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NOTE :
Travel to Sindh province and North West
Frontier Province, Punjab and Bulchistan should be undertaken with
caution. Consult the national foreign affairs department or consulate
before departure (see the Contact Addresses section).
AIR :
Most domestic services are operated by Pakistan International Airlines
(PK). Other airlines are Aero Asia and Bhoja Air. There are many daily
flights between Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Multan, Islamabad and
Peshawar. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of
travel.
Departure tax :
PRs40 for internal flights. Children under two
years are exempt.
RIVER :
Traffic along the Indus River is almost exclusively commercial. Many
goods are carried to Punjab and the north from the main port at
Karachi.
RAIL :
Much of Pakistan’s extensive rail network is a legacy of British rule.
The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has
several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several
daily trains. Even first-class compartments can be hot and crowded.
Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised, as are reservations on
long-distance journeys and overnight service. Children under three
years of age travel free. Children aged three-11 years pay half fare.
Pakistan Railways offer concessions for tourists (on presentation of a
certificate issued by PTDC), excluding Indian nationals travelling by
rail. A discount of 25 per cent is offered to individuals and groups,
and 50 per cent for students. Details are available from railway
offices in Pakistan.
Approximate rail times :
Karachi to Lahore is 16 hours, to Rawalpindi is
28 hours and to Peshawar is 32 hours; and Lahore to Rawalpindi is 5
hours.
ROAD :
Traffic drives on the left. The highway network between cities is
well-maintained. Bus : Regular services run between most towns
and villages. Lahore - Rawalpindi - Peshawar has an hourly service.
Air-conditioned coaches/buses are recommended for long distances.
Advance booking is advised. Car hire : Available in major
cities, as well as at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi airports. Most
hotels can book cars for guests. Documentation : An
International Driving Permit or own national license is required.
URBAN :
Extensive bus and
minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns,
although services can be crowded. Taxi : Reasonably priced and
widely available, they are by far the most efficient means of urban
travel. Note that they may not operate after sunset during Ramadan.
Auto-rickshaws are also available. |
