Rent a Car from Islamabad to Abbottabad with a Driver
Hire a car with a professional driver from Islamabad to Abbottabad, one-way or return. The Hazara Motorway journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Pickups also cover Rawalpindi and Abbottabad, for PMA Kakul, Ayub Teaching Hospital, family visits and Galyat outings. Send both addresses, dates and the hill stops you want.
Hazara Motorway route
The direct route follows the M-1 to Burhan near Hasan Abdal, then the M-15 past Haripur and Havelian. Burhan is about 58 km from Islamabad. The motorway skirts Haripur and uses tunnels past Abbottabad. Another approach reaches Chechiyan near Haripur through Taxila and the N-125 via Khanpur. The driver suggests the route for the traffic that day.
N-35 through Haripur and Havelian
The older N-35 route runs from Hasan Abdal through Haripur and Havelian. It suits a journey with stops in those towns, with heavier traffic leaving Islamabad. Shah Maqsood and Havelian interchanges connect it to the M-15, so a return journey can use different roads.
Murree and Nathia Gali hill road
The Galyat road passes Murree, Changla Gali, Ayubia and Dunga Gali before Nathia Gali, at about 2,410 metres. Murree to Nathia Gali is about 35 km and 1.5 to 2 hours; the final descent to Abbottabad takes around an hour. Heavy snow in December and January can block this road. Share winter dates so the car and route fit the conditions.
Kakul, hospitals and schools
PMA Kakul is about 8 km north-east of Abbottabad. Parking restrictions around parade days call for an early start and a planned drop point. Other destinations include Ayub Medical College, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Army Burn Hall College and Abbottabad Public School. Send the appointment or event time when booking.
Outings from Abbottabad
Shimla Hill overlooks the valley; Ilyasi Mosque is at Nawan Shehr. Harnoi is about 10 km north-east on the Nathia Gali road. Thandiani is roughly 30 km east, at about 2,800 metres. July and August bring the heaviest rain, so allow extra time for hill drives.
Return and onward journeys
The return can end in Islamabad, Rawalpindi or Islamabad International Airport, which connects directly to the M-1. North of Abbottabad, the motorway reaches Mansehra for Balakot and the Kaghan valley. Peshawar is about 190 to 200 km away, under three hours, via Burhan without returning through Islamabad.
A car for your route
A Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic suits the motorway and town. A saloon on the Galyat road or Thandiani depends on the route and season. A Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser suits family hill trips with luggage. For a larger party, the Grand Cabin and Coaster have different layouts to confirm.
Islamabad to Abbottabad: three ways to drive it
| Way | Roads | Distance | Usual drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazara Motorway | M-1 to the Burhan interchange, then the M-15 | About 134 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | Quickest; skirts Haripur, tunnels at Abbottabad |
| Old road | N-35 via Hasan Abdal, Haripur and Havelian | About 120 km | About 2 hours | Busy leaving Islamabad, quieter after Haripur |
| Hill road | Murree, the Galyat and Nathia Gali | Nathia Gali to Abbottabad about 34 km | A day out rather than a transfer | Heavy snow possible in December and January |
Cars for the trip
Questions people ask
How long is the drive to Abbottabad?
About 1.5 to 2 hours by the 134 km motorway route. The old N-35 is about 120 km and takes around two hours. Allow more time for rush hour or a Kakul parade.
Can I book a same-day return?
Yes. Allow roughly two hours each way, with the car and driver waiting in Abbottabad. Send your appointment and return time.
Can you collect me in Abbottabad for Islamabad airport?
Yes. Send your address and flight time. The airport connects to the M-1, so the journey can bypass Islamabad.
How is an Abbottabad trip priced?
Each journey is quoted per trip from your route, dates and car. The driver's meals and overnight stay are included. Motorway tolls are extra.
What payment methods can I use?
Cash, bank transfer, card or online payment. Businesses can ask for a monthly invoice for their trips.
What if I change my plans or the car develops a fault?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. A breakdown during the booking brings a replacement car.
Can I arrange a pickup at night?
Yes. We answer 24/7. Send the pickup address, time, passengers and bags.
Book your car
WhatsApp +92 311 2847167 with both addresses, your dates, passengers and preferred route.
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