Abbottabad to Murree is about 69 km by road, and mapping tools give around one hour 10 minutes for the drive. The direct way is the hill road through the Galiyat: up from Abbottabad to Nathia Gali, then on through Ayubia and Bhurban country to Murree. Expect longer than the map says, because the road is steep, narrow in places and slow behind buses and jeeps.
This guide covers the route, the time it really takes, what the road is like and when the longer road through Islamabad makes more sense.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 69 km by road (Rome2Rio) |
| Drive time | About 1 hour 10 minutes on maps; allow 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Direct route | Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Murree (the Galiyat road) |
| Abbottabad to Nathia Gali | About 32 km |
| Nathia Gali to Murree | About 32 km, roughly an hour |
| Abbottabad altitude | About 1,256 m |
The direct route through the Galiyat
Nathia Gali sits about 32 km from both Abbottabad and Murree, so the journey splits neatly into two halves of similar length. Local travel information puts each half at 45 minutes to an hour, which is where the "one and a half to two hours" for the whole drive comes from.
- Abbottabad to Nathia Gali. A steady climb through pine forest. The road is in good condition but steep, with plenty of bends. Our Abbottabad to Nathia Gali guide has the detail of this half.
- Nathia Gali to Murree. The road runs along the ridge through the Ayubia area and the hill stations beyond it. Our Murree to Nathia Gali guide describes it in the other direction.
You pass through the Ayubia National Park area on the way, which is why many people take this road slowly and stop. See our note on Ayubia National Park if you want to break the drive there.
How long does it really take?
On paper, an hour and 10 minutes. In practice, allow one and a half to two hours in ordinary conditions and more at any of these times:
- Summer weekends, Eid holidays and other peak dates, when the ridge roads fill with cars heading in both directions.
- After heavy rain, when fog and landslip debris slow the road.
- In and after snowfall, when parts of the Galiyat road may be difficult or shut. Check with locals or the traffic police before you set off in winter, and do not rely on a map's estimate.
The road is a mountain road with sharp bends and drops. A driver who does not know hill roads should take it slowly and stay out of the fog after dark.
The longer road through Islamabad
There is another way, through Havelian and Islamabad and up the Murree Expressway. It is well over twice as far as the Galiyat road, but it uses motorway and expressway for most of the way, so it is more predictable in snow and in bad weather. It is the choice for large vehicles, drivers who do not like steep bends, and anyone arriving late in the day.
The first half of that route is the drive from Abbottabad to Islamabad, which is about 120 to 135 km depending on the road (see our Islamabad to Abbottabad guide), and the second is covered in our Islamabad to Murree guide.
Public transport and hired cars
- Own car. The simplest option, provided the driver is confident on hill roads.
- Taxi or a car with a driver. Rome2Rio puts a taxi at roughly USD 14 to 17 for the trip, which is a rough indication only. Agree the fare before starting, particularly at peak times.
- Buses and vans. Connections tend to run through Islamabad rather than directly over the Galiyat road, which makes the journey much longer. Ask at the terminal for the current position.
Stops on the way
The ridge has several places to stop: Nathia Gali for tea and views, the Ayubia chairlift area, and the walks starting from Dunga Gali. Bhurban and Changla Gali are on the Murree side. If you want to pause without leaving the road, read our guides to Bhurban and Changla Gali.
Who should take this road?
The Galiyat road suits confident drivers, families who want to make the trip part of the holiday and anyone who wants to see the hill stations on the way. It is not the road for a rushed transfer, for a tired driver, or for a day of snow or heavy fog.
If you are deciding whether to base yourself in Abbottabad or Murree, remember that Abbottabad is quieter and cheaper in most seasons, while Murree is busier and closer to Islamabad. Our best time to visit Murree guide will help you choose the season. For general route planning across the north, see our travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Abbottabad from Murree?
About 69 km by road. Nathia Gali lies roughly halfway, about 32 km from each town.
How long does it take to drive from Abbottabad to Murree?
Maps show about one hour 10 minutes. Plan on one and a half to two hours, and longer in holiday traffic, rain or snow.
Which road goes from Abbottabad to Murree?
The Galiyat road via Nathia Gali, Ayubia and the ridge road into Murree. The alternative is a much longer drive through Islamabad and up the Murree Expressway.
Is the Abbottabad to Murree road open in winter?
It can be, but snow and ice can close or slow parts of the Galiyat road. Ask locally before you set off, and use the Islamabad route if in doubt.
Is there a direct bus from Abbottabad to Murree?
Connections usually go through Islamabad. Check at the terminal for the current position, as services change.
