Travel demand from Islamabad to Pakistan’s northern hill stations rose sharply in the first half of 2026. According to inDrive data, intercity rides increased 54% year-on-year during the period. Distance traveled on the platform also grew by 54%.
The increase came as families traveled during the summer break in June and July. Many travellers headed north to escape Islamabad’s summer heat. Murree, Nathia Gali, Abbottabad, Naran, Muzaffarabad, and Swat were among the busiest routes.
One-way fares from Islamabad also give travelers an estimate before they begin their trips. Average fares start at around PKR 4,000 for Murree. The estimated fare rises to about PKR 11,500 for Naran.
The data also shows growing interest in shared rides among families and groups. Shared rides accounted for 18.0% of completed trips in the first half of 2026. That compares with 14.9% during the same period last year.
The Islamabad to Murree route also follows a clear weekend travel pattern. Orders usually peak around 11 am on Saturdays. The trend reflects the weekly rush of visitors heading toward the hills.
Awais Saeed, Country Manager at inDrive Pakistan, said families are increasingly choosing the platform for its affordability. He also pointed to the convenience of traveling without handling fuel, parking, or hill traffic.
inDrive’s peer-to-peer pricing model remains another factor behind the trend. Passengers and drivers can agree on fares before the journey begins. This gives families more control over travel costs while keeping the service accessible.
The latest figures suggest northern travel remains a major part of Islamabad’s summer mobility demand. With shared rides also gaining ground, families appear more willing to choose planned travel options.
