Getting around Lahore
How to get around Lahore as a tourist! Lahore is often regarded as Pakistan’s cultural capital, serving as a focus for art, literature, fashion, music, and drama. It also has some historically significant sites, including the Mughal-built Badshahi Mosque, the Minar-e-Pakistan, and the mausoleum of Pakistan’s national poet, Sir Muhammad Allama Iqbal.
However, Lahore is not a small city, and if you’ve been there, you’ll know that getting about may be difficult. Public transportation is scarce (and inconvenient), cabs are essentially non-existent, and rickshaw drivers will maximize their profits wherever possible.
Lahore is a massive and vast metropolis. Walking or using a tuk-tuk are your main alternatives in the ancient town. traveling allows you to view a lot more; just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you plan on traveling a long distance. Aside from the winter months, it will be too hot to walk significant distances throughout the day. Sunday mornings are peaceful and ideal for exploring.
Locals are typically helpful in offering directions to popular destinations. However, if you are driving, you should still ask two or three persons to check the address. Using your phone’s GPS function can also be beneficial.
By metro
Lahore Metro: Opened in October 2020, Lahore Metro is Pakistan’s first metro system. This mostly-elevated metro runs for 27.1 km (16.8 mi) serving 26 stations. Only the Orange Line is operational. A further two lines are proposed.
By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws/Qingqis are open rickshaws with (narrow) rear-facing seats or two seats facing ahead and two seats facing backward. They’re useful for getting around the Inner City since they make it simpler to see where you’re going. Tourists used to standard Western traffic etiquette may be shocked by the pandemonium on the roads, but it nearly appears to function. Qingqi drivers have a fantastic understanding of space, speed, and angles, and you may come to trust them (or not). Rickshaws are the cheapest and safest individual modes of public transportation for women. Negotiate properly with the driver; if you don’t know Punjabi or Urdu or are visibly a foreigner, attempt to recruit a Lahori buddy to protect you. If you don’t find a rickshaw with a well-padded seat, you’ll end up bruised and sore.
By taxi
Taxis are scarce on the streets of Lahore, with auto-rickshaws dominating the market; to get a cab, you must call beforehand. Most taxi and rickshaw drivers have cell phones, so jot a number down if you meet someone who is very dependable. Taxis are not recommended in the Inner City since the streets are small and congested. You may either walk or take a qingqi. In addition, InDrive and “Careem” are available throughout the city.
By bus
Metro Bus is a distinct route of bus rapid transit (BRT). Buses are air-conditioned and luxurious, with seating reserved for the disabled and ladies. The cost is quite low (30 Rs). From Gajjumata Terminal to Shahdara Terminal, there are 27 stops. Buses run every three minutes, however they can get quite packed (particularly in the men’s section). Make your way to the door before your stop, as other people will rush in.
Ride-Hailing Apps
These days ride-hailing apps are the most convenient, safest, and affordable way to move around the city.
Careem
Careem boasts the greatest car fleet, the best drivers, and the best customer service. Simply select your preferred automobile type, choose how you wish to pay for your journey, and relax. Careem automobiles may be reserved in three distinct ways: 1. The Careem app. 2. Website of Careem Careem Helpline.
Careem provides four distinct automobile experiences. You can calculate the cost of each automobile type here. Here are some automobile categories you consider booking:
Taxi (everyday cab)
Go (economy class)
Go+ (more comfortable than Go)
Business (premium class)
Uber
Uber is a prominent ride-hailing firm that is also accessible in Lahore, providing safe, dependable, and economical
trips.
Car Hire
In Lahore, there are several car rental firms where cars may be rented with drivers. Most big hotels have their automobile rental services, which are reasonably priced. If you want a specific make/model of the automobile, you may have to wait until it becomes available, but in general, the car-hiring process is quick.
Tips for Traveling Around Safely
- Select official taxis or public transportation like trains and buses.
- Only travel in vehicles equipped with seatbelts.
- Avoid packed, overloaded buses and minivans with high tops.
- Avoid riding motorbikes or motorbikes, particularly motorcycle taxis. (Many accidents are caused by novice motorbike riders.)
- Choose newer automobiles since they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and are more dependable.
- Choose larger automobiles, which may offer better crash protection.
