How to Get to Sahiwal. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Your gateway to Sahiwal will be through nearby international or domestic airports.

Airport Information

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), Lahore: The main international gateway, ~180 km to the northeast of Sahiwal.
Multan International Airport (MUX): ~100 km to the southwest of Sahiwal, serving domestic and limited international flights.
Airlines: LHE is served by major international carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines) and Pakistani domestic airlines. MUX mainly by domestic.

Flight Routes & Fluctuations

Consider flight availability and pricing trends when booking your travel.

Booking Insights

Direct flights to Lahore are available from hubs like Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, London, Toronto.
Flight prices generally increase during Pakistan's peak tourist season (October to March) and holidays.
Book well in advance for the best rates, especially during busy periods. Use Skyscanner for comparisons or check Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Lahore LHE Facilities

Duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental services, lounges.

Multan MUX Facilities

More limited facilities but includes currency exchange plus simple eateries.

Pre-booked Services

Consider pre-booking taxis or using ride-sharing for transfers.

Airport Transfers to Sahiwal

From Lahore LHE

Private Taxi/Ride-sharing: Most convenient, pre-book or use Careem. ~2.5-3 hours, PKR 6,000-10,000.
Bus: Taxi ride from LHE to Lahore's bus terminal (e.g., Lari Adda), then inter-city bus to Sahiwal. Economical but longer.
Train: Taxi from LHE to Lahore Railway Station, then train service for Sahiwal.
For train and bus, check schedules and book in advance.

From Multan MUX

Private Taxi/Ride-sharing: ~1.5-2 hours, PKR 4,000-7,000.
Bus/Train: Taxi from MUX to Multan's bus or train station, then public transport to Sahiwal.
Both options are straightforward.

Flight Booking Resources

Skyscanner

Compare flights from multiple airlines and find the best deals.

Dollar Flight Club

Receive alerts for cheap flights to your desired destinations.

Airline Websites

Direct booking with airlines like PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Sahiwal sits on the main railway line connecting Lahore and Karachi, making train travel a viable option.

Railway Routes

Lahore to Sahiwal: Common services, ~2-3 hours journey.
Multan to Sahiwal: Regular services, ~1.5-2 hours travel time.
Karachi to Sahiwal: Overnight express trains available for longer journeys.

Long-Distance Buses

An extensive network of inter-city buses connects Sahiwal to major cities across Pakistan.

Bus Services

Major Operators: Companies like Niazi Express, Faisal Movers, Daewoo Express, and Skyways.
Routes: Frequent services to and from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi.
Booking: Purchase tickets at terminals or online via company websites/apps.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Self-drive rentals are generally not recommended for foreign visitors unaccustomed to local road conditions.

Driving Considerations

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license.
Road Conditions: Major highways are well-maintained, but local roads vary. Expect aggressive road behavior and undisciplined traffic.
Rental Companies: Car rental with a driver is common and recommended. Find options at DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sahiwal is an inland city in Punjab. Sea or river ports are not applicable for international or major domestic arrivals.

Relevance

This section is not relevant for travel to Sahiwal.
Travelers rely solely on air and land transportation.

Departure Information

Exit Fees: No separate exit fees levied at Pakistani airports; usually included in air ticket price.
International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure for check-in, security, immigration.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.

Lahore (LHE) Facilities: Waiting lounges, restaurants, prayer areas, duty-free shopping.
Sahiwal Railway/Bus Station: No-frills waiting areas, small eateries, restrooms.
Booking Tip: For inter-city travel, book train or bus tickets a day or two in advance.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Sahiwal does not feature a metro or tram system. Local mass transit mainly consists of buses and mini-buses.

Bus & Mini-bus Details

Local Buses: Connect different parts of the city and surrounding towns. Routes lack clear signage.
Mini-buses/Vans: Operate on fixed routes, often crowded but quick for short to medium distances.
Ticketing: Pay cash directly to the conductor. Fares are low (PKR 20-50 for short rides).

Navigating Public Transport

Formal route maps are generally not available. The main bus stand, "Lari Adda," serves as a hub.

Tips for Efficiency

Ask Locals: Do not hesitate to ask locals for how to get there and advice.
Basic Urdu: Knowing some basic Urdu phrases, especially for directions, helps greatly.

Hours of Operation

Generally operates from early morning (~6 AM) until late evening (~9-10 PM).

Accessibility

City buses and vans are generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Information Hub

The main bus stand ("Lari Adda") serves as the central hub for local and inter-city routes.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis & Hailing

Traditional taxis are less common than ride-sharing services or rickshaws in Sahiwal. Meters are rarely used.

Taxi Protocols

Pre-book a taxi or rely on ride-sharing apps.
You can hail taxis on major roads.
Always haggle the price before starting your journey.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Ride-sharing services offer convenience, transparent pricing, and safety features.

Recommended Apps

Careem: Widely used in Sahiwal for cars and rickshaws, with fixed pricing. Highly recommended.
Indus Go: Another local ride-sharing service available in the area.
Safety: Generally safer due to GPS monitoring, driver verification, and transparent pricing. Share trip details.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

Bus Stations

Rickshaws and ride-sharing drivers are readily available at major bus stations.

Railway Stations

Similar accessibility of transport at railway stations for convenient onward travel.

Convenience

Always confirm your destination and fare before starting your journey with local transport.

Taxi & Ride-Share Tip

For short distances within the city, auto-rickshaws offer an authentic and inexpensive way to travel. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

How to Get to Sahiwal