How do you get from Islamabad to Murree?
The most practical way to get from Islamabad to Murree is by private car — 55km via the Murree Expressway (N-75), approximately 1 hour in normal traffic. Bus services (Daewoo, Faisal Movers, Skyways) connect Islamabad's various points to Murree with fares of approximately PKR 200–500 per person. For Bhurban specifically (where Himalaya Villas & Resorts is located), private car is the recommended option: 47km, approximately 45 minutes. Public buses do not serve Bhurban directly — they stop in Murree town, requiring an additional local transport arrangement.
Islamabad to Murree — Complete Travel Guide 2026
The Islamabad to Murree journey is one of the most well-travelled weekend routes in Pakistan. On a Friday evening in summer, the Murree Expressway carries a significant proportion of Islamabad's weekend tourism traffic — families, groups, and individuals all making the same 55-kilometre journey to the hill station.
This guide covers every aspect of the journey: by private car, by bus, by taxi, and the specific considerations for guests travelling to Bhurban and Himalaya Villas & Resorts rather than Murree town.
What is the fastest route from Islamabad to Murree by car?
The fastest route from Islamabad to Murree is the Murree Expressway (N-75). From Islamabad, join the Expressway at the Faizabad interchange or the Islamabad Expressway, heading northeast. The Expressway runs approximately 42km to the Murree interchange. From the interchange, continue on the Murree main road approximately 8–10km to Mall Road. Total distance to Murree Mall Road: approximately 55km. Normal traffic time: 55–70 minutes. For Bhurban specifically, exit the Murree road at the Bhurban turnoff — total distance from Islamabad: 47km, approximately 45 minutes.
By Private Car — The Recommended Route
Route Step-by-Step (Islamabad to Bhurban)
Begin at Islamabad — join the Murree Expressway (N-75) heading northeast
Follow the Expressway for approximately 40km — the road climbs gradually into the Murree hills
Reach the Murree interchange — do NOT exit for Murree town if your destination is Bhurban
Continue on the Bhurban road (signposted) — the Bhurban turnoff is before Murree town
Follow the Bhurban road 7km to Bhurban — past PC Hotel Bhurban, Himalaya Villas is 0.5km further on the right
Route Variant
| Route | Distance | Normal Traffic Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to Murree Mall Road | 55km | 55–70 min | Via Murree Expressway |
| Islamabad to Bhurban | 47km | 45–55 min | Take Bhurban turnoff before Murree town |
| Rawalpindi (Saddar) to Murree | 47km | 45–60 min | Via Rawalpindi-Murree Road (join Expressway) |
| Rawalpindi to Bhurban | 38km | 38–50 min | Shorter than from Islamabad city centre |
| Islamabad Airport to Bhurban | 60km | 55–65 min | Direct after arriving — under 1 hour |
Traffic and Timing — When to Leave
Traffic on the Islamabad–Murree route follows predictable patterns:
Friday evening (5pm–8pm): highest outbound traffic of the week in summer and Eid. Add 20–40 minutes to normal travel time. Recommended: leave Islamabad before 4:30pm or after 8pm on Friday evenings.
Saturday and Sunday morning: moderate traffic outbound until 10am, then building. Guests who are already at Bhurban are unaffected by this.
Sunday evening (4pm–8pm): heaviest return traffic. The expressway inbound can be slow for 30–45 additional minutes. Guests leaving Bhurban on Sunday should plan for this window.
Weekdays: light traffic in both directions. A Tuesday morning departure from Islamabad reaches Bhurban in 40–45 minutes.
Eid period: plan for 2–3 hours on peak Eid travel days. Early morning (before 8am) or late evening (after 9pm) departures are the practical strategies.
By Bus — Islamabad to Murree
Several bus services operate between Islamabad and Murree town. These are not coach buses — they are shared minibuses and larger buses that depart from specific points in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Main Bus Services
| Service | Fare (approx) | Departure Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daewoo Express | PKR 300–450 | Rawalpindi General Bus Stand | Coach-style, most comfortable |
| Faisal Movers | PKR 250–400 | Rawalpindi area | Regular departures |
| Skyways | PKR 200–350 | Rawalpindi | Budget option |
| Local minibus | PKR 100–200 | Committee Chowk, Rawalpindi | Frequent but less comfortable |
Do buses go directly to Bhurban from Islamabad?
No direct bus service operates to Bhurban from Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Bus services terminate at Murree town (Mall Road). From Murree, a local taxi or shared vehicle is required for the 11km journey to Bhurban, at an additional cost of approximately PKR 300–500. For guests staying at Himalaya Villas, private car or taxi from Islamabad is the practical approach — the property can provide driver recommendations for guests who need transport arrangements.
By Taxi / Ride-Hailing
Uber and Careem operate in Islamabad and can be booked for the Murree or Bhurban journey. Inter-city rates apply — typically PKR 2,500–4,500 one way depending on vehicle type and surge pricing. The advantage over a bus: door-to-door delivery including to Bhurban directly. The disadvantage: the return journey requires a separate booking or the driver waits at an additional cost.
For families or groups travelling together, hiring a private driver for the weekend (pick-up Friday, drop-off Sunday) at a fixed rate is often more practical. Himalaya Villas can provide driver recommendations for booked guests via WhatsApp.
Road Conditions by Season
Summer (June–August): the Murree Expressway is fully operational. Peak traffic on the approach is the primary concern rather than road condition.
Monsoon (July–August): occasional landslides can temporarily close sections of the old Murree Road (the lower route via Rawalpindi-Murree Road). The Expressway is generally unaffected. Heavy continuous rainfall can cause brief delays — check PTDC advisories.
Winter (November–March): the Expressway and Bhurban road are generally clear in normal winter conditions. Heavy snowfall (January–February) can temporarily close the Bhurban mountain road section for 4–8 hours while clearing operations proceed. Himalaya Villas provides road condition updates to booked guests during snowfall events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Islamabad to Murree?
In normal traffic (weekdays, early morning weekends), the drive from Islamabad to Murree Mall Road takes 55–70 minutes (55km via Expressway). To Bhurban specifically: 45–55 minutes (47km). Add 20–40 minutes on Friday evenings in summer and Eid periods.
Is the Murree Expressway safe at night?
Yes. The Murree Expressway is a national highway and is patrolled and lit on the main sections. Reduced speed is advised on the mountain sections near Murree and on the Bhurban road. In winter snowfall conditions, night driving requires caution — chains may be needed on the Bhurban road section.
Can I take Careem or Uber from Islamabad to Bhurban?
Yes. Careem and Uber operate inter-city rides from Islamabad to Bhurban. Book in advance for peak season or Eid periods when demand is high. Expect PKR 2,500–4,500 depending on vehicle type and time. The property address for navigation: Himalaya Villas & Resorts, Mohra Iswal, Bhurban, Murree.
How to Book
Book Your Bhurban Stay Before You Drive
Contact Himalaya Villas & Resorts directly for availability, pricing, and exclusive-use bookings.
Book Your StayDirect bookings receive the best available rate and priority response.