The main commercial district of Islamabad along Jinnah Avenue, with offices, restaurants, and Centaurus Mall.

About Islamabad City Centre (Blue Area)

Islamabad's Blue Area is the city's main commercial boulevard, a wide avenue (Jinnah Avenue) lined with office towers, banks, shopping plazas, and restaurants that serves as the capital's central business district. Unlike Pakistan's chaotic older cities, Islamabad was purpose-built as the capital in the 1960s on a grid system, resulting in organized sectors, broad tree-lined streets, and a distinctly calm atmosphere.

The Blue Area connects to the key government sector housing the Parliament House, Prime Minister's Secretariat, and the Supreme Court. The Pakistan Monument, a striking lotus-shaped structure on Shakarparian Hill, offers panoramic views. Nearby, the Lok Virsa Museum showcases Pakistan's rich cultural heritage from all four provinces.

Islamabad's most defining feature is the Margalla Hills, a forested mountain range forming the city's northern boundary. The Faisal Mosque—one of the world's largest mosques, with its dramatic tent-like design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay—sits at the base of the hills. The city's F-6, F-7, and F-10 sectors house the best restaurants and markets.

Nearby Landmarks

Faisal Mosque Pakistan Monument Lok Virsa Museum Daman-e-Koh viewpoint Parliament

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 2000-4000 PKR (~$7-14)
Time 30-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 1500-2500 PKR (~$5-9)
Time 30-50 minutes

Terminal arrivals, designated pickup area

Step-by-Step Directions

Use Careem or InDriver from airport directly. Metro bus requires reaching the nearest station first.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 2000-4000 PKR (~$7-14) 30-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 1500-2500 PKR (~$5-9) 30-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis and Careem (ride-hailing app) operate 24/7. A nighttime ride to the Blue Area costs PKR 2,500-3,500 ($9-12). There are no public buses from the airport at night. Islamabad is generally safe at night, and the Blue Area has late-night restaurants and chai stalls.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis have trunk space for luggage. If taking a metrobus or public bus later, luggage space is very limited. Islamabad's wide streets are easy for rolling luggage. Hotels in the Blue Area and nearby F-sectors have vehicle drive-up access.

Accessibility

Islamabad International Airport is modern with wheelchair assistance (request through airline). Taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. Islamabad's wide, flat streets are more wheelchair-friendly than most Pakistani cities. The Pakistan Monument has ramp access. Faisal Mosque's main prayer hall is accessible.