Islamabad to Mirpur is a drive of roughly 125 to 135 km, and most travellers should allow about two and a half hours. You go south-east on the Grand Trunk Road through Rawalpindi and Gujar Khan to Dina, then turn onto the Dina–Mangla–Mirpur road. It is one of the easiest ways into Azad Kashmir, because it is mostly flat and there are no mountain passes.
This guide covers the route in stages, how it compares by bus and train, and the practical points that decide how long the day actually takes.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Road distance | About 121 to 136 km, depending on the source and start point |
| Drive time | About 1.5 to 2.7 hours by estimate; allow 2.5 hours |
| Route | GT Road to Dina, then Dina–Mangla–Mirpur road |
| Bus fare | About PKR 1,200 to 1,500 one way |
| Train | Rawalpindi to Dina only, about 4 hr 49 min |
How far is it, really?
Published distances range from 121 to 136 km, and drive-time estimates from about an hour and a half to two hours forty minutes. The difference is mostly the start point (Islamabad Airport, central Islamabad or Rawalpindi) and whether the estimate assumes empty roads. A realistic planning figure is two and a half hours, longer on Fridays, before Eid and on summer evenings.
The route in stages
- Islamabad to Rawalpindi and onto the GT Road. Leave the city on the Peshawar–Lahore Grand Trunk Road heading towards Lahore. The first hour is the slowest, with traffic and junctions.
- Rawalpindi to Gujar Khan, about 50 km. This leg takes roughly 40 minutes on a clear road.
- Gujar Khan to Dina. Mirpur is linked to the GT Road at Dina, in Jhelum district. Dina is the turn-off, so watch the signs.
- Dina to Mangla and Mirpur. The road runs through farmland along the Punjab border with Azad Kashmir before reaching Mangla and then Mirpur. Surface condition varies by section and season, so check a recent report or ask a driver coming the other way.
If you are going to Mangla Dam rather than the city, see our guide to the Islamabad to Mangla Dam road.
By bus, train or car
Bus. Daewoo Express, Skyways, Waryam Coaches and local coasters and hiroofs run between Rawalpindi or Islamabad and Mirpur. Listings give one-way fares of about PKR 1,200 to 1,500, though some start nearer PKR 1,000, with services through the day. Fares and timetables change, so confirm at the terminal or on the booking app.
Train. There is no direct train. Pakistan Railways runs one daily service from Rawalpindi to Dina that takes nearly five hours, after which you still need road transport to Mirpur. It is a poor choice unless you enjoy the journey itself.
Car. The most flexible and usually the fastest. Taxis and ride apps do the trip too, but agree the fare and the return before leaving.
Planning the day
- Start before 8 am to miss the worst of the Rawalpindi traffic.
- Fill the tank in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
- Carry your CNIC, as you would for any trip into Azad Kashmir.
- Summer is hot, and Mirpur's June highs average about 41 degrees Celsius, so travel early and carry water.
What Mirpur is like when you arrive
Mirpur is the second-largest city in Azad Kashmir, with a 2017 census population of 124,352, and it is a plains city rather than a hill station. The climate is humid subtropical, with an annual average of about 25 degrees Celsius, around 1,380 mm of rain a year and very hot summers. It is known as "Little England" because of the many families who have emigrated to Britain since the 1950s, which you notice in the houses and shops. Our note on Mirpur's Little England character explains more.
Onward from Mirpur
From Mirpur you can reach Kotli, Mangla Fort and the lake, and the nearby shrines of Khari Sharif. Our Islamabad to Kotli road guide covers the road beyond.
Is the drive worth doing in a day?
For Mirpur itself, yes. It is a comfortable day trip from Islamabad, and an easy first step into Azad Kashmir for families and first-time visitors. It is not a mountain road, so it is not a substitute for Neelum or Bagh. For wider planning, see our Kashmir overview.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mirpur from Islamabad?
About 121 to 136 km by road, depending on the source. Islamabad airport to Mirpur is given as about 130 km.
How long does it take to drive from Islamabad to Mirpur?
Allow about two and a half hours. Estimates start at about an hour and a half with clear roads.
Is there a train from Islamabad to Mirpur?
No. A daily train runs from Rawalpindi to Dina, taking nearly five hours, and you would then need a bus or taxi to Mirpur.
How much is the bus fare from Islamabad to Mirpur?
Listings suggest about PKR 1,200 to 1,500 one way in recent listings, but fares change, so check at the terminal.
Which road do I take?
The GT Road via Gujar Khan to Dina, then the Dina–Mangla–Mirpur road.
Is Azad Kashmir safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani tourists visit every year, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control and against all but essential travel to the rest of Azad Kashmir. The 2026 protests there also brought road blockades and long internet shutdowns. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and current police advice before setting out.
