The main thoroughfare of Lahore with the Punjab Assembly, Lahore Museum, and Anarkali Bazaar.

About Lahore City Centre (Mall Road)

Mall Road (now officially Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam) is Lahore's grand colonial boulevard stretching from the Old City walls to the upscale areas of the Cantonment. Lined with colonial-era buildings, including the Gothic-revival Lahore High Court, the University of the Punjab, and the Lahore Museum (home to the famous Fasting Buddha sculpture), the road serves as both a historical corridor and a thriving commercial street.

Mall Road connects travelers to Lahore's key cultural institutions and landmarks. The Lahore Museum, directly on the boulevard, houses one of Pakistan's finest collections of Gandhara art, Mughal miniatures, and contemporary Pakistani painting. The Zamzama cannon (immortalized in Kipling's "Kim") sits outside. Nearby, the WAPDA House and Aitchison College showcase the city's colonial heritage.

The boulevard transitions from the commercial intensity near the Old City — where it meets the Anarkali Bazaar, one of South Asia's oldest markets — to the tree-lined elegance of the cantonment area with its clubs, officers' mess halls, and colonial-era bungalows. This duality captures Lahore's essence: a city where Mughal grandeur, British colonial architecture, and modern Pakistani energy coexist.

Nearby Landmarks

Lahore Museum Anarkali Bazaar Lahore High Court University of the Punjab

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 1000-2000 PKR (~$4-7)
Time 25-40 minutes

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 500-1000 PKR (~$2-4)
Time 25-40 minutes

Outside arrivals hall

Train (Lahore Orange Line Metro)

Cost 40 PKR
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Ride-hailing apps (Careem or InDriver) recommended from airport. Orange Line Metro station is walkable from the airport for budget travelers.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 1000-2000 PKR (~$4-7) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 500-1000 PKR (~$2-4) 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train 40 PKR 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and ride-hailing services (Careem and inDrive are popular in Lahore) operate 24 hours. Airport taxis are available at the arrivals exit at fixed rates. After midnight, street traffic diminishes significantly and the journey time drops to 15-20 minutes. The Orange Line Metro runs until about 10:00 PM. Lahore's food streets, particularly the Old City's Gawalmandi, serve food until late into the night.

Luggage Tips

Lahore taxis can handle standard luggage, but three-wheelers (rickshaws) struggle with more than one bag. For multiple large bags, insist on a full-size taxi or use a ride-hailing service. Mall Road hotels typically have drive-up access. If exploring Anarkali Bazaar, leave large bags at the hotel as the market streets are narrow and extremely crowded.

Accessibility

Lahore's infrastructure for wheelchair users is limited. Sidewalks along Mall Road are often uneven, obstructed, or absent. The Orange Line Metro is modern and accessible with elevators at stations. Major hotels have accessible rooms, but budget accommodations rarely do. The Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque have some ramps but many areas require stairs. Hiring a private vehicle with driver is the most practical option.