Peshawar to Murree: Route, Distance, Time and Tolls

Peshawar to Murree is about 215 to 225 km by road and takes roughly two and a half to three hours by car in free-flowing traffic. You drive the M-1 motorway to Islamabad, then take the Murree Expressway up into the hills. There is no direct bus, so public transport means a bus to Islamabad or Rawalpindi and a second vehicle from there.

This guide covers the route, the tolls at the 2026 rates, the bus and taxi options, and what changes in summer and winter. For the hill station itself, see our places to visit in Murree.

What is the route from Peshawar to Murree?

1. Peshawar to Islamabad on the M-1. The motorway is 155 km long, six lanes, and runs past Charsadda, Swabi, Rashakai, Attock and Hasan Abdal. It opened in October 2007 and is patrolled by the National Highways and Motorway Police.
2. Islamabad to Murree on the Murree Expressway. Once you leave the M-1 at Islamabad, you join the dual carriageway that climbs through Barakahu and the Murree hills. Islamabad to Murree is roughly 64 to 70 km.

Online distance figures vary between about 214 and 283 km, depending on where each tool starts and which road it picks. Adding the M-1 to the Islamabad stretch gives the 215 to 225 km range used here. Our Islamabad to Murree guide covers the last leg in more detail, and the M-1 motorway guide covers the first.

How much are the tolls?

The National Highway Authority raised toll rates on 10 July 2026. For a car, that means:

• M-1, full length: PKR 700
• Murree Expressway: PKR 300

That is about PKR 1,000 in tolls one way, plus fuel. Toll rates have been revised several times in recent years, so check the plaza boards and the NHA before you go. Other vehicle classes pay more.

Can I go by bus or taxi?

There is no through bus from Peshawar to Murree that we could verify. The usual pattern is:

• A bus from Peshawar to Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Faisal Movers is one operator listed on this corridor.
• From there, a taxi, ride-hailing car or local bus to Murree.

Expect the combined trip to take around four to four and a half hours, and to cost less than a private car but more effort with luggage. A taxi the whole way is fastest for a group of three or four, and you should agree the fare before leaving.

When should you drive up?

Summer weekends and Eid holidays are when Murree is most crowded, and the last stretch slows down badly. If you can, travel on a weekday or leave Peshawar early enough to reach Murree before the afternoon rush. Our Murree travel tips and Murree parking guide cover what to do once you arrive.

Winter needs more care. Heavy snow closed the Murree Expressway to Murree-bound traffic in early January 2026, after about two feet of snow, and the authorities urged people to avoid non-essential travel. Check the forecast, carry chains, and turn back if the police or motorway staff say the road is closed. Our Murree in winter and snowfall posts explain what to expect.

Is the drive safe?

The M-1 runs through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab and is used daily by Pakistani travellers. Peshawar itself and some parts of the province are covered by UK advice against all travel, and there have been attacks in the province in 2026, including Kohat and Bannu. The motorway is not on the UK's list of areas to avoid, but security conditions change. Check local news and current police advice before setting out, drive in daylight, and avoid leaving the motorway in unfamiliar areas. Overseas visitors should check their own government's advice, since it can affect travel insurance.

Is Peshawar to Murree worth doing in one day?

As a one-way transfer, yes: three hours is comfortable. As a same-day round trip it is tiring, with six hours or more on the road for a few hours in the hills. Stay at least one night, ideally two, and combine it with Nathia Gali or Bhurban if you have the time. Our Murree itinerary and general travel guide help with planning.

Frequently asked questions