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How to Get to Multan

How to Get to Multan

Multan Punjab, Pakistan Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Multan International Airport (MUX) serves as the main airport for Multan and Southern Punjab, handling domestic and limited international flights.

Flight Information

  • Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, Serene Air, Fly Jinnah.
  • Domestic Routes: Frequent flights to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad.
  • International Routes: Direct flights to Dubai, Sharjah, Jeddah, Madinah.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Multan does not have direct flights from major global hubs. International travelers connect via regional hubs or major Pakistani airports. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Airport & Seasonality

  • High Season (Nov-Mar): Increased demand, potentially higher prices.
  • Peak Travel Times: Prices surge around major Eid holidays, book in advance.
  • Airport Facilities: Duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, prayer areas, cafes.

Taxis

Readily available outside the terminal. Agree on fare beforehand or use hotel rates.

Ride-sharing

Careem and Uber operate from MUX, offering fixed prices and transparency.

Hotel Shuttles

Some larger hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfer services. Inquire upon booking.

Airport Transfers

Options from MUX

  • Taxis: Agree on a fare beforehand or ask hotel for typical rates.
  • Ride-sharing: Careem and Uber operate, transparent fixed fares.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Pre-arranged services from more substantial hotels.
  • Private Car Hire: Arrange through tour operators or hotels for comfort.

Departure Procedures

  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • Procedures: Check-in, baggage drop, security, immigration (international).
  • Peak Hours: Anticipate longer queues during holidays, early mornings, late evenings.

Airport Facilities & Exit Fees

Multan International Airport MUX

One main terminal for domestic and international flights. Duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, prayer areas, cafes, car rental desks, taxi services. Functional but not extensive.

Exit Fees/Taxes

Typically included in international air ticket price. Usually no separate exit fee at the airport for foreign tourists. Confirm with your airline or travel agent.

Railway/Bus Station Facilities

More fundamental, with waiting areas, food stalls, restrooms. Arrive with tickets ready plus check platform/bus bay.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Pakistan Railways operates extensively, and Multan Cantonment Railway Station is a major junction.

Rail Travel in Pakistan

  • Routes: Multan connects to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad.
  • Train Types: Various classes from economy to AC sleepers and business class.
  • Booking: Book tickets in advance, especially for higher classes.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Multan is a significant hub for long-distance bus travel, with an extensive network.

Bus Travel in Pakistan

  • Companies: Reputable companies include Daewoo Express, Faisal Movers, Niazi Express, Skyways.
  • Routes: Regular services connect to almost all major cities across Pakistan.
  • Comfort: Modern services feature AC, entertainment, and scheduled rest stops.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Self-driving is generally not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with local conditions. Hiring a car with a driver is generally a more relaxed and safer option.

Driving Rules & Documents

  • Requirements: Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with your domestic driver's license, passport.
  • Road Conditions: Major highways are well-maintained; local roads vary in quality.
  • Safety Concerns: Traffic can be chaotic, defensive driving is necessary.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Multan is an internal city and does not have international border crossings. Major international land borders of Pakistan include Wagah (with India, near Lahore), Torkham (with Afghanistan), Chaman (with Afghanistan), and Taftan (with Iran). Research specific requirements if crossing these.

Roads & Driving Tips

  • Motorways (M-series): Excellent, limited-access highways for fast connections.
  • National Highways (N-series): Generally good, shared with local traffic, slower speeds.
  • Night Driving: Generally discouraged for foreigners due to poor lighting and security concerns.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Multan is a landlocked city.
  • Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for international or inter-city travel.
  • Ferry services and sailing ports are not applicable to Multan.
  • River transportation on the Chenab River near Multan limited to local fishing boats or private leisure craft.
  • Not a formal mode of public transport for tourists.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Multan.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Multan by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations.

Departure Notes

  • Exit fees/taxes for international flights typically included in air ticket price.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Multan International Airport and Multan Cantt Railway Station offer facilities for departing travelers.

What to Expect

  • MUX Facilities: Check-in, baggage drop, security, immigration, departure lounges, limited duty-free, food.
  • Railway/Coach Terminals: Basic waiting areas, food stalls, restrooms.
  • Arrival readiness: Have tickets ready, confirm platform or bus bay.

Exit Fees

Typically included in airfare; no separate payment at airport for foreign tourists.

Departure Timing

Allow 3 hours for international, 2 hours for domestic flights.

Check-in Process

Standard check-in, bag check, security, and immigration procedures.

Car Rentals

Booking Your Rental Car

Consider services like DiscoverCars.com for comparing car hire possibilities.

Important Rental Notes

  • Car rental with a driver is common and recommended.
  • Self-drive rentals are available but less frequent for tourists.
  • Self-drive requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a driver's license from your own country.

Rental Companies & Advice

Inquire through your hotel or a trusted local tour operator for reliable car-with-driver services.

Best Practices

  • Local rental agencies are available, inquire for trustworthy options.
  • Self-driving is not generally advised for tourists unacquainted with local driving.
  • Traffic can be chaotic; a local driver navigates it safely.

Other Rental Considerations

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals

Less common for formal tourist rentals. Not generally recommended due to traffic safety concerns.

Bicycle Rentals

No formal sharing programs. Cycling on main roads can be hazardous due to heavy traffic.

Chingchis Motorized Rickshaws

Similar to auto-rickshaws, often larger, noisier, sometimes used for shared routes.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Traffic drives on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Speed limits vary. Road conditions can vary greatly, with motorways being excellent and city roads congested.