Getting Around Lahore

The border opens up in the morning and closes mid-day. From Pakistan side, the border is approx. 15-20 km (30 minute drive) from Lahore. To the cross the border their is no transport in between, one has to walk from Pakistan side to India. Transport to main cities are available on both sides.

The other 2 ways to to cross this border is by railway (samjotha express) and by by bus

The railway and bus takes you all the way to Delhi from Lahore (and vice versa).

If you want cheapest and readily available mode of transportation, stay at a hotel around Lahore Hotel on McLeod Road. Lahore Railway Station is just a short van/bus/taxi short ride away. Almost (if not all) vans/buses begin the route from Lahore Railway Stations for routes all over Lahore. All the must visit places indicated in my Lahore “travelogues” and on “things to do” tips are easily accessible from here. Even buses for neighboring cities like Sheikhupura (see my pages for ancient fort, hunting resort of Great Mughals) and Gujranwala (famous for tastiest local cuisine) run from their hubs here. If time is short, hop on taxis that are readily available as well.

Like in many big cities, taxi drivers in Lahore are a total rip off and therefore not a popular transport. You will only find taxis in front of Lahore airport, Railway Station and in front of hotels. Taxis are old, in bad condition, not metered and when you ask for the fare they will quote you a horrendous amount. Almost always the aircon is not working; better hire a rickshaw that is much cheaper than taxis.

Can you imagine a 100cc motorcycle can drag 7 men plus a heavy iron structure? This strange vehicle is called “Chand Gari” (Moon vehicle) in Lahore. How it is built, an ordinary motorcycle is raped from the back and then an iron masterpiece that can seat 6 passengers is attached to it and a Chand Gari is born.

Chand Gari unlike vans; plies on short routes in Lahore. It is the cheapest mode of transport and can even be “chartered” like rickshaws.

Vans have the most extensive network of transport in Lahore providing fastest mode of transport in the city where traffic is congested and wild. However using this mode may be inconvenient as they have the tendency to board passengers more than the capacity. Lahore Railway Station is the main hub. Maximum fare for the longest route does not exceed more than half a dollar.

You can certainly get around without having your own transport in Lahore, Pakistan. Here are three of the basic options, from the most expensive to the least expensive. You can also travel by city bus or by donkey cart.

Taxi

Taxis are not as popular in Lahore as they are in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Most do not have meters. Prices must be negotiated beforehand. Make sure the driver knows where you want to do and how to get there. Be prepared by knowing some landmarks near you desired destination. Taxis have been known to drive foreigners all around the city in circles just to charge them an arm and leg for getting somewhere only a few miles away. Reliable taxi services include Radio Cab & Metro Cab (111-222-787). These services charge a fixed rate. Many locals rely on them for late night or early morning transport. Call 17 to get the information directory and get the number for a Radio Cab.

Read more details about life and travel in Pakistan here:

The Ultimate Guide to Life and Travel in Pakistan

Salut mes amis,

One can cross Wahga border, only by foot, neither by any train nor bus.

After crossing the border then there're buses, taxis to Lahore city.

Happy travels,

Imran Schah

Valleys, Mountains of Pakistan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imranthetrekker

In Lahore its really difficult to find a Taxi around the City (other then Railway station or the Airport) There are 2 tupes or Ricshaws in operation, 1. The Old Vespa and 2. New GREEN Ones with CNG Fuel and less noisy, Littel Bigger and more comfortable

Even the older ones are lot more expensive then anywhere in Pakistan considering Lahore is not as big as Karachi the fare is nearly double and these Green ones charge even higher as they can go to places or roads where the older ones cant (like Mall Road)

Ask a Reliable local person before getting a Rickshaw, (without knowing the exact distence and how much to pay) oe be prepared to be Ripped Off. Also make sure the Rickshaw Diver know the place as most of the time HE will ask you Turn Left or Right? I just came to Lahore a couple days before and dont know well.

From Mall Road to Foodstreet in Gawal Mandi dont pay more then Rs. 60 its just couple of kilometers, if in Karachi not more then Rs. 30

From Abbot Road National Hotel to Liberty Market Around Rs. 70 to 80