Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the main airport for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It opened in May 2018 near Fateh Jang and took over from the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport. This guide gives you the practical details for 2026 and 2027: where the airport is, how to reach it, when to arrive and where to park. You can leave home with a clear idea of timing and avoid last-minute stress at the gate. For other cities, see our Pakistan airports guide.
Islamabad International Airport Location and Quick Facts
Where is the airport?
The airport is in Fateh Jang, Attock District, Punjab, near the Kashmir Highway and the Motorway interchange. It is about 25 km from Islamabad’s Zero Point and from Rawalpindi’s Saddar. Knowing this helps you choose the right time to leave home and pick the best road for your area. If you are flying from another city, open our airport pages for Pakistan.
Quick facts
- Name: Islamabad International Airport
- Codes: IATA ISB, ICAO OPIS
- Opened: May 2018
- Location: Fateh Jang, Attock District, Punjab
- Distance: about 25 km from Zero Point and Saddar
- Terminal: international and domestic concourses
- Land area: 3,242 acres
- Replaced: Benazir Bhutto International Airport
- Special feature: air bridge that can handle the Airbus A380
ISB Airport Terminal and Facilities
The airport has an international concourse and a domestic concourse. Both sides have check-in counters, security screening and waiting halls. The layout is simple for first-time flyers, and signs point you to your airline desk.
Food, shops and Wi-Fi
The departure areas have duty-free shops, a food court, coffee shops and gift stores. Free Wi-Fi is reported inside the terminal. Several banks also run ATMs inside the building. You can pick up cash, snacks and gifts before boarding.
Help for elders and special needs
The airport offers help for elderly passengers and people with special needs. Tell your airline when you book, so staff are ready for you at check-in.
Islamabad Airport to City: Taxi, Metro and Pick-up
The airport is outside the city, so pick your ride before you land. Travel time is usually about 30 minutes in normal traffic, but a fixed plan for pick-up saves you waiting time after a long flight. If you are still choosing a flight, you can book a flight online first and sort the ride later.
Taxi
Official taxis wait outside the main terminal. Agree on the fare before you sit in, or ask for the metercurrent fare system]. A taxi is the easiest choice with heavy bags and works for late-night arrivals.
Metro
A metro link connects the airport side with the Peshawar Mor area, where you can switch to the wider metro bus network. It is a low-cost choice for daytime arrivals. Some flights land very early or very late when the metro may not run, so keep a taxi as backup.
Quick look at ways to reach the airport
| Option | Best for | Short note |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | Late flights, heavy bags | Official taxis wait outside the main terminal |
| Metro / Orange Line | Daytime, low cost | Fare and timings change; check before you go |
| Private car | Families, groups | Short and long-term parking bays are marked |
| Hotel or pre-booked car | Early morning flights | Rate is fixed before you travel |
Check-in Time, Baggage and Immigration
For international flights, reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure For domestic flights, 2 hours is a safe margin. Early arrival keeps your morning calm, because entry security, baggage screening, check-in and immigration all take time.
Carry your passport, a visa where your destination needs one, and your ticket or booking reference. Check your flight status with your airline on the day, so you know about delays before you leave home.
Islamabad Airport Parking, Drop-off and Pick-up
The airport has short-term and long-term parking, with bays marked for each [CONFIRM rates and payment method]. Short-term parking is quick for drop-offs and pick-ups. Long-term parking suits you if you are away for several days. Roads can be busy in holiday weeks, so leave early.
Flights from Islamabad International Airport: Popular Routes
Schedules change by season, so check 2026 and 2027 timetables before you buy a ticket.
Domestic routes
Popular domestic routes include Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Sukkur, Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral. Northern routes like Skardu and Gilgit can change with the weather, so check with your airline before you leave. You can search domestic flight tickets and choose the date that fits your plan.
International routes
Popular international routes include Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Many families fly to the Gulf and the UK, so book early for Eid and school holidays. See international flights from Islamabad and pick the time that suits you.
Simple Tips for Your Next ISB Trip
Keep your passport and printed or saved ticket in one bag, so you clear check-in faster. Charge your phone before you leave and carry a small power bank. Keep some cash for the ride home. If you are new to flying, read a few more airport pages on Trips.pk to know what to expect at other airports too.
Book Your Flight on Trips.pk
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Islamabad Airport code?
The IATA code for Islamabad International Airport is ISB, and the ICAO code is OPIS. Use ISB when you search and book flights, and match it with your ticket to avoid wrong-airport mistakes.
Where is Islamabad International Airport located?
The airport is about 25 km south-west of Islamabad and serves both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It connects to the capital by Srinagar Highway and links to the Lahore and Peshawar motorways. Leave extra time for road traffic, and you get a calm start to your trip.
Is Benazir Bhutto International Airport the same as Islamabad International Airport?
No. Islamabad International Airport opened in 2018 and replaced the older Benazir Bhutto International Airport at Chaklala in Rawalpindi, and the ISB code moved to the new airport. Booking pages and old guides may still show the old name, so check your ticket to go to the right airport.
How can I get from Islamabad Airport to the city?
You can take a taxi, a ride-hailing service, a private car or a pickup arranged by your hotel. A metro bus line also runs from the airport to Peshawar Mor, where you can connect to the Islamabad and Rawalpindi metro bus network. Choose your transport before you land, and you get a clear plan for the last part of your trip.
How early should I arrive at Islamabad Airport?
Follow the check-in time on your ticket or your airline’s message first. As a guide, travellers often arrive about 1.5 to 2 hours before a domestic flight and around 4 hours before an international one. Arriving early gives you time for check-in and security without rushing.