This Islamabad travel cost guide breaks down the typical expenses you can expect when visiting Islamabad, making it easier to plan a fun and affordable trip. Our Islamabad trip cost calculator includes average spending data from thousands of travelers, including hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, entertainment, and transportation. Islamabad is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, so don't miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Islamabad?
A typical traveler spends $52 (P₨14,543) per day on a trip to Islamabad. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Islamabad based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $26 (P₨7,143) on meals
- $7.65 (P₨2,129) on local transportation
- $41 (P₨11,357) on hotels
A one-week trip to Islamabad for two people costs, on average, $732 (P₨203,602). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Islamabad expensive to visit?
In Islamabad, budget travelers spend $23 (P₨6,362) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $52 (P₨14,543) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $100 (P₨27,790) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Islamabad.
Islamabad is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Islamabad can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Islamabad is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Islamabad Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Islamabad?
The average Islamabad trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Islamabad travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Islamabad cost?
Islamabad on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9
(P₨2,484)
|
$20
(P₨5,679)
|
$39
(P₨10,851)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$3
(P₨931)
|
$8
(P₨2,129)
|
$15
(P₨4,068)
|
|
Food2
|
$11
(P₨3,125)
|
$26
(P₨7,143)
|
$49
(P₨13,649)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(P₨1,150)
|
$9
(P₨2,629)
|
$18
(P₨5,023)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-2
(P₨175-525)
|
$1-4
(P₨400-1,200)
|
$3-8
(P₨764-2,293)
|
Accommodation Budget in Islamabad
Islamabad offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $79, but during peak season, they can average $147. Prices range from $39 to $465, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Islamabad for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $41 (P₨11,357). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $20 (P₨5,679) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Islamabad
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $7.65 (P₨2,129) per person, per day, on local transportation in Islamabad. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Islamabad is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.65
P₨2,129
Islamabad International Airport is the main international airport of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area and suburbs, and the largest airport in Pakistan by passenger capacity. It is served by many airlines including Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Airblue, Emirates, and many others.
The city is also served by two major railway stations: Islamabad Railway Station (also called Margala) and Rawalpindi Railway Station in the neighboring city of Rawalpindi.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Islamabad Airport Transfers for $54 details
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival for $55 details
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures for $55 details
How much does it cost to go to Islamabad? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Islamabad will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Islamabad
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Islamabad can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Islamabad is $26 (P₨7,143) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$26
P₨7,143
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Islamabad is around $26 (P₨7143) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $49. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Islamabad are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $8 to $18
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Cuisine of Pakistan largely revolves around kebabs served with rice or flatbreads. Kebabs are cooked meat dishes that can vary with different kinds of beef, lamb, and chicken all seasoned with herbs and spices. There are also a variety of flatbreads, usually referred to as naan, which are commonly used to pick up and eat liquid foods as utensils are not commonly used with meals in Pakistan. Other popular Pakistani specialties include a whole roasted chicken called charga, a seasoned chicken and rice dish called biryani, a spicy barbequed chicken called chicken tikka, a thick stew-like mix of meat, lentils, and wheat grains called haleem, and a thick gravy made from local spices and either chicken or beef called nihari. A vegetarian soup called daal is also common as are black and green teas. Flavored with cardamom and a lot of sugar, tea is referred to as chai in Pakistan. As a metropolitan city, Islamabad will have a full range of these traditional dishes as well as a variety of American, European, and British restaurants.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Islamabad
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Islamabad typically cost an average of $9.45 (P₨2,629) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.45
P₨2,629
The best of Islamabad is to be had looking out to the beautiful scenery and green spaces that are abundant in and around the city. Serving as the backdrop to the north, for example, are the Margalla Hills within Margalla Hills National Park. Foothills to the Himalayas, these tree-covered mountains provide access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife. Also in these hills is Daman-e-Koh, a viewing point and hilltop garden with sweeping views of the city, Faisal Mosque, and Rawal Lake.
The Mosque is an iconic landmark of the city, featuring a contemporary design inspired by a Bedouin tent, built in 1987. The lake is another opportunity to experience Islamabad's plentiful green space, supplying water to Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi, while also providing a scenic location for picnics, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing.
At the very center of the city, Shakarparian National Park offers additional respite. Not only is it a lush green hill, but it is also site to the National Star and Crescent Monument, representing Pakistan's flag. Nearby, visitors can also see the Lok Virsa Museum, which preserves the folk and traditional cultural legacies of Pakistan with displays of embroidered costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, woodwork, utensils and many more artifacts of folkloric significance.
Islamabad's many green spaces and unique scenery make it a great location to enjoy the outdoors. The wide range of activities includes things like hiking, rock climbing, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, boating, paragliding, and much more. Visitors can also stop at the Islamabad Zoo, which houses more than 300 animals. There are many parks and overlooks worth exploring, as well as mosques, shrines, and monuments to admire throughout the city.
While the Lok Virsa Museum is the most popular museum as far as local history goes, other popular museums of Islamabad include Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, National Art Museum, and many additional privately owned galleries.
A nice way to explore destinations in Islamabad is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour for $120 details
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour for $85 details
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad for $120 details
Nightlife Budget in Islamabad
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $2.88 (P₨800) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Islamabad per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$2.88
P₨800
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 29, 2026
Traveling in Islamabad
Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
Neighborhoods & Around
Greater Islamabad is generally divided into eight zones: Administrative Zone, Commercial District, Educational Sector, Industrial Sector, Diplomatic Enclave, Residential Areas, Rural Areas, and Green Area. The city itself, however, consists of five zones all named by number. Zones I and II are both residential sectors - I is developed, and II is under-developed. Zone III encompasses the Margalla Hills and Margalla Hills National Park, as well as Rawal Lake. Zones IV and V consist of Islamabad Park and rural areas of the city, with Zone V being the largest of the sectors. The hub of activity is concentrated largely in Zone I, radiating outwards into Zone III. To the south of Islamabad is the sister city of Rawalpindi, which operates independently. Islamabad is the center of all governmental activities, while Rawalpindi is the hub for industrial, commercial, and military activities.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Islamabad without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $23 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Islamabad is packed with plenty of hostels, including Coyote Den Travelers Hostel Islamabad, The Nomad’s Hostel – Islamabad, and The Happy Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Islamabad. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $52 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $100. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Islamabad Offbeat, Private City Tour Islamabad - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
