Transportation Guide: Getting Around in Islamabad, Pakistan

Rickshaws are not allowed to grace the Pakistani capital with their noisy rumbling, so the options for public transport within the city are limited. On Islamabad's carefully manicured streets you won't see decrepit buses teeming with passengers, donkey carts or Chinese-made Qingqis. With cheaper options banished to Rawalpindi, you'll need to budget more for transportation around Islamabad.

Taxi

The most convenient way to get around for the short-term traveler is by taxi. Taxis are all over Islamabad, and upon arrival at any station you are likely to be surrounded by a gaggle of competing chauffeurs. You can hail a taxi from the street just like you do in the U.S., by raising one arm and calling out "Taxi!" Some taxis have meters but many do not. Discuss the price for your destination before getting in the taxi. With Islamabad being a fairly small city, drivers are more likely to know where you're going than if you are in Lahore or Karachi. Still, you should have always have a map and know the general area and direction of your destination. If you don't, you may be taken on the scenic route. Sometimes the route can be the long way around and will end up costing a lot more. It is customary for the passenger to pay any tolls in cash as you drive through the toll booth.

Rental Car

If you plan on staying in Islamabad for a couple days, you may want to rent a car. Usually when you rent a vehicle you also get a driver. Some of the more established companies in Islamabad include AMG, Classic Car, and Avis. You can get cheaper rates by hiring independent drivers with their own cars, although if you want to go this route it's best to get a recommendation from another traveler or expatriate.

If you plan on visiting the diplomatic enclave, you'll have to take a taxi to the entrance area and check in all of your belongings, including all electronic items, with attendants. Then you will go through multiple security checks and be herded onto a shuttle bus that will take you to the diplomatic enclave. Depending on which embassy or building you are visiting, the lines can be long even in the morning. The earlier you get there, the shorter the line will be. When you are finished with your diplomatic business, wait for the next shuttle bus and retrieve your personal items from the holding area. From there you can easier get a taxi to wherever you need to go in Islamabad.