Renting a car in Lahore as an overseas Pakistani

Book before you fly

You can arrange everything from abroad on WhatsApp, in your own time zone:

1. Send us your dates, flight number and the car you want. Not sure? Tell us how many people and how many suitcases, and we suggest the right car.
2. Get a written quote in PKR, with every inclusion and exclusion listed.
3. Confirm, and we share the driver’s name and number before the pickup.

For weddings and Eid, book as early as you can. Those dates fill up first, especially for SUVs, vans and decorated wedding cars.

Airport pickup at Allama Iqbal International

Airport pick and drop is the most common way overseas visitors start their trip:

• Share your flight number so the pickup is timed to your arrival. International flights often land late at night or early morning, and that is fine.
• The driver meets you outside arrivals, helps with the luggage and calls you if you cannot find each other.
• Think about luggage. Overseas families often travel with four, six or more suitcases. Each car’s page lists how many large suitcases it takes, so check that number against your bags; for more than one car holds, choose a Toyota Hiace or book two cars.
• Coming with family to pick you up? A van means everyone fits in one vehicle with the bags.

Documents to pack

• NICOP or CNIC, or your passport.
• For self drive: a valid Pakistani driving licence is simplest. If you only have a foreign licence, bring it with an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the country where you live. Get the IDP before you fly.
• Keep photos of all documents on your phone.

See the full list in our documents guide.

Paying from abroad

You do not need to carry large amounts of cash. Common ways to pay:

• Bank transfer from your account abroad or a family member’s account in Pakistan.
• Mobile wallets such as JazzCash or Easypaisa, often through family in Pakistan.
• Cash in rupees on arrival.

The payment methods we accept are listed at the end of this page. Your quote states the advance, if any, and when the balance is due. Always ask for a receipt for every payment.

Long stays: go monthly

If you are home for a month or more, a monthly car rental usually works out much cheaper per day than daily bookings. You can choose:

• With a driver: ideal if you have a busy family schedule and do not want to drive.
• Self drive: the lowest cost per day, if you are comfortable with Lahore traffic.

Weddings and family events

Many overseas visits are planned around a wedding. Plan three things early:

• A decorated car for the couple. See wedding car rental.
• Matching cars for close family on the main days.
• A van or coaster for guests and elders between homes, venues and guest houses. See van and coaster rental.

Trips to your home town and beyond

Overseas families often combine Lahore with a visit to the family village or another city. A car with a driver makes one way and return trips easy, whether it is Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan or a summer week in the northern areas.

Driving in Lahore after years abroad

If you plan to drive yourself, give yourself a day or two to adjust:

• Pakistan drives on the left, with right-hand drive cars.
• Traffic is dense and fluid. Motorbikes and rickshaws use every gap, and indicators are not always used.
• E-challans: Safe City cameras record signal and speed violations, and fines on a rental come back to you.
• Motorways are different: the M-2 and other motorways are well policed, with strict speed limits and lane rules.

A good approach is to take a driver for the first few days and switch to self drive later. Our self drive vs driver guide helps you decide.

Comfort and safety tips

• Child seats: if you need one, ask when you book.
• Local SIM: get one at the airport or in the city so the driver can reach you.
• Share the trip: send the driver’s details and your plans to family.
• Keep cash for small costs like parking and tolls on the way.

Quick checklist

• Dates, flight number and number of suitcases sent on WhatsApp
• Written quote received and confirmed
• NICOP or CNIC, passport, licence and IDP packed
• Advance paid and receipt saved
• Driver’s name and number saved in your phone

Ready to plan? Get a quote or message us on WhatsApp from wherever you are.