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About Islamabad
Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is renowned for its modern infrastructure, lush greenery, and serene environment. As of 2023, Islamabad has a population of approximately 1.2 million people, making it one of the major cities in the country.
The climate of Islamabad is humid subtropical, with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. The city experiences most of its rainfall during the monsoon months from July to September, which helps cool the temperatures slightly. The best time to visit Islamabad is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and conducive to exploring the outdoors.
Islamabad is served by the Islamabad International Airport, located about 25 kilometers from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities around the world, including direct flights from Saudi Arabia. Airlines such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudia, and AirBlue operate regular flights to Islamabad from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
The local cuisine in Islamabad offers a delightful mix of Pakistani flavors with a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Staples include rich curries, kebabs, and biryanis, complemented by a range of breads like naans and chapatis. One of the popular local sweets is the gulab jamun, a milk-based dessert.
Islamabad’s attractions cater to a wide range of interests. The Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, provides a spectacular view, especially at sunset. The Margalla Hills offer stunning scenery that can be enjoyed on various hiking trails.
For those interested in history and culture, the Pakistan Monument Museum showcases relics and artifacts related to the country’s history. Lok Virsa Museum offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures and traditions of Pakistan.
Outdoor activities around Islamabad include bird watching at the Rawal Lake, trekking in the Margalla Hills, and exploring the many parks and green spaces within the city.
Saudi Arabian nationals visiting Islamabad will need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Pakistan. The e-visa facility is available, allowing travelers to apply online for a tourist visa. The process is straightforward and typically requires submitting an application form, passport copy, and other relevant documents online. The visa is usually issued within a few days. It is recommended to check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before planning your trip.
Transportation to Islamabad City Center from Airport
Islamabad Intl Airport
In Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, within city transportation is highly developed and quite easy. City transportation is usually provided by bus, metrobus and taxi services. Trains are mostly used for trips outside the city. Railways in Islamabad and its surrounding have a very large network.
There are trains a few times a day from the main railway station in the city of Islamabad to the big and modern cities. Buses waiting at Islamabad Airport also have stops near many famous hotels. A large part of the city transportation is carried out by bus, but it is also convenient to travel around by bicycle and phaeton. The fact that bicycle roads are developed in the city is driving many local and foreign tourists in the city and even the locals to take advantage of bicycle transportation. It is very comfortable to go to many places in the city with a small car with two or three wheels called "Riksov". Since these vehicles are small, they take you where you will go quickly without getting caught in traffic.
Riksovs, a different and basically good option for transportation, is often located in Qasim Market and Rawalpindi. Islamabad has a cleaner, more modern and wider transportation network than other cities in Pakistan. Islamabad is divided into eight different zones including the diplomatic zone, the trade zone, the education zone, the industrial zone. In each zone there are different shopping areas and public parks etc. that are suitable for the structure of that zone. While public transport does not offer much choice within the city, the buses that are the main means of transportation of the city meet a large part of this need.
Apart from city buses, Metrobuses also serve in Islamabad, one of the rare cities that provide different methods of transportation. MetroBus is just like a bus, but it is very fast like a subway. These means of transportation, which resemble the metrobuses in Istanbul, have a single route but it is possible to see the stops in many places of the twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad).
There is a small train station and bus station just outside the arrival terminal of Islamabad Airport. It is very practical to meet your transportation needs with city buses and trains departing from here. You can reach to Islamabad city center from the airport by metrobus and buses, as well as by taxi or car rental services.
Bus
Islamabad city buses have many different routes and some pass through Islamabad Airport. Buses that are quite crowded at some times, although slower than metrobuses, are another practical option for transportation from airport to Islamabad city. You can use buses in times when metrobuses are crowded or for a connected ride. Because buses and metrobus lines are connected to each other, it is very easy to reach them by making a few transfers at the desired times.
The 1-C bus line goes to Islamabad Secretariat from Rajalpindi Saddar Terminal via Murre Road. Bus number 3 provides transportation between Raja Bazar and Bari Imam. Bus number 21 travels from Garakhpur to Islamabad Secretariat via Adiala Road.
It's a very practical to go to areas I-9, I-10, and Shifa Hospital by transferring from bus number 21 to bus number 22. Bus 101 goes to Faisal Mosque from Pirwadhai Bus Stand via Faizabad. The 104 line goes to Islamabad Secretariat from Tamal via Chungi.
The bus number 105 goes from the G-11 Markaz to the Aab Para via the Karachi Company. It is very fast and economical to get to the city center from Islamabad Airport with the metrobus. Metrobuses serving since 2015 have basically one route. This route begins from the Secretariat Terminal and ends at the Saddam Termian. The stops are Parade Ground, Shaheed-e-Millat, 7th Avenue, Stock Exchange, PIMS, Katchehry, Ibn-e-Sina, Chaman Road, Kashmir Highway, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Khayaban-e-Johar, Potohar Road, IJP Road, Faizabad, Shamshabad , Sixth Road, Rehmanabad, Chadni Chowk, Waris Khan Road, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh and Marrir Chowk.
Taxi
Taxis are one of the most preferred options to reach the city center from Islamabad Airport. If you have a chance to bargain, the price they will give you would be much more economical. It would take you about 14 minutes to reach the city from the airport by taxi and it would cost about 28-35 TL as of today.
If you prefer transportation from Islamabad Airport to the city center by taxi, you can make your reservation by calling the following companies which offer reasonable price options: Metro Radio Cab (+92515872236) and Yellow Cab / Taxi Service (+92515405077).
Car Rental
If you make your pre-reservation by calling the car rental companies located in Islamabad Airport or via internet, you are likely to rent your car at much more reasonable prices. You can get to Islamabad city center from the airport by car in about 15-20 minutes. If your holiday lasts less than a week, it is recommended that you consider the option of public transport (metrobus and buses) instead of renting a car.
