Intercity buses and trains from Islamabad & Rawalpindi

Last checked 30 Sep 2026. Helpline numbers, fees, timings and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources listed at the end on that date. They can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply, pay or travel.

By bus: Daewoo Express

Daewoo Express lists a Rawalpindi terminal near EME College, Jhangi Syedan, and an Islamabad shuttle point in G-7 Markaz. Bookings: 042 111 007 008.

By train: Pakistan Railways

Pakistan Railways' general enquiry number is 042 99070011. Its website, pakrail.gov.pk, has booking and e-ticketing information.

Tips

• Book ahead around Eid and holidays.
• Carry your CNIC. Operators may ask for it when you board.
• Leave extra time to reach terminals on the edge of the city.

Bus or train?

• Buses run frequently on the main routes and are often quicker for short and medium distances, especially on the motorway.
• Trains can be more comfortable for long journeys and night travel, and usually allow more luggage.
• Compare journey times, departure points and total cost, including travel to and from the terminal or station.

Booking your ticket

• Book through the operator's official website, app, phone line or ticket counter. Daewoo Express lists its terminals and booking number on its website, and Pakistan Railways has e-ticketing on its official website.
• Book early for Eid, school holidays and long weekends, when seats sell out.
• Keep your ticket or booking message on your phone, and note the departure terminal. Some operators use different terminals for different routes.

Luggage and comfort

• Check the operator's luggage allowance before you travel.
• Keep valuables, medicines and documents in a small bag with you, not in the luggage hold.
• Carry water and a light snack, and a warm layer, as buses and trains can be cold with air conditioning.

Travelling to the northern areas

• Check the weather and road conditions before travelling to Murree, Swat, Hunza, Skardu or other mountain areas, especially in winter and the monsoon.
• Landslides and snow can close roads. Build extra time into your plans.
• The National Highways & Motorway Police helpline is 130 for help on national highways and motorways.

Travelling safely

• Use official terminals and ticket counters, and avoid unofficial vehicles offering cheap seats.
• Share your travel details with family, especially for night journeys.
• Keep your CNIC with you; checkpoints and operators may ask for it.
• For taxis to and from terminals, use known services and agree the fare first.

Travelling with children and older people

• Book seats together in advance, and ask about any concessions the operator offers.
• Carry medicines, snacks and water in hand luggage.
• Allow extra time at terminals and stations, which can be crowded before holidays.
• For someone travelling alone, share the seat and bus number with family, and agree who will meet them on arrival.

Getting to the terminal or station

Plan how you will reach the terminal or station, especially for early-morning departures. Rawalpindi's main railway station is in the Saddar area, while bus terminals can be on the edge of the city. Ride-hailing apps, taxis and the metro bus can all help, but traffic can be heavy at peak hours, so leave extra time.

If your journey is delayed or cancelled

Contact the operator using the number on your ticket or its official website. Ask about the next available departure and the operator's refund or change rules. Keep your ticket and any messages from the operator until the matter is settled.

Lost property

If you leave something behind, contact the operator's terminal or the station as soon as possible, with your ticket details, seat number and a description of the item.

Travelling by air instead

For long distances, such as to Karachi, Quetta or Skardu, flying from Islamabad International Airport may save time. Book with airlines or registered travel agents, check the airline's baggage rules, and reach the airport well before departure. Flights to mountain airports can be delayed or cancelled because of weather, so keep your plans flexible.

Checking fares

Fares change with the class of service, the season and how early you book. Compare prices on the operators' official websites or counters, and be wary of sellers offering tickets well below the official fare.

Questions