When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Lahore?
As temperatures start soaring above 30 degrees Celsius in July and August, airfares will rise as well with another slight increase also occurring in December. For cheap flights to Lahore, plan your Pakistan trip for some time between February and May or September and November. Rates will be lower, and as a bonus, there will also be fewer tourists.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Lahore?
In general, it is best to book your flights to Lahore about six to twelve weeks prior to departure. If you want to travel sooner than that, you may be able to find excellent rates on last-minute flights as close as two to four weeks before departure. Of course, these are never guaranteed, so to avoid disappointment, be sure to book early.
Flying to Allama Iqbal International Airport LHE
Known as both Allama Iqbal International Airport and Lahore International Airport, LHE is the second-largest airport in Pakistan. It serves the capital of the Punjab province, Lahore, as well as the surrounding area. Currently, there are no direct flights operating from the UK at the moment. Indirect return flights are very much the norm when flying to Pakistan. Lahore flights depart from airports around the UK; Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Gatwick all have at least one departure per day. Stopovers will be in Turkey or the Middle East. Outbound flights to Lahore will generally take between 11 and 13 hours, including the stopover, whereas return flights clock in between 13 and 16 hours. Carriers include Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Lahore Airport (LHE) has three terminals. There is a cargo terminal, the Hajj terminal (for use during the Hajj season) and the main international terminal, the Allama Iqbal terminal. Arrivals from the UK will land at Allama Iqbal. Upon disembarkation from your Lahore flight, a properly filled out immigration form, visa, vaccination certificate and passport will all be required to clear immigration. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport as is a selection of dining options and a first-class lounge.
Getting to the City from Allama Iqbal International Airport LHE
Lahore International Airport (LHE) has several options for those travelling from the airport to the city centre. Two taxi companies are available for kerbside pickups outside the arrivals hall: Metro Radio Cab and City Radio Cab. A network of local buses also services a number of locations throughout the city, including the train station. They run 24/7 and can be much cheaper than a taxi.
Why visit Lahore?
Lahore is an untapped tourism goldmine. There’s so much to discover in this incredibly diverse city that’s rich in both culture and nature. Some of Lahore’s best-known and most attractive tourist attractions are its mosques as it contains two of the top three largest mosques in the country. Featuring intricately carved marble and extravagant plasterwork, Badshahi Mosque was once the largest mosque in the world. Gran Jamia Mosque, a giant, multi-domed structure, is also a must see. Its stunning architecture and decoration are a feast for the eyes.
If you’re looking to cool off and retreat from the sun, then take refuge in the Shalimar Gardens, the stunning paradise gardens next to the fort. With literally hundreds of fountains to cool the air and plenty of shady spots thanks to a multitude of terraces and trees, you’re in the right place to sit and relax for a while.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Those travelling with a British passport must procure a visa before arrival. Any visa violations are a criminal offence; you must have a valid visa for the entirety of your stay. Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Pakistan, it is still necessary to carry a vaccination certificate. Pakistan uses the Pakistani rupee. It can be hard to obtain rupees before travelling, and exchange rates are poor. It is better to withdraw money upon arrival either from an ATM or a bank.
