Cheap Flights to Lahore (LHE)

Searching for flights to Lahore?

Pakistan’s second-largest city is also its cultural capital, and is so old that its origins are a mystery. One thing that’s certain is that with affordable flights to Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, there’s never been a better time for British travellers to explore this spellbinding metropolis. Once the crown jewel of the lavish Mughal Empire, the city is renowned for its beautiful gardens, temples and mosques, as well as for its connection with the arts – it has long been a haven for artists, writers and lovers of Punjabi culture. Nowadays, it’s also regarded as a central player in Pakistan’s booming film industry. Expect chic and sophisticated film-star elegance along with remarkable architecture and some of Pakistan’s most exotic street food.

When should I travel to Lahore?

Lahore is full of energy all year round, and in keeping with its reputation as a cultural hub there’s usually a festival to tempt travellers in every season. That said, temperatures can climb quite high in the summer, and monsoon season is heaviest from July to September, so these months might be better avoided. Temperatures in late winter and spring are usually mild, and the colourful festival of Basant in February is a major draw. Fares remain fairly stable throughout the year – if price is a priority, try to book well in advance, when cheap tickets to Lahore are most readily available.

Where can I fly to Lahore from?

With a large Pakistani community resident in Britain, it’s no surprise that cheap flights to Lahore from the UK are easy to come by. Multiple stopover flights are available from the capital – British Airways fly from Heathrow with a layover in Doha, for example, while Emirates fly from Gatwick with a stop in Dubai. Emirates also offer one-stop flights from Manchester and Birmingham, as do Turkish Airlines. Scottish travellers can take the Emirates flight from Glasgow, which stops off in Dubai.

Getting from the airport to the city centre

Allama Iqbal International Airport sits about 11 miles from Lahore’s city centre. The sprawling airport can be overwhelming for new arrivals, with many touts offering to provide onward transport, so it’s a good idea to pre-book an airport taxi or shuttle. The B8 and B28 public bus routes serve the airport, but journey times can be unpredictable at peak hours. Otherwise, taxis from the terminal should cost around 1,000 rupees to the old town; be sure to agree the rate in advance.

Exploring the beauty of Lahore

Lahore is centred around the hustle and bustle of the Walled or Inner City, a remarkably well-preserved quarter that’s one of the world’s oldest urban settlements. Visit the sandstone Badshahi Mosque – once the world’s largest mosque, this 17th-century wonder shows off all the majesty of the Mughal era. Afterwards, marvel at the beauty of Lahore Fort before seeking out the Shalimar Gardens – both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and catapulting yourself into the present day with a saunter down Gawalmandi Food Street. Just make sure your belly is empty beforehand!