Cheap Flights to Lahore

When to Fly?

Expect warm weather and blistering heat during the summer months between May and July. Few visitors favour these months, as they also tend to see the rainy season arrive.

Take a flight 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 accommodation and flights to Lahore decrease significantly. February/March are also the months when Basant Kite Flying Festival takes place and draws huge crowds of visitors. Apart from kite flying competitions featuring kites of various colours, shapes and sizes, the event is also an opportunity to sample some traditional local dishes.

City Overview

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 centre 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?

Anyone who is traveling to Lahore from the United Kingdom can find quick and easy routes from a number of cities based across the country. Depending on the flight origin and the number of stops, the total travel time can vary by several hours. For example, Turkish Air offers a flight from London to Lahore International (LHE) with one layover, and the total travel time is 7h 40m. Those traveling from Manchester can find slightly longer travel times with one stop at 7h 50m, but the airline that services that route is Saudia. There are also many other flights with two or three stops that can be taken advantage of, and these are excellent choices for those who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Where can you get direct flights to Lahore from?

At this time, there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Lahore when leaving from the United Kingdom. However, as mentioned above, most major cities in the UK offer flights to the city with only one layover multiples times throughout the week. This is true for cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. While Turkish Air provides most of the routes for travelers, other airlines have a few options, too, such as Saudia.

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

The international airport at Lahore is only about 5 km from the heart of the city. As such, it is very easy and convenient when it comes to going to places inside the city as well as returning to the airport. Travelers can take advantage of both personal and private transportation options, including car rentals which can be had and arranged for at the airport. There are also a number of taxis that frequently circle the area, adding another simple way to get around.

What are some things to do in Lahore?

Lahore is a large city in the Pakistani province of Punjab. As such, there are plenty of things to do and see as well. The Badshahi Mosque is a prominent 17th-century mosque that is rich with history and provides ample opportunity to learn about the area. The Shalimar Bagh is also another favorite spot as well, as many travelers want to see the Mughal garden. In addition to historical spots, there are many shops and restaurants to check out as well.

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

Anyone traveling from the United Kingdom will to Pakistan will need both a valid passport and a current visa. As visa violations for Pakistan can be treated as a criminal offense that results in a fine or detention, it is important to make sure all paperwork, passports, and visas are up to date and valid throughout one’s stay in the country. Also, your British passport should be valid for a minimum of six months at the time of your visa application. The caveat to all of this is that holder of a NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) can enter Pakistan visa-free.

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.

Getting to the City from the Airport

Allama Iqbal airport (LHE) is the international terminal and is around half an hour from the city centre. There are shuttle buses from the arrivals area and taxis as well – although it is recommended to negotiate a price before leaving. A rental car may be another sensible option.