The Murree Expressway, officially the E-75 or Islamabad-Murree dual carriageway, is the four-lane road that takes most traffic from Islamabad up to Murree. Islamabad to Murree is roughly 64 km by this route, and the drive usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and weather. Since 10 July 2026 the toll for a car is Rs 300, up from Rs 200 (NHA notification, reported by ProPakistani).
This guide covers the route, what the road actually saves you, the toll, and the weekend traffic problem that no expressway has solved. For the wider trip, our posts on Islamabad to Murree and Lahore to Murree cover the journey from each city.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Road | E-75 / N-75, Islamabad to Murree and on towards Kohala |
| Type | Four-lane, partly controlled-access dual carriageway |
| Islamabad to Murree | About 64 km; roughly 1.25 to 2 hours |
| Toll for a car | Rs 300 (from 10 July 2026); cars and wagons the same |
| Managed by | National Highway Authority |
| Opened | 30 August 2011 |
Where does the Murree Expressway run?
Wikipedia gives the full E-75 as about 90 km, passing Barakahu, Murree, Phulgran, Upper and Lower Topa, Bhurban and Aliyot before ending near Kohala on the Jhelum river. Kohala is the gateway to Azad Kashmir, where the road carries on as the S-2 strategic highway. The expressway is described as only partly operational and partly controlled-access, so expect junctions, local traffic and some slow sections rather than a motorway.
From Islamabad, drivers usually reach it through Bhara Kahu (Barakahu), passing the Bani Gala and Lake View Park side of the city on the way. There is also an older route through Barakahu bazaar and its bypass, which is more urban and has more places to stop for tea. Sources describing the exact starting interchange differ, so follow the signs for Murree Expressway from wherever you join rather than a fixed landmark.
How much time does it save?
We could not find a reliable published figure for minutes saved compared with the older roads, and the answer varies too much by day to give one honestly. What the expressway does is make the drive predictable: a dual carriageway with fewer sharp bends means fewer stuck trucks and slower cars holding up the queue.
Rough times from central Islamabad on a normal weekday:
- Clear road: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Busy weekend or holiday: 2 to 3 hours is not unusual, mostly in the last stretch into Murree.
Where it does not help is the final approach. The town's own roads, Mall Road and the parking, cause the queues. Our Murree parking guide is worth reading before a weekend trip.
What is the toll?
Cars and wagons pay Rs 300 (2026), buses Rs 450. The source we found does not say whether that is charged per direction, so carry cash and be ready to pay at each plaza. Toll plazas have been reported at Phulgran and near Murree, with e-tag integration being added, and local Murree residents get a token-free passage. Rates are revised often, so treat the figure as a guide, not a quote.
You will also pay fuel. Budget separately for parking in Murree, which is often the larger extra cost.
What is being built, and what comes next?
Reconstruction and upgrading of the expressway has been under way, including a rebuilt Murree toll plaza, landscaping, lighting and closing unauthorised access points, according to a July 2025 government report. In July 2026 the government also decided to extend the expressway a further 70 km to Muzaffarabad. That is a decision, not a road you can drive; do not plan a trip around it.
Azad Kashmir has had serious unrest in 2026, and the UK advises against all but essential travel to most of it. If you are thinking of continuing beyond Kohala, read our Azad Kashmir road guide for winter and check current conditions first.
Who should use it, and when to avoid it
The expressway suits almost everyone driving to Murree, Bhurban or Kohala. It is the best option for families in ordinary cars.
Avoid leaving on Friday afternoons, holiday mornings and Eid weekends. The quiet times are early weekday mornings. In winter, snow can close or slow the upper sections; check the weather before leaving. If you are driving up for snow, read Murree in winter first.
If you would rather not drive at all, we can plan the transport and hotels for you on our tours page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Murree Expressway take from Islamabad?
Usually about 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours for roughly 64 km, depending on traffic and weather. Holiday weekends can double that.
How much is the toll on the Murree Expressway?
Rs 300 for a car or wagon from 10 July 2026, and Rs 450 for a bus, per the NHA revision.
Is the Murree Expressway a motorway?
No. It is a four-lane dual carriageway, described as partly controlled-access, with a lower speed and more junctions than the M-1 or M-2.
Does the Murree Expressway go to Muzaffarabad?
Not yet. It runs to near Kohala. An extension of 70 km to Muzaffarabad was announced in July 2026 but is not built.
Is there a bus on this route?
Yes, coaches run from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to Murree. Fares and timings change, so check with the operator.
