Your Islamabad Adventure Starts at ISB Airport

Your home country's license alone is generally NOT enough. You'll need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) recognized by Pakistan or a certified translation of your license notarized by the Pakistani Embassy. If your license is in English, some rental companies may accept it directly, but an IDP is the safest option. Expect to pay $15-25 USD for an IDP in your home country. Age minimum is typically 21 years; drivers under 25 often face a $10-15/day young driver surcharge.

Pakistan follows left-hand traffic flow (British system), meaning vehicles have the steering wheel on the RIGHT side. If you're from a right-hand drive country, this takes adjustment. Road conditions vary sharply—Islamabad's roads are relatively well-maintained with clear signage, but intercity highways (especially toward northern regions) often have potholes, unmarked sections, and erratic animal traffic. Mountain roads near Murree and northern areas are narrow with hairpin turns. Drive defensively and avoid night travel outside the city.

Highway tolls in Pakistan use a mix of cash (PKR) and the E-Tag electronic system—you can purchase an E-Tag device at toll plazas for约$8-10 USD, which is worthwhile if you plan frequent highway use. Gasoline (petrol) is widely available; diesel is also common. Most gas stations are full-service. Credit cards are accepted at major rental companies and modern gas stations, but carry sufficient cash (PKR) for tolls and smaller stations. Fuel prices are subsidized and cheap by Western standards—around PKR 250-280/liter (roughly $0.90-1 USD).

October through March is ideal for driving. Summer (May-August) brings extreme heat exceeding 40°C (104°F), which strains vehicle cooling systems and makes long drives exhausting. The monsoon season (July-August) causes significant flooding on low-lying roads and landslides in mountain areas—check weather forecasts before heading north. Winter (December-February) brings fog reducing visibility to near zero on highways in early mornings; nights can drop below freezing in northern regions. Carry water, a first-aid kit, and ensure your rental includes air conditioning.

Traffic police checkpoints are common on major roads; fines are typically lower than Western standards (PKR 500-3,000 or $2-12 USD) but negotiating is common. Keep rental documents on you at all times. For breakdowns, major rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance—save the emergency number. If involved in an accident, Pakistani law requires you to report to the nearest police station regardless of severity. Most rental cars are NOT fully insured for theft or third-party damage—verify your coverage carefully and consider purchasing supplemental insurance from the rental company for about $8-15/day.

Yes, intercity driving is common and the main highways (M-2 for Lahore, M-1 for Peshawar) are decent four-lane roads. Islamabad to Lahore is about 375 km (233 miles) via M-2, taking 4-5 hours depending on traffic and toll stops. The mountain route to Murree is only 75 km but can take 2-3 hours due to steep, winding roads and frequent traffic jams on weekends. During peak season (May-August and Pakistani holidays), expect heavy traffic and consider departing early morning to avoid gridlock. One-way drop-off fees between cities can run $30-80 USD depending on the rental company.