Getting Around Islamabad. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Islamabad mainly utilizes the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, for efficient public transport. This is the recommended public option for tourists.

A system of local buses and vans functions on other routes, but they can be crowded and less frequent.

Metro Bus Overview

Main route connects Saddar (Rawalpindi) to Pakistan Secretariat (Islamabad).
Stations in Islamabad: 9th Avenue, Blue Area, Centaurus, Pakistan Secretariat.
Purchase a reusable Metro Card at any station, top up with credit. Fares: 30-50 PKR.
Operates daily, 6:THE HOURS of 12 am to 10:00 PM, frequent during peak hours.

Accessibility

Metro Bus stations and buses are generally accessible with ramps and designated spaces.

Local Buses

For local buses, pay cash to the conductor. Fares are low but vary by distance.

Efficiency Tips

Use Metro Bus for routes it covers; combine with ride-hailing. Google Maps assists with routes.

Route Maps & Frequency

Metro Bus Routes

Main route: Saddar (Rawalpindi) to Pakistan Secretariat (Islamabad).
Route maps are online and at all Metro Bus stations.
Local buses cover other regions, less frequent.

Operating Hours

Metro Bus: Daily, roughly 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Buses are frequent, notably at busy times.
Local buses: From early morning until late at night, frequency varies greatly.

Public Transport Options

Metro Bus

Efficient BRT system.

Local Buses

Cash payment to conductor.

No Metro Train

Islamabad does not have a metro train.

No Trams

Tram system is not present.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services present convenient, door-to-door transportation options throughout Islamabad.

Licensed Taxis

Identified by yellow or white colors and a "Taxi" sign.
Hail on the street or find at designated taxi stands.
Negotiate fare before starting; meters are often not used or calibrated.
Cash is the main payment method.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Careem: Most popular, offering various vehicle types.
Indrive: App for passengers to propose fares; drivers can accept/counter-offer.
Fares are fixed by the app, transparent and generally lower.
Payment can be cash or in-app (many drivers prefer cash).

Safety Considerations

Ride-hailing apps are generally safer (GPS tracking, driver ratings).
Share trip details with a trusted contact.
For solo women, ride-hailing apps are generally preferred over street taxis.

Ensure taxis have proper identification.
Negotiate fare beforehand to avoid disputes.
Avoid unmetered taxis late at night when possible.

Typical Fares Approximate

Taxi negotiated

Short trip (5-10 km): 500-1000 PKR

Ride-sharing App fixed

Short trip (5-10 km): 250-600 PKR

Metro Bus

Per ride: 30-50 PKR

Rental Options

Consider rental options if you prefer independent travel, but understand the native driving conditions before proceeding.

Car Rental

Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed.
Some companies require a credit card.
Local car rental agencies are widely available (e.g., Rent-a-Car Islamabad).
Inspect vehicle thoroughly and understand insurance coverage.

Motorcycle & Bicycle Rentals

Motorcycle/scooter rentals are not as common for visitors.
Road conditions can be challenging for inexperienced riders.
Bicycle sharing programs are limited; some parks have rentals.
No city-wide bike-share programs exist.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Driving Side

Drive on the left side of the road.

Mandatory seatbelts for front passengers.

Road Quality

Islamabad is equipped with good quality roads within its sectors.

Excellent motorways connect to other cities.

Parking

Ample parking at nearly all areas and attractions.

Commercial centers have designated pay parking lots.

Specialty Vehicle Options

Auto-rickshaws Tuk-tuks

Common in Rawalpindi and older, denser parts of Islamabad.
Fares are negotiable.
Offer a more local experience.

Unique Transport Insights

Islamabad does not have jeepneys.
No public transport via river or boat taxis.
Private tour operators offer city tours by bus/van.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-friendly sectors: F-6, F-7, F-10, Centaurus area.
Parks: Shakarparian, Lake View Park, Fatima Jinnah Park for safe walks.
Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited; cycling on main roads involves risks.
Margalla Hills offer mountain biking for experienced cyclists.

Main highways/motorways are not suitable for pedestrians/cyclists.
Avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night.
Self-guided walking tours are easy in main markets and parks.
Accessibility services for mobility needs are limited; pre-arrange private transport.

Specialized Transportation

Islamabad has a few unique transport activities to enrich your stay.

Tour Buses & Services

Formal "hop-on-hop-off" services are not widely available.
Private tour operators offer full-day or half-day city tours.
Tours frequently have transportation to major attractions with a guide.
Inquire with local tourism companies for options.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

Not applicable for public transport in Islamabad.
No boat taxi services exist in the city.
Boating is available for recreational purposes at Rawal Lake and Lake View Park.
Water transportation is not a part of Islamabad's urban transit.