Travel to Pakistan

Flying to Pakistan

Pakistan has several major international airports that serve as gateways to the country. The key ones include:
• Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi.
• Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in Islamabad.
• Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore
• Peshawar Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar.

Pakistan's national air carrier is Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which operates both domestic and international flights, connecting major cities within Pakistan and offering routes to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Other airlines that fly to Pakistan include British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Saudia, SriLankan Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London - 7 hours 45 minutes.

Departure tax

The departure tax for international flights varies based on the travel class and destination. It is typically included in the price of your airline ticket, so passengers often do not need to pay it separately at the airport.

Travelling to Pakistan by Rail

Travellers must check the latest updates before taking a train service from India to Pakistan.

Historically, the Samjhauta Express operated between Delhi, India, and Lahore, Pakistan, via the Attari-Wagah border. This service allowed passengers with valid visas to travel between the two countries, but it is currently not operational. Similarly, the Thar Express once connected Jodhpur, India, with Karachi, Pakistan, through the Munabao-Khokhrapar border, but this service also remains suspended.

No train services currently link Pakistan with neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, or China.

Driving to Pakistan

You can drive to Pakistan from neighbouring countries, but the feasibility depends on your route, visa arrangements, and security conditions.

The Wagah Border (Attari-Wagah Crossing) is the primary land crossing between India and Pakistan, linking Amritsar, India, with Lahore, Pakistan.

The Khunjerab Pass (Karakoram Highway) connects Pakistan with China's Kashgar in Xinjiang. This high-altitude border crossing is open seasonally, typically from April to November, as it remains closed during winter.

Pakistan shares two major border crossings with Afghanistan: the Torkham and Chaman borders. However, security concerns and restrictions may affect travel through these routes.

The Taftan Border (Mirjaveh Crossing) is the only crossing point between Pakistan and Iran. Due to the remote and often insecure conditions in Balochistan, safety escorts are strongly recommended for travellers driving through this region.

Visitors should always check the latest travel advisories for these areas. Additionally, ensure that your visas, permits, and vehicle insurance are valid and meet the requirements for cross-border travel. For those driving their own vehicle into Pakistan, a Carnet de Passage (a customs document for temporary vehicle import) is mandatory.

Getting to Pakistan by boat