Cheap flights to Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural hub, with a mixture of architectural delights, delicious food and musical treats.

Located in southern Pakistan on the river Indus, Lahore is the center of the Punjab region and is home to almost ten million people. Despite its huge population, the city has retained an unspoilt and dramatically beautiful Old City, which fully deserves its historical identity as the “city of gardens.”

History has left a legacy of varied and gorgeous architecture, with treasures from the Mughal Empire and British Raj to explore. This includes palaces and fortresses, walls, mosques, gardens and even one of the world’s oldest zoos.

Lahore is a thoroughly modern city as well, and in many ways, its people are the main attraction. Visit bustling markets, sample Punjabi cuisine, listen to Sufis sing devotional music and their wild drumming sessions or head to the city’s Gaddafi Stadium to watch some cricket, the national obsession of Pakistan.

There are plenty of things to do in the city, so you’ll have to choose wisely. Visit the stunning fortress that was built in 1566 or see the enormous Badshahi Mosque – one of the masterpieces of the Mughal era. Shopping fans will adore time spent exploring the vibrant Langay Bazaar, while there is no better place to sample Punjabi delicacies like fried fish, spicy porridge or chicken tikka than on Gawalmandi Food Street.

You could even take a tour of Lahore’s famous film studios or enjoy a unique round of golf at the city’s exclusive Gymkhana Golf Club. It’s the kind of city that will always unfold new experiences.

How long is the flight to Lahore?

Flights to Lahore, Pakistan from the United States range from about 19h-44h. The precise length of your flight will depend on your departure city, airline, and length and number of stopovers. If you’re departing from a major airport along the east coast, such as New York’s JFK or Dulles in Washington, D.C., you’ll likely have a flight time on the lower end of the range with just a single stopover. Conversely, if you’re departure city is along the west coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles, your flight time will likely be several hours longer with the higher chance of two or more stopovers.

Where can you get direct flights to Lahore from?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Lahore from any airport in the United States. To book a flight that is direct as possible, be sure to depart from your closest international airport, and check to see that it services the airlines that regularly fly into Lahore. The most prominent airlines that fly into Lahore include Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. By booking a flight with one of these airlines, you may be able to cut down on stopovers with just a one or two total stopovers. You’ll likely experience stopovers in cities like Chicago, Istanbul, Dubai, and Doha when flying to Lahore, depending on your airline.

How do you get from Lahore airport to the city centre?

When your destination is Lahore, you’ll fly into Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), which is about 27 miles northeast of Lahore city. To reach downtown Lahore from the airport, you can take a taxi for about $5-$7, and a journey time of just about 15 minutes. Uber is also available in Lahore, which will cut your cost down to about $1 for a journey to downtown Lahore. There are no public transportation options. Check to see if your accommodations will provide you with a car service to their property from the airport.

What are some things to do in Lahore?

Lahore is the second most populated city in Pakistan and one that is growing in popularity. Travelers are starting to see the benefits of Lahore’s natural beauty, while being mindful of local customs and understanding the general safety of visitors. While here, visit Lahore Fort, the gorgeous Mughal palace that consists of ornate architecture, gardens, and a mosque. Pickup local goods for authentic souvenirs at Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market. Stroll Shalamar Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with marble fountains, terraces, and beautiful flora.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Lahore?

United States citizens traveling to Lahore, Pakistan need a passport with six months of validity remaining from the date of their arrival, as well as a visa. Be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your trip, as there will be no provisions for finalizing your visa once you’re in Pakistan.

Best Time to Fly to Lahore

Expect warm weather and blistering heat during the summer months between May and July. Few visitors favor these months, as they also tend to see the rainy season arrive. Head over between December and February for much milder weather and hardly any chance of rain. However, bargain hunters might want to explore summer options, as the price of accommodations and flights decreases significantly.

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Getting around Lahore

In town, getting around is simple. The city has a network of air conditioned buses that are thought to be safe and provide a good level of comfort. In the Old City, auto-rickshaws will be in evidence, and can get you around cheaply and quickly (but a little Urdu can go a long way and be prepared to haggle).

Because of the heat, traffic and dust, walking is not recommended. However, the city authorities do provide a walking tour of the walls of the Old City that is very worthwhile.

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