Understanding how Kohat moves
Kohat is the capital of Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the largest city in Kohat Division. It is a compact, bazaar-centred city built around a British-era fort, a military cantonment, and a network of markets. Pashto and the Kohati dialect of Hindko are the main languages you will hear, so knowing a few greetings in either will make getting around noticeably easier.
For a visitor, the practical reality is that Kohat has no metro, no tram, and no urban rail network. Getting around is done by road, on foot, or by hiring a vehicle. The sections below explain what exists and how to use it.
Rail
Kohat does not have a passenger rail service you can use to move around the city or to reach it from elsewhere. There is no metro or tram system in Kohat either, so you should plan your trip entirely around road transport. If you are arriving from another Pakistani city, expect to come by road or by air rather than by train.
Buses and public transport
Public transport in Kohat is road-based. The provincial government has been working on a "Green Bus Service" scheme intended to provide safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly public transport, with the stated aims of reducing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. Feasibility studies for the scheme were reported to be in their final stage across divisional headquarters including Kohat, with plans to launch first at divisional headquarters and then expand in phases to district headquarters.
Because this service was still in the planning stage at the time of reporting, you should not assume it is running when you visit. Treat it as something to check on locally rather than a service you can rely on in advance.
- Ask at your hotel or a local transport office whether the Green Bus Service has launched in Kohat before planning your day around it.
- For intercity travel, buses and vans are the conventional way in and out of the city; confirm departure points and timings locally, as these change.
- Fares and permits for public transport in the province have been subject to reform, so ask the fare before boarding rather than assuming a fixed price.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and hired cars are the most straightforward option for a visitor who wants a door-to-door trip without navigating local buses. Because Kohat's sights and bazaars are spread between the fort area, the cantonment, and outlying spots such as Tanda Wildlife Park, a hired vehicle is often the most practical way to link them in a single outing.
- Agree the fare before you set off, especially for trips outside the central city.
- For a half-day or full-day trip covering several stops, hiring a car for the duration is usually simpler than finding a new taxi at each stop.
- If you plan to visit Tanda Wildlife Park, note that it lies outside the city and is reached by road; arrange your return journey in advance rather than assuming you will find a ride at the park.
Walking
Kohat is centred on its bazaars and the British-era fort, and the bazaar areas are the kind of place where walking is the natural way to get around. This is where you will get the best sense of the city, and it is also where you will find the guava for which Kohat is famous.
- Walk within the central bazaar and fort area, where the streets are busy and destinations are close together.
- Dress modestly and keep valuables discreet; bazaars are crowded and you will draw attention as a visitor.
- For anything beyond the centre — the cantonment, the dam and lake area, or the wildlife park — use a vehicle instead of walking.
Getting in from the airport
Kohat is served by its own airport, so if you fly in you will land close to the city rather than at a distant hub. The practical way into town is by road: take a taxi or a pre-arranged car from the airport to your accommodation.
- Arrange your airport transfer in advance through your hotel if possible, so you are not negotiating a fare on arrival.
- Confirm the fare before departing the airport, and have your destination written down in Urdu or Pashto if you do not speak either language.
- Allow extra time for road journeys; Kohat sits on the left bank of the Toi river, and the Kohat Pass lies to the north, so routes in and out of the city follow specific corridors.
Practical tips for getting around
- Plan around road transport: there is no rail, metro, or tram option in Kohat.
- Check locally whether the planned Green Bus Service has begun operating before counting on it.
- Use taxis or a hired car for cross-city trips and for outlying attractions; walk for the bazaars and central sights.
- Agree fares up front and confirm return arrangements for trips outside the city.
- Learn a few phrases in Pashto or Kohati Hindko — the two main languages of the city — to make directions and fares easier to sort out.