Getting from Allama Iqbal Airport to Lahore is cheap by global standards — if you use the right transport. The price difference between options is dramatic.
Price comparison by destination
| Destination | Careem / inDriver | Airport taxi | Pre-booked transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulberg / Liberty | PKR 500–800 (EUR 1.50–2.40) | PKR 1,500–2,500 (EUR 4.50–7.50) | EUR 15–20 |
| Mall Road / Old Lahore | PKR 600–1,000 (EUR 1.80–3) | PKR 2,000–3,000 (EUR 6–9) | EUR 18–25 |
| DHA Phase 1–5 | PKR 400–700 (EUR 1.20–2.10) | PKR 1,200–2,000 (EUR 3.60–6) | EUR 15–20 |
| Johar Town | PKR 300–600 (EUR 0.90–1.80) | PKR 1,000–1,500 (EUR 3–4.50) | EUR 12–18 |
| Model Town | PKR 400–700 (EUR 1.20–2.10) | PKR 1,200–2,000 (EUR 3.60–6) | EUR 15–20 |
| Bahria Town | PKR 800–1,500 (EUR 2.40–4.50) | PKR 3,000–5,000 (EUR 9–15) | EUR 25–35 |
| Wagah Border | PKR 800–1,200 (EUR 2.40–3.60) | PKR 2,500–4,000 (EUR 7.50–12) | EUR 25–35 |
The airport taxi markup
Airport taxis charge 2–3 times the market rate. A ride to Gulberg that costs PKR 600 on Careem will be quoted at PKR 2,000+ at the taxi stand. This is not a scam — it is the posted rate — but it is significantly more than what locals pay.
If you have a working phone with data, use Careem or inDriver. The savings are substantial.
When a transfer is worth the premium
A pre-booked transfer costs EUR 15–30 — many times the Careem price but still affordable by international standards. It makes sense when:
- You have no local SIM or data.
- You are arriving at 2 AM and want guaranteed transport.
- You are a first-time visitor who wants English-speaking assistance.
- You are travelling with family and need a larger vehicle.
Tipping
Tipping taxi and Careem drivers is not mandatory but appreciated. PKR 50–100 (less than EUR 1) is a kind gesture. For transfer drivers providing extra help with luggage, PKR 200–500 is appropriate.