How to get to Pakistan: airports, flights and border crossings

Pick the airport that matches your itinerary, then check which of the three still has flights from your origin. Islamabad (ISB) is the natural arrival for the capital and for onward travel toward Gilgit-Baltistan. Lahore (LHE) puts you closest to Punjab and the Mughal sights. Karachi (KHI) is the arrival for Sindh.

All three are international airports, but route networks change with airline schedules and seasons, so treat any ranking as provisional. Compare live schedules and fares for your dates before you book, and keep your visa route in mind: a ticket you cannot use is an expensive mistake.

Pakistan is served by its national carrier and by Gulf, Turkish, Asian and European airlines, usually with one stop in the Gulf, Istanbul or Bangkok. Which carriers fly, and whether a direct service exists from your city, changes with the season — verify with the airline or a fare search for your exact dates rather than relying on a route list.

Fares move a lot with season. Spring and autumn are the busiest windows for trekking and sightseeing, and Eid holidays push prices up sharply. Booking two to three months ahead is normal for a good fare; the cheapest months are usually the hot summer and the cold deep winter, when the north is largely closed.

Wagah, between Lahore and Amritsar, is the India crossing most travellers use; it has a formal ceremony and set opening hours, and processing can be slow. Torkham (near Peshawar) and Chaman (near Quetta) link to Afghanistan. Both Afghan crossings sit in regions the parent country advice flags as off-limits for most visitors, so treat them as closed unless you have specific, current clearance.

We cannot confirm a scheduled tourist passenger sea service to Pakistan; the ports at Karachi and Port Qasim handle cargo and some regional traffic. If a cruise or ferry is advertised, confirm it directly with the operator before planning around it.

Whatever border you consider, check the current status with your embassy and the Pakistani authorities close to your travel date. Borders here close, reopen and change rules with little notice, and a visa valid for air entry does not guarantee a land crossing.

On arrival you will clear immigration and customs; have your e-visa printout, a hotel address and a return or onward ticket ready. Exchange facilities and ATMs exist at the main airports, but rates are usually better in the city, so change only what you need for the first day. Sort a local SIM or eSIM after landing if you have not arranged one in advance — availability varies, so check on the ground.

From Islamabad, domestic flights reach Gilgit and Skardu when weather allows, and the Karakoram Highway runs north by road. From Lahore and Karachi, trains and domestic flights cover the main cities. For the north, many visitors join a licensed operator, which can also advise on the permits and no-objection letters some regions require — confirm current requirements before you commit.

Visa rules depend on your passport. Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online, but some must obtain a visa in advance, and a few may need a sponsor or a letter of invitation. Check the official portal and your own embassy before booking flights — eligibility and requirements change.

Travel insurance matters more here than in most destinations. Government advice is split by region, and standard policies often exclude areas that are flagged. Get your insurer's written confirmation that your specific itinerary is covered, and carry the document. For the north, a local operator is the normal way to arrange permits and to know what is currently open.

Pack for the season you are flying into: summers are extremely hot in the plains, winters cold in the north, and the monsoon runs roughly July to September (check exact dates). Carry some cash in rupees, since cards work in cities but not on the road.