Pakistan’s Main Airports
- Islamabad International (ISB): The main gateway for the capital, and the best choice for Taxila, the Margalla Hills and trips to the north.
- Lahore Allama Iqbal (LHE): A major international airport and the best choice if you want to start with Lahore’s heritage sights.
- Karachi Jinnah (KHI): The big airport for the south and the coast.
- Other airports: Cities such as Multan, Sialkot and Peshawar also have airports, but check the connections and the current advice for each region before you plan.
Check the visa rules before you book a flight, so you know you can enter.
Getting There from Abroad
Which airlines fly to Pakistan, and how many connections you need, depends on where you start. Many routes connect through hubs in the Gulf, Turkey or elsewhere in Asia, and direct flights depend on your country and city. Search a few options and compare the total travel time as well as the price.
How to Find a Better Fare
- Compare more than one site, and check the airline’s own website before you book.
- Look at baggage and change rules. A cheaper fare may not include a checked bag or any changes.
- Be flexible with dates. Fares usually rise around Eid and school holidays, and can be higher in the cooler peak season.
- Allow enough time for connections, especially at big hubs. A tight connection can cost more than it saves.
- Consider flying into one city and out of another, for example into Islamabad and out of Lahore, if it saves a day of backtracking.
- Do not book non-refundable fares before your e-Visa is approved.
Domestic Flights
Several Pakistani airlines run domestic routes between Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and other cities. Flights to mountain airports such as Skardu and Gilgit depend heavily on the weather and are often delayed or cancelled, so leave at least a spare day before an international flight, and keep your plan flexible. For long journeys between big cities, comfortable intercity coaches and the motorway can be an easy alternative.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
- Use a ride-hailing app such as Careem or inDrive, or ask your hotel to send a driver. Both are simpler than bargaining at the arrivals hall.
- Islamabad International is some distance from the city center, so allow extra time and check the route before you travel.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis and offers from strangers.
Before You Fly
- Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval, your hotel booking and your return ticket.
- Check your passport validity.
- Get a local SIM or an eSIM. A local SIM needs your passport to register.
- Carry some rupees in cash for the airport and the first day, because card payments are not accepted everywhere.
- Buy travel insurance that covers the regions you will visit.
Compare Flights and Hotels
Prices change quickly, so compare a few providers on our flight deals and hotel deals pages before you book.
Next Steps
Check the best time to visit Pakistan, see the itineraries and read where to stay. For the full picture, go back to the Pakistan travel guide.
