Getting Around Lahore: A Practical Transport Guide
Lahore is a sprawling city with several transport options available to visitors. The best way to get around depends on your destination, comfort level, and familiarity with the city. Walking works well in some areas, while public transport and ride-hailing services offer convenient alternatives for covering longer distances.
The Metro System
Lahore's metro system offers a modern way to travel across the city. The Orange Line, Pakistan's first metro train system, opened in October 2020 and is an automated, driverless service. The line spans 27.1 km with 26 stations, featuring a mix of elevated and underground sections. Fares range from Rs 25–45 depending on the distance traveled. Two additional lines—the Blue Line and Purple Line—are proposed for future development. The Purple Line is planned as an airport rail link, which will eventually provide direct metro access to the airport.
Bus Rapid Transit and Bus Services
The Lahore Metro Bus System (MBS) is Pakistan's first bus rapid transit system, running along Ferozepur Road from Gajju Mata to Shahdara. The service operates air-conditioned, articulated buses with 27 stations along the corridor. Buses include separate seating areas for women and disabled passengers, and fares are very affordable at Rs 20. Buses arrive frequently, though they can become crowded during peak hours, particularly in the men's section.
TransLahore, the city's main public transit operator, runs a fleet of over 650 buses throughout the city and suburban areas. These buses are air-conditioned and have separate sections for men and women. The company offers discounted fares for students through a "Green Card" scheme. Several other bus companies also operate in Lahore, including Premier Bus Services, which is Pakistan's largest public transport company by bus count, and Sammi Daewoo's City Bus Division, which runs routes within the city and to nearby towns.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws, often called autos or qingqis, are the most common form of individual public transport in Lahore and are particularly useful for navigating the narrow streets of the old city. These open-sided vehicles are inexpensive and, for women traveling alone, among the safest individual transport options. However, negotiating the fare in advance is essential, especially if you are clearly a foreign visitor. If you don't speak Punjabi or Urdu, asking a local friend to help negotiate can prevent overcharging. You can also order auto-rickshaws through ride-hailing apps such as Careem or InDrive. Look for rickshaws with well-padded seats to avoid discomfort on longer journeys.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Traditional metered taxis are rarely seen on Lahore's streets, as auto-rickshaws dominate the market. To book a taxi, you'll need to call in advance or use a ride-hailing app. Ride-hailing services including Uber, Careem, and InDrive are available in the city and can be booked through their mobile apps. These services are more reliable than hailing taxis on the street, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with local conventions. Avoid taking taxis in the old city's narrow, crowded streets; walking or using an auto-rickshaw is more practical in those areas.
Walking and Exploring on Foot
Walking is a viable option, especially in the old town, where you can see much more detail at street level. Comfortable shoes are essential if you plan to walk long distances. Outside the cooler winter months, the heat makes extended daytime walking impractical for most visitors. Sunday mornings are particularly quiet and good times for exploring on foot. Locals are generally helpful with directions, though it's wise to ask two or three people to confirm an address before relying on it, especially if you're driving. Using the GPS function on your phone can also be helpful for navigation.
Railways and Commuter Trains
Pakistan Railways connects Lahore to destinations across the country and provides an important mode of transport for longer journeys. Lahore Junction railway station, a historic structure built during the British colonial era, is centrally located and serves as the main entry and exit point for rail travel. Lahore Cantonment railway station is a smaller facility near the airport that serves some long-distance trains. Several other local stations within Lahore—including Shahdara Bagh, Badami Bagh, Moghalpura, Baghbanpura, Harbanspura, Jallo, and Wagah—primarily operate peak-hour services for commuters.
Getting from Allama Iqbal International Airport to the City
Allama Iqbal International Airport is located 20–30 minutes from the city centre and is served by numerous international and domestic airlines. Several transport options connect the airport to Lahore.
Taxis and shuttles are available at the airport. If using an unmetered taxi, it is essential to agree on the fare before getting in the vehicle. The fare should include the Rs 50 airport carpark exit fee. Typical fares are around Rs 600 to Gulberg and Rs 800–1,000 to the old city. Be firm about the price and pay in advance to avoid disputes. Many mid-range and top-end hotels offer complimentary shuttle services from the airport to their properties; check with your hotel before arriving.
Avoid booking taxis or accommodation through touts who approach you at the airport. Instead, arrange your own taxi independently or use a ride-hailing app such as Uber, Careem, or InDrive if available. In the future, the proposed Purple Line metro will provide direct rail access from the airport to different parts of the city, though this service is not yet operational.
General Transport Tips
- Public transport—buses and the metro—are the cheapest options for getting around the city.
- Women using minivans should be aware that these are often crowded and uncomfortable; buses and auto-rickshaws are generally safer and more practical choices.
- During peak hours, buses and metro trains become very crowded; move toward the door before your stop so you can exit easily.
- Keep a local mobile number of a reliable driver or taxi service on hand if you find someone you trust.
- Traffic in Lahore can be chaotic; road safety is important, especially if you're driving or traveling in a minivan.