The road from Islamabad to Murree is one of the most-driven hill routes in all of Pakistan — and also one of the most misunderstood. Pakistanis who have made the trip a dozen times still arrive hours late because they underestimate weekend traffic. First-timers often take wrong turns at Bhara Kahu, end up on the old GT Road, and wonder why the journey is taking so long. This guide fixes both problems: it gives you the complete picture of every route, every timing window, and every trick that the locals who drive this road every week have quietly figured out.
Route 1 — The Murree Expressway (E-75)
The Murree Expressway, also designated E-75, is the standard route and the one Google Maps will give you. It is a dual-carriageway that begins effectively at the Faizabad interchange in Islamabad, runs northeast past Bhara Kahu, climbs through Kuldana and Jhika Gali, and deposits you onto Murree's Mall Road.
Murree Expressway (E-75)
"The fastest road when it's clear — the most frustrating when it isn't."
Starting from Faizabad interchange in Islamabad, follow signs toward Murree / Expressway. The road climbs continuously once past Bhara Kahu. You will pass through Kuldana (roughly 10 km before Murree) and Jhika Gali before reaching the town. Petrol stations exist at Bhara Kahu and at the base of the climb — fill up here, as there are no reliable fuel stops on the expressway itself.
Key Stops on the Expressway Route
- Bhara Kahu — Toll plaza and last major petrol stop. Also has roadside dhabas for quick chai before the climb.
- Kuldana — A scenic viewpoint opens up on the right side of the road; worth a 5-minute stop if not rushing.
- Jhika Gali — Intersection where the road narrows. Traffic from Nathiagali and Ayubia merges here. Patience required.
- Kashmir Point turnoff — If your hotel is near Kashmir Point, take the left fork before entering town to avoid the Mall Road crowd.
Route 2 — Via Tret (Rawalpindi Bypass)
The Tret route is the road that Murree locals use when they see the expressway is backed up. It adds roughly 15–20 km to your journey but bypasses the infamous Jhika Gali bottleneck entirely, entering Murree from a different angle. Most visitors have never heard of it — which is precisely why it works.
Via Tret — The Local's Shortcut
"When the expressway turns into a car park, Tret is your exit."
From Rawalpindi's Faizabad or Saddar area, head toward Mandra, then follow signs for Tret and Murree. The road is narrower and more winding than the expressway, but it bypasses the Jhika Gali merge point entirely. You re-join the main Murree road close to town. Road condition is generally good in summer but can deteriorate in heavy rain or winter snow — check conditions before using this route after November.
Via Kohala Bridge (Coming from North)
"If you're coming from Abbottabad, Naran, or KPK — this is your entry point."
If you are completing a northern Pakistan trip and heading to Murree as a last stop before Islamabad, the Kohala Bridge route offers the most scenic descent. The road crosses the Jhelum River at Kohala, winds up through Murree's back-end forests, and enters the town from the Pindi Point side. This route is not recommended for a straight Islamabad–Murree day trip but is excellent for those approaching from Abbottabad or Naran-Kaghan.
The Timing Question — When Should You Leave?
Timing is everything on the Islamabad–Murree road. The same 64-kilometre journey can take 90 minutes or 5 hours depending entirely on when you leave. Here is the pattern that holds true across every summer weekend.
The single most common mistake: leaving Islamabad between 10 AM and 2 PM on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in June, July, or August. This is peak congestion time. Queues often form from Bhara Kahu onwards. Plan departures before 8 AM or after 8 PM on these days.
Traffic Windows at a Glance
| Departure Time | Day Type | Expected Travel Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 AM – 8 AM | Any day | 75–90 min | Best Window |
| 8 AM – 11 AM | Weekday | 90–120 min | Good |
| 10 AM – 3 PM | Weekend / Holiday | 3–5 hours | Avoid |
| 3 PM – 6 PM | Weekday | 90–150 min | Acceptable |
| After 8 PM | Any day | 75–100 min | Excellent |
Murree Heights Insider Tip: If you are staying at Murree Heights, message us before you leave. We actively monitor road conditions and will tell you in real-time whether to depart now, wait an hour, or take the Tret bypass. It's a free service for all confirmed bookings — and it has saved our guests hours of frustration.
Practical Road Tips for the Drive
Fuel Up Before You Climb
The last reliable petrol stations are at Bhara Kahu. The climb from Bhara Kahu to Murree has no fuel stops, and during peak congestion you may find yourself stationary for long stretches. Do not begin the climb with under a quarter tank.
Winter and Snow Conditions
Between November and February, the Murree Expressway is subject to snow closure. When more than 6–8 inches of snow falls in 24 hours, Punjab's Highway Patrol implements one-way traffic management or full road closure. Always check Punjab Traffic Police Twitter/X (@LHR_SafeCity or @PunjabPoliceEng) before a winter trip. If you are caught in a snow closure, do not abandon your vehicle on the road — it creates problems for clearance teams and you may face a challan.
Tyre and Brake Check
The Murree road is a sustained uphill climb. If your vehicle is older or you are not used to mountain driving, have your brakes and tyres checked in Islamabad before departure. The return descent is particularly demanding on brakes — use engine braking (lower gears) rather than riding the brake pedal continuously.
Overtaking Rules
Overtaking on the expressway's mountain sections is extremely dangerous. Yellow lines mark no-overtaking zones — respect them. The Jhika Gali area has historically seen accidents caused by impatient overtaking on blind corners. The road is busy enough; patience saves lives.
One-Way Traffic Management
On major holidays (Eid, Independence Day, public long weekends), Punjab police implements One-Way traffic: all lanes in one direction for a period, then reversed. Check before you depart. The helpline is 1915 (Punjab Emergency / Traffic Police).
The Islamabad–Murree road is not a long drive. It is a short drive that can become a very long wait. Leave early, carry snacks, and keep your phone charged — those are the three rules that solve ninety percent of the problems.
— Murree Heights Travel TeamPublic Transport Options
Coaster Vans from Pirwadhai & Faizabad
Public coaster vans (18-seater minibuses) run a frequent, informal service from Pirwadhai Bus Terminal in Rawalpindi and from the Faizabad interchange area in Islamabad. Fare is approximately PKR 120–200 per seat, and vans depart when full — usually every 20–40 minutes on peak days. Journey time is exactly the same as driving yourself because the vans use the same road.
Daewoo and Coach Services
Limited AC coach services connect Rawalpindi to Murree, though schedules are less frequent than major intercity routes. Check the Daewoo terminal in Rawalpindi for current timings. These are more comfortable than coasters but offer less flexibility on departure times.
Ride-Hailing (InDrive / Careem)
InDrive and Careem operate in Islamabad and can take you to Murree with advance booking, though surge pricing applies on peak days. Budget PKR 2,500–4,500 for a one-way trip depending on vehicle type and traffic. Book the night before on long weekends to lock in a rate.
Book Your Murree Stay Before the Drive
Arriving without a confirmed booking on a summer weekend means scrambling from hotel to hotel on a crowded Mall Road. Murree Heights on Cart Road offers verified luxury rooms — book direct and avoid the chaos.