driving licence, and rental documents.
🚉 Trains and Public Transport
Pakistan Railways connects most major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Trains can be scenic and affordable, though slower than driving or flying. Overnight services are available between Karachi and Lahore, and newly refurbished “Green Line Express” trains offer a higher standard of comfort.
Public transport within cities includes buses, rickshaws, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and InDriver, which are reliable and widely used.
🚈 Metro and Modern Transit Systems
Pakistan has made major strides in urban transit:
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Lahore Metrobus and Orange Line (the country’s first metro train) serve key routes efficiently and cheaply.
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Rawalpindi–Islamabad Metrobus connects the twin cities in about 45 minutes.
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Karachi’s Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has also eased urban congestion.
These systems are clean, frequent, and excellent alternatives to driving for short city stays.
🏔️ Exploring Northern Pakistan
The northern regions are Pakistan’s crown jewel — dramatic mountain scenery, alpine meadows, and welcoming hospitality. Popular routes include:
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Karakoram Highway (KKH): Runs from Islamabad to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass, passing through Hunza Valley and Gilgit.
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Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp: Reachable via jeep track from Raikot Bridge.
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Skardu and Baltistan: Accessed by a spectacular but challenging mountain road or short domestic flight.
For these areas, a 4×4 vehicle with driver is strongly recommended, both for comfort and safety.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Pakistan?
Why you should:
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To explore northern regions at your own pace.
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For flexibility on rural or remote routes.
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To experience Pakistan’s landscapes and hospitality more freely.
Why you might not:
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City traffic is hectic and stressful.
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Public transport and ride apps are affordable and reliable.
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Security checkpoints and road conditions can add complexity.
✅ Conclusion:
For most visitors, hiring a car with a driver is the best balance of freedom and practicality. Self-drive rentals are possible but challenging. Within cities, public transport, rickshaws, and metros offer excellent value. If you’re venturing north, however, a 4×4 with an experienced driver unlocks some of Asia’s most spectacular road journeys.
