The Lahore–Islamabad run is the most common intercity trip we drive. On the M-2 motorway it is roughly 367 to 375 km, depending on where you start and finish, and usually four and a half to five hours with one stop. Here is what to plan for.
The route
You join the M-2 on the north-west edge of Lahore and stay on it until it ends at the Islamabad–Rawalpindi side. The road is a fully fenced, access-controlled motorway, so the drive is steady rather than stop-start.
Two stretches set the pace:
- The plains from Lahore to Bhera. Long, straight and fast. Bhera is the usual service-area stop, roughly halfway.
- The Salt Range near Kallar Kahar. The motorway climbs and descends through hills with steep grades and slower trucks. This is where time is lost, and where a rested driver matters most.
Speed and safety
The motorway limit for cars is 120 km/h at the time of writing. It was cut to 100 km/h for a few months in 2026 to save fuel, and restored in June 2026, so follow the posted signs. Wear seat belts: the Motorway Police enforce them.
What the trip costs
The M-2 toll for a car is PKR 1,430, after a 7% increase in July 2026. NHA revises tolls regularly, so treat that as a guide.
With our rates, a Corolla Altis X with a driver costs:
| Trip | Rental | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day return (if it fits in 12 hours) | 7,500 | fuel, tolls both ways |
| Two days, one night in Islamabad | 15,000 | fuel, tolls, driver’s food and room for the night |
| One-way drop-off | 7,500 | fuel for the car’s return to Lahore, toll |
A same-day return is tight: two drives of nearly five hours leave little time for meetings before the 12-hour day runs out. Going past 12 hours is charged as another full day, so for a full day of business in Islamabad, two days is usually the honest plan. Full rate tables are in our price guide.
One-way or return?
If you are staying in Islamabad, flying out of Islamabad airport, or moving there, a one-way drop-off is usually the better deal. You pay one day’s rate and the fuel for the car to come back, instead of paying for the car and driver to wait for you.
If you need the car in Islamabad, keep it. The driver stays with you, and his food and room are added for each night.
Choosing the car
- Two or three people: a Honda City or Toyota Yaris is comfortable and economical on the motorway.
- Business travel: a Corolla Altis X or Civic for space, or a Camry Hybrid if you want a quiet back seat to work in.
- Families with luggage: a Honda BR-V seats seven. A Hiace takes 12 people and 10 large bags.
Going further north
Islamabad is the gateway to Murree, Naran and Hunza. If your trip continues into the mountains, read Lahore to the northern areas by car before you choose a car. The right vehicle there is different.
Plan it
Choose Tour & trip or Rent a car → One-way in the trip planner, or send a quick quote. We confirm the car, the driver and the price in writing on WhatsApp before anything is booked.
