Islamabad International Airport (ISB) — Complete Airport Guide

International airlines serving ISB include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Saudia, PIA, Air China, Thai Airways, and many more. It is Pakistan's second-busiest airport.

Domestic routes: Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Gilgit, Skardu, Multan, and more via PIA, Airblue, and Serene Air.

Flights to Gilgit and Skardu are weather-dependent — see our Skardu guide for tips.

Ground Transport

• Careem/Uber: The best option. Order from the app in the arrivals hall. To city centre: PKR 2,500-4,000 (~$9-15).
• Airport taxi: Prepaid taxi counter in arrivals. To Islamabad: PKR 3,000-5,000. To Rawalpindi: PKR 2,500-4,000.
• Metro bus: Orange Line connects the airport to Rawalpindi metro station. PKR 40. Takes about 1 hour.
• Rental car: Avis and local companies have desks in arrivals.

Facilities

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Lounges: CIP Lounge, Business Lounges (access via Priority Pass or airline status)
• Food: Several restaurants and cafes (Pakistani food, fast food, coffee shops)
• Prayer rooms on all levels
• ATMs: HBL, UBL, MCB, Allied Bank (Visa/Mastercard accepted)
• SIM card counters: Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone in arrivals hall
• Duty-free shop (departures)

Tips for Travellers

• Arrive 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic
• The airport is 30 km from Islamabad — allow 45-90 minutes depending on traffic
• Free charging stations are available at gates
• The old Benazir Bhutto Airport is no longer used for commercial flights
• For Gilgit/Skardu flights: book the earliest morning departure for best weather window