Getting around Lahore comes down to four practical options: the Orange Line Metro train, the Metrobus, auto-rickshaws, and ride-hailing apps, and most visitors end up using a mix of all four depending on the trip. None of them cover every part of the city on its own, and the older parts of Lahore in particular are better reached on foot or by rickshaw than by rail.
This guide covers routes, fares and which option makes sense for which kind of trip.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Orange Line Metro | Flat fare, 26 stations, Ali Town to Dera Gujran |
| Metrobus | Flat fare, Shahdara to Gajjumata via the city centre |
| Rickshaws | Negotiate or agree the fare before you get in |
| Ride-hailing | Uber and inDrive operate in Lahore; Careem ended rides in Pakistan in 2025 |
The Orange Line Metro
The Orange Line is Lahore's elevated and underground train, running 27 kilometres between Ali Town in the west and Dera Gujran in the east, with 26 stations along the way, mostly elevated but with two underground stops at Anarkali and Central. It charges a flat fare per trip, whatever the distance, with tokens bought at station machines or ticket counters.
For sightseeing, the useful stations are Anarkali, right by Anarkali Bazaar, and Chauburji, next to the Mughal gateway of the same name. The line doesn't run through the Walled City itself, so for the fort, Badshahi Mosque or the old city's bazaars you'll still need a rickshaw or a short ride-hail trip from the nearest station. Trains run from early morning until around 10pm, more frequently during the morning and evening rush.
The Metrobus
The Metrobus is a dedicated-lane bus rapid transit route running about 27 kilometres from Shahdara Bagh in the north to Gajjumata in the south, passing through the city centre via stops including Timber Market, Azadi Chowk, Qaddafi Stadium and Model Town. Like the Metro, it charges a single flat fare regardless of distance, paid either as a single-journey token or loaded onto a rechargeable card, which is worth getting if you're going to use it more than once or twice.
The Azadi Chowk stop is close to Minar-e-Pakistan and within reach of the edge of the Walled City, making the Metrobus a reasonable way to approach the old city from the south of Lahore, again with a short rickshaw or walk for the final stretch.
Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are the most flexible way to get around Lahore, able to reach narrow streets that buses and cars can't, which matters a great deal in and around the Walled City. They don't run on meters in most cases, so agree the fare before you get in rather than after the ride; asking your hotel or a local for a rough sense of the going rate for your route beforehand helps avoid overpaying, especially as a visitor. Rickshaws are usually cheaper than a car-based ride-hail trip for short distances within the same neighbourhood.
Ride-hailing apps
Uber continues to operate ride-hailing in Lahore. Careem, which had been one of the two major apps in the city for years, ended its ride-hailing service across Pakistan in July 2025, citing economic conditions and competition, though its delivery and other services have continued in some form. InDrive is also widely used, working on a different model where you propose a fare and nearby drivers choose whether to accept it, which can work out cheaper than a fixed-price app on longer routes. Check current app availability before you travel, since the ride-hailing market in Pakistan has shifted more than once in recent years.
Ride-hailing works well for longer cross-town trips, especially in the evening or in extreme heat, and for reaching places like the airport, DHA or Gulberg that are some distance from the old city and the Metro or Metrobus lines.
Which option for which trip
- Walled City, fort, Badshahi Mosque: rickshaw or ride-hail to the edge of the old city, then walk. Neither the Metro nor the Metrobus goes inside the walls.
- Anarkali Bazaar and the Mall Road area: the Orange Line's Anarkali station puts you right there.
- Minar-e-Pakistan and the southern approach to the old city: the Metrobus's Azadi Chowk stop is closest.
- Airport, DHA, Gulberg and longer cross-town trips: ride-hailing or a hired car is more practical than public transport.
- A single day covering several sights: a car with a driver, arranged through your hotel, removes the need to plan transport between each stop, which suits families or a short visit better than piecing together buses and rickshaws.
For getting to Lahore in the first place and planning a wider itinerary, our travel guide and Lahore itinerary cover routes in and around the city, and our trip planning page can help put a full schedule together.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Orange Line Metro go to Lahore Fort or Badshahi Mosque?
No. The nearest stations are some distance from the Walled City, so you'll need a rickshaw or a short ride-hail trip to reach the fort and mosque area.
Is Careem still available in Lahore?
Careem ended its ride-hailing service across Pakistan in July 2025. Uber continues to operate in Lahore, and inDrive is also widely used.
How much does a rickshaw cost in Lahore?
There's no fixed meter fare, so agree the price with the driver before you start the journey. Short trips within the same area are generally cheaper than a car-based ride-hail.
What's the fare on the Orange Line and Metrobus?
Both charge a flat fare per journey regardless of distance, paid as a single token or loaded onto a rechargeable card for repeat use.
What's the best way to get around the Walled City itself?
On foot. The lanes are too narrow for most vehicles, so park or arrive by rickshaw at one of the gates and walk from there.
