If you are planning weekend road trips from Lahore, a self-drive rental car is the easiest way to do them properly. You set your own departure time, stop wherever the view looks good, and take the exact route you want — no negotiating with a driver, no fitting into someone else’s schedule. With a full weekend ahead and a reliable car, some of Punjab’s best destinations sit within a comfortable day’s drive of Lahore.
Here are five tried-and-tested weekend road trips from Lahore, what to expect on each route, and which rental car suits the journey.
Best Weekend Road Trips from Lahore: 5 Routes Worth the Drive
1. Lahore to Murree and the Galiyat (approx. 380 km one way)
The classic. Leave Lahore early on Saturday via the M-2 motorway, join the Islamabad–Murree expressway, and you can be having lunch on Mall Road by afternoon. The motorway stretch is smooth and well-maintained, so the drive is relaxed — the real driving starts on the climb from Islamabad to Murree, where the road twists through pine forest.
Murree works best as an overnight trip: explore Mall Road and Pindi Point on day one, drive up to Nathia Gali or Ayubia on day two, and head back Sunday evening. Traffic near Murree gets heavy on public holidays and in peak summer, so travelling on a regular weekend is smarter. A sedan like the Honda City or Toyota Yaris is ideal here — comfortable on the motorway and steady on the hill climb.
2. Katas Raj Temples, Chakwal (approx. 270 km one way)
One of the most underrated weekend road trips from Lahore. Katas Raj is an ancient Hindu temple complex built around a sacred pond in the Salt Range, about three and a half hours from Lahore via the M-2 and the Kallar Kahar interchange. The drive through the Salt Range foothills is scenic in its own right, especially in the winter months when the air is clear.
You can comfortably do Katas Raj as a long day trip, but staying overnight in Kallar Kahar or Chakwal makes it a proper weekend. Pair it with a stop at Kallar Kahar lake on the way back. Any of our rental cars handles this route easily — a Suzuki Cultus or Toyota Corolla Altis gives you extra boot space if the family is coming along.
3. Khewra Salt Mine (approx. 240 km one way)
The world’s second-largest salt mine makes a brilliant day trip. From Lahore, take the M-2 to the Lillah interchange and drive down to Khewra near Pind Dadan Khan. The guided tour inside the mine takes about 45 minutes, and the salt formations — including a miniature Badshahi Mosque carved from salt — are genuinely impressive.
Leave Lahore by 7 AM and you are back well before dinner, which makes Khewra one of the easiest weekend road trips from Lahore for families with kids. The route is almost entirely motorway and good dual carriageway. A compact, easy-to-park car like the Suzuki Alto is perfect if it is just a small group.
4. Head Marala and Sialkot (approx. 100–140 km one way)
If you want a shorter drive, Head Marala is barely an hour and a half from Lahore. The headworks on the Chenab River, surrounded by green fields, is a peaceful spot for a picnic — and the drive through the Gujranwala–Sialkot belt shows you a side of Punjab most Lahoris never see. Combine it with Sialkot’s old city and its famous sports-goods bazaars for a full day out.
This is a relaxed, low-mileage trip, so it is also a good first outing if you are new to self-drive rental. Any hatchback will do, and you will be home the same evening.
5. Rohtas Fort, Jhelum (approx. 160 km one way)
Built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, Rohtas Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most dramatic places within a weekend’s reach of Lahore. Take the GT Road or the motorway toward Jhelum, then follow the signs to the fort — the massive walls and twelve gates are best explored on foot, so plan for two to three hours inside.
Rohtas Fort pairs well with an overnight stop in Jhelum or a return via the Salt Range for a scenic loop. The roads are good throughout, and a Honda Civic or Corolla Altis makes the motorway stretches comfortable.
Which Self-Drive Rental Car Should You Take?
For weekend road trips from Lahore, match the car to the route. Long motorway drives to Murree or Katas Raj are best in a sedan — the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis all cruise comfortably at highway speed with room for luggage. Shorter day trips to Head Marala or Khewra work perfectly in a Suzuki Alto or Cultus, which are easy to park and light on fuel.
Not sure which sedan fits your group? Our Honda City vs Toyota Yaris comparison breaks down the two most popular choices, and our Alto vs Cultus guide covers the hatchbacks.
Road Trip Checklist Before You Leave Lahore
A weekend trip is only fun if the car is sorted before you roll out of Lahore. Run through our rental car inspection checklist at pickup — photos of the bodywork, tyre check, fuel level — so there are no surprises when you return. Keep your CNIC and driving licence with you, as explained in our documents guide, and let the rental team know your route when you book, especially for longer trips like Murree. For the full picture of how self-drive rental works, start with our complete self-drive car rental guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a self-drive rental car out of Lahore for a weekend trip?
Yes. Self-drive rentals can be taken out of the city. Just inform the rental team of your travel plan when booking, particularly for longer routes like Murree.
Which rental car is best for a Lahore to Murree road trip?
A sedan is the most comfortable choice for the motorway plus the hill climb — the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis all suit this route well.
How early should I leave Lahore for a weekend road trip?
For longer routes like Murree or Katas Raj, leaving between 5 and 7 AM gets you ahead of city traffic and gives you a full day at the destination.
Do I need any special documents for an outstation trip?
Your CNIC and valid driving licence are required, the same as for city rental. International visitors can use a valid international driving permit.
Are weekend road trips from Lahore possible in one day?
Khewra, Head Marala and Rohtas Fort all work as day trips. Murree and Katas Raj are better as overnight weekends so you are not rushing the drive.
Is fuel included in the rental?
No — you receive the car with a noted fuel level and return it at the same level. Fuel up before leaving Lahore, as motorway service areas have the most reliable fuel stops.
Ready to plan your escape? Book your self-drive rental car at Drive Time Rent a Car and make this weekend the one you actually leave the city.
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