AIR: Most domestic services are operated by PIA. Other airlines are Aero Asia and Shaheen. There are many daily flights from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and other commercial centres. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of travel.
Departure tax: Rs20 for internal flights. RIVER: Traffic along the Indus River is almost exclusively commercial and many goods are carried to Punjab and the north.
RAIL: A legacy of British rule is an extensive rail network, based on the main line from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, which 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 3 years of age travel free. Children aged 3-11 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% is offered to individuals and groups, and 50% for students. Vehicles owned by foreign tourists or hired locally are also eligible to 25% discount in freight charges when transported by rail. 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 6 hours.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. The highway network between cities is well made and 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 will be issued on presentation of visitor's national driving licence.
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.
Karachi (KHI) (Civil), 12km (8 miles) northeast of the city (travel time - 25 minutes). Good airport facilities exist, including duty-free shops, bar/restaurant, post office, bank and shops. Coaches to the city meet all arrivals. A bus runs from dusk to dawn every 30 minutes. Taxi services to the city are available.
Lahore (LHE), 11km (7 miles) southeast of the city (travel time - 20 minutes). Airport facilities include car hire, bank, restaurant and shops. Coaches leave every 20 minutes for the city. Buses go every 10 minutes. Taxi services to the city are also available.
Islamabad (ISB) (International), 15km (9 miles) east of the city (travel time - 20 minutes). There are full duty-free facilities. Coach and taxi services to the city are available.
Peshawar (PEW), 4km (2.5 miles) from the city (travel time - 10 minutes). Full bus and taxi services to the city are available.