To rent a car in Lahore in 2026, expect to pay roughly PKR 4,500 to 9,000 a day for an economy car or sedan, PKR 13,000 to 28,000 for an SUV, and to leave a refundable security deposit if you drive it yourself. With a driver, a Corolla-class car is commonly quoted at about PKR 6,000 to 9,000 a day. These figures come from rental company listings, which vary widely, and one company's "self-drive Corolla" costs a fraction of another's, so the range matters more than any single number.
This guide covers what rates look like with and without a driver, the documents and deposit, the terms that change the final bill, and when a driver is the better choice.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Economy car per day (self-drive) | About PKR 4,500 to 5,000 (2026 listings) |
| Sedan per day | About PKR 6,000 to 9,000, higher on some sites |
| SUV per day | About PKR 13,000 to 28,000 |
| Security deposit | About PKR 10,000 to 50,000, depending on the vehicle |
| Documents | CNIC or passport, driving licence, often a utility bill or reference |
| Deposit refund | Usually 3 to 5 working days after return |
How much does it cost to rent a car in Lahore?
Rental listings in 2026 show a wide spread, because rates depend on the company, the model, the season and whether a driver is included. One listing of daily self-drive rates put a Suzuki Alto at about PKR 4,500, a Corolla at PKR 6,000 to 8,000, a Honda Civic at PKR 9,000, a Toyota Revo at PKR 15,000, a Fortuner at PKR 18,000, a Prado at PKR 20,000 and a Land Cruiser at PKR 28,000. Other companies list a self-drive Corolla or Civic at PKR 16,000 to 20,000 a day, and luxury SUVs at PKR 25,000 to 45,000.
Those gaps are real. Prices also rise around Eid, weddings and long weekends. Treat any figure as a guide, ask two or three companies for a written quote, and ask exactly what is included.
Self-drive or with a driver?
In Lahore a driver is often the sensible choice, for reasons that are not about cost alone.
With a driver. A chauffeur-driven Corolla or Yaris is commonly listed at about PKR 6,000 to 9,000 a day, a Civic at about PKR 10,000 and a Prado or Fortuner at PKR 20,000 to 28,000. Local (city) hire is usually cheaper than outstation, which is charged for a 24-hour day, and some companies add a separate driver allowance on overnight trips, listed in one source at PKR 500 to 1,000 a day. Fuel is often extra. A chauffeur-driven booking normally needs only a CNIC or passport and no deposit.
Self-drive. Cheaper on paper for some cars, but Lahore traffic is dense and unpredictable, and a rental company will hold you responsible for damage and traffic challans. It suits confident local drivers making a long trip, more than visitors trying to find their way around the city.
If you are visiting for a few days in the walled city, Gulberg and the museums, an app-based ride or a car with a driver is usually simpler than driving and parking yourself. Our guide to getting around Lahore covers rickshaws, ride-hailing and the metro.
Documents you will need
For a self-drive booking, companies typically ask for:
- CNIC or passport with visa (an original, plus a copy)
- A valid driving licence. Foreign visitors are usually asked for an International Driving Permit alongside their own licence. See our guide to driving in Pakistan with a foreign licence for the rules.
- Proof of address or a local reference. Listings mention a utility bill or a local contact.
- A minimum age, reported by one source as 22.
- A refundable security deposit.
If a company asks for very little, ask why. Well-run firms record your ID and licence and give you a written agreement.
Security deposit
Deposits in listings run from about PKR 10,000 for an economy car and PKR 20,000 for a sedan, to about PKR 30,000 for an SUV and PKR 50,000 for a luxury car. It is typically refunded within 3 to 5 working days, after the car has been inspected and any traffic e-challans checked. Ask how the deposit will be held, in cash or on a card, and keep a receipt.
What changes the final price
Read the agreement for these points before you pay:
- Kilometre limit. Daily rates often include a fixed distance. Monthly deals in one listing include about 4,000 km. Extra kilometres are charged.
- Fuel policy. Usually you return the car with the same fuel level it had at pickup.
- Outstation travel. Leaving Lahore for Islamabad, Multan or the north may cost more or need approval. A 24-hour outstation day often costs more than local hire.
- Overtime and driver hours. With-driver rates are often for a 12-hour local day.
- Tolls and parking. Almost always the hirer's cost. Our Lahore to Islamabad motorway guide explains what to expect on that route.
- Traffic fines. E-challans are typically charged to the renter after return.
- Damage and insurance. Ask what is covered, what excess you pay, and whether a photo inspection is done at handover.
What to check before you take the car
- Walk around the car and photograph it, including tyres, the spare and the dashboard fuel and kilometre reading.
- Check the registration papers and insurance are in the car.
- Test the air conditioning, lights and brakes before you leave the lot.
- Get the price, deposit and terms in writing, and a phone number that is answered after hours.
- Confirm the company is genuine. Use a company with a physical office and reviews you can check. Avoid paying a large advance to an individual on social media.
The last point matters. Our guide to choosing a tour operator applies the same caution to anyone taking money before they have shown you anything.
Taking a rental car out of Lahore
Weekend trips to Murree, Islamabad and the Salt Range are common. Check with the company first, because some do not allow rental cars into the mountains or beyond a certain distance. For the northern areas, most travellers hire a vehicle with a driver who knows the roads, and some companies offer 4x4s for the high routes. Our page on self-drive car rental for the northern areas covers what to ask.
If you'd rather leave the vehicle and route planning to someone else, our tours include transport and a driver, and our plan page shows how to ask for a custom trip.
Who should rent, and who should not
Renting suits families and groups who want flexibility for day trips, business visitors who need a car and driver for several days, and Pakistanis who know the road and want a specific model. It does not suit a first-time visitor who wants to drive Lahore's centre alone, or anyone planning to take a low sedan onto rough mountain tracks.
For a simple point-to-point trip, a ride-hailing car or a bus can cost much less than a day's rental.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a car in Lahore per day?
In 2026 listings, roughly PKR 4,500 to 9,000 for an economy car or sedan and PKR 13,000 to 28,000 for an SUV, with wide differences between companies. With a driver, a Corolla-class car is about PKR 6,000 to 9,000.
Can I rent a car in Lahore without a driver?
Yes. Most companies offer self-drive for economy cars and standard sedans, and require a CNIC or passport, a driving licence and a refundable deposit. SUVs may need extra documents.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lahore?
A CNIC or passport with visa, a valid driving licence (an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors), and often proof of address or a local reference.
How much is the security deposit?
About PKR 10,000 to 50,000 depending on the vehicle, refunded in roughly 3 to 5 working days after inspection and a check for traffic fines.
Can I take a rental car from Lahore to Islamabad or the north?
Often yes, but check the agreement first. Outstation use can cost more, and some companies limit mountain travel.
Is it better to rent a car with a driver in Lahore?
For most visitors, yes. A driver knows the roads, handles parking and traffic, and you avoid liability for damage and fines.
