Lahore is one of the most accessible cities of Pakistan. In addition to the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. road), a motorway was completed in 1997 from Lahore to Islamabad. The government has built underpasses to ease congestion and prevent traffic jams, and according to official figures, Lahore has the highest number of underpasses in Pakistan. Lahore has high levels of air pollution and smog, mostly due to the growth of industry. Air pollution is reaching record peaks, and smog is often thick.
The Pakistan Railways headquarters is located in Lahore. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, and education. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003. It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet of Pakistan, Mohammed Iqbal, and is served by international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. The previous airport now operates as the Hajj Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj every year.
Despite these improvements, Lahore struggles for safety on its roads, which are dangerous because the number of vehicles overwhelms the road space. Massive congestion occurs every day as millions of Lahoris travel through disorganised, fast-moving traffic, and accidents are rife. The government is trying to improve traffic conditions by constructing overhead bridges, underpasses, and conducting public safety campaigns. Plans exist for a mass-transit system in the city and a high-speed railway between Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Lahore transportation services have improved to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the city. It is well connected by air to other countries as well as all major Pakistani cities. Buses, trains, taxis and rickshaws are the other means of transportation available in Lahore.
The Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) is located 15 kilometres from the Lahore city centre. Several airlines fly from Lahore Airport to other international destinations, while the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carries domestic traffic to over 35 destinations within the country.
Lahore is well connected to various parts of Pakistan through rail. Trains consist of several classes and the price of the ticket varies accordingly. Apart from the regular train service, special trains are introduced by the Pakistan Railway to facilitate increasing passenger traffic during the holiday season.
Recently introduced trains include, the night coach between Lahore and Multan , the express train from Lahore to Jaranwala and Shorkot, and a weekend special train between Lahore and Rawalpindi . During the peak season, a special train service operates between Lahore and Karachi on alternate days.
A network of buses connects Lahore to most cities in Pakistan. The Daewoo Bus Service is one of the better bus service connecting cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha . The tickets are more expensive than regular buses and it is advised to book your ticket in advance. Lahore also features several decorated buses. These are crowded, and men and women have to sit separately.
Lahore, as most cities in the Indian subcontinent, features auto rickshaws. It is an interesting experience for a novice and a convenient mode of transport for the experienced. Although rickshaw rides are somewhat uncomfortable, it is possibly the best way to witness the multitude of Lahore attractions. Prices are cheap but visitors must make sure to negotiate the fare before starting on the journey. It is always best to obtain a general idea on fares from a local, as most rickshaw drivers will charge you more if they feel that you are not familiar with the charges.
Taxis and rental cars are the other modes of Lahore transportation. These are more comfortable but also expensive. It is best to hire a taxi or a car if you are travelling with a group of people.
The Pakistan Railways headquarters is located in Lahore. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, and education. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003. It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet of Pakistan, Mohammed Iqbal, and is served by international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. The previous airport now operates as the Hajj Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj every year.
Despite these improvements, Lahore struggles for safety on its roads, which are dangerous because the number of vehicles overwhelms the road space. Massive congestion occurs every day as millions of Lahoris travel through disorganised, fast-moving traffic, and accidents are rife. The government is trying to improve traffic conditions by constructing overhead bridges, underpasses, and conducting public safety campaigns. Plans exist for a mass-transit system in the city and a high-speed railway between Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Lahore transportation services have improved to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the city. It is well connected by air to other countries as well as all major Pakistani cities. Buses, trains, taxis and rickshaws are the other means of transportation available in Lahore.
By Air
The Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) is located 15 kilometres from the Lahore city centre. Several airlines fly from Lahore Airport to other international destinations, while the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carries domestic traffic to over 35 destinations within the country.
By Train
Lahore is well connected to various parts of Pakistan through rail. Trains consist of several classes and the price of the ticket varies accordingly. Apart from the regular train service, special trains are introduced by the Pakistan Railway to facilitate increasing passenger traffic during the holiday season.
Recently introduced trains include, the night coach between Lahore and Multan , the express train from Lahore to Jaranwala and Shorkot, and a weekend special train between Lahore and Rawalpindi . During the peak season, a special train service operates between Lahore and Karachi on alternate days.
By Bus
A network of buses connects Lahore to most cities in Pakistan. The Daewoo Bus Service is one of the better bus service connecting cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha . The tickets are more expensive than regular buses and it is advised to book your ticket in advance. Lahore also features several decorated buses. These are crowded, and men and women have to sit separately.
By Rickshaw
Lahore, as most cities in the Indian subcontinent, features auto rickshaws. It is an interesting experience for a novice and a convenient mode of transport for the experienced. Although rickshaw rides are somewhat uncomfortable, it is possibly the best way to witness the multitude of Lahore attractions. Prices are cheap but visitors must make sure to negotiate the fare before starting on the journey. It is always best to obtain a general idea on fares from a local, as most rickshaw drivers will charge you more if they feel that you are not familiar with the charges.
Taxi and Rental Car
Taxis and rental cars are the other modes of Lahore transportation. These are more comfortable but also expensive. It is best to hire a taxi or a car if you are travelling with a group of people.
