Do we need a 4×4 for Murree in winter?

From December to February, snow can close roads to cars without chains or ground clearance, and in heavy snowfall the district administration limits how many vehicles may enter Murree. Book an SUV, carry chains, and check the Murree traffic police updates before you leave Islamabad.

Is the car allowed out of Lahore?

Only if the owner allows it. Say where you are going in your request, and the owner confirms.

Can we go on to Nathia Gali or Ayubia?

Yes, both are on the Murree–Abbottabad road, about 25 to 35 km beyond Murree. The road is narrow with sharp bends; in winter it can close after snow. Mention it in your request so the owner knows the full route.

How much petrol does the trip use?

About 430 km each way, more of it uphill. Expect roughly the amounts in the table above for each direction, at Rs 390.23 a litre (OGRA, 16 October 2026). Return the car with the same fuel level as at pickup.

What do I need to drive the car myself?

Every renter signs up with a verified phone number and gives their CNIC number and a photo of the front of the card. Self-drive also needs a valid Pakistani driving licence. Owners may look at the original card at pickup, but may not keep it or any other original document.

ROUTE GUIDE · LAHORE → MURREE

Lahore to Murree by Self-Drive Rental Car: Costs and Tips

Self-drive from Lahore to Murree: about 430 km and 6 hours. Live car prices, petrol and tolls, winter snow advice, and when a driver is the better choice.

Updated 17 October 2026 · By the HireACar team

Murree is about 430 km from Lahore, around 6 hours: the M-2 motorway to Islamabad, then the Murree Expressway up the hills. A self-drive car costs from the day rates below, plus petrol and the Rs 1,430 M-2 toll each way. Ask the owner first: a car leaves Lahore only if they allow it.

What it costs, by car type

Car	From / day	Petrol each way	M-2 toll each way	Weekend (2 days)
Hatchback (Alto, Cultus, Wagon R)	Rs 3,850	about Rs 11,500	Rs 1,430	about Rs 33,560
Sedan (City, Corolla, Elantra)	Rs 3,300	about Rs 15,000	Rs 1,430	about Rs 39,460
SUV (Sportage, Tucson, Fortuner)	Rs 7,700	about Rs 23,500	Rs 1,430	about Rs 65,260

Day rates are live, with HireACar's fee included. Petrol is an estimate for 430 km with the climb (about a fifth more fuel than flat motorway), at Rs 390.23 a litre (OGRA, 16 October 2026). M-2 toll: NHA rate for cars from 5 July 2026; the Murree Expressway adds a small toll. Parking in Murree is extra.

When to go

Summer (May to September) is busiest: leave Islamabad early, and avoid Friday evenings, Eid and school holidays if you can.
Winter (December to February) brings snow and crowds that come to see it. Read the snow advice below before you plan.
Spring and autumn are quieter, with clear roads.

Snow and steep roads

The Murree roads are steep with sharp bends, and fog is common. In snow, cars without chains get stuck and the district administration limits vehicle entry when the town is full. Book an SUV for winter, carry chains, keep the tank above half, and check the Murree traffic police updates before you leave Islamabad. If no one in your group has driven on hills in snow, choose a car whose owner offers a driver, where one is listed.

Before you set off

Say in your request that you are driving to Murree (and Nathia Gali, if you are). Only if the owner allows it. Say where you are going in your request, and the owner confirms.
Check the M-Tag balance, the tyres and the fuel level together with the owner at pickup.
Returning late: after 30 minutes of grace on hourly trips (1 hour on daily trips), each started hour is charged at the car’s hourly rate, up to one day’s price per day late.
Nobody may keep your original CNIC, licence or other documents, ask for a cheque, or ask for a guarantor. HireACar checks your identity instead. Report a host who asks.

HireACar is a marketplace. The car belongs to the host, and the rental is an agreement between you and the host. HireACar is not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, accident, fine or injury involving the car.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need a 4×4 for Murree in winter?: From December to February, snow can close roads to cars without chains or ground clearance, and in heavy snowfall the district administration limits how many vehicles may enter Murree. Book an SUV, carry chains, and check the Murree traffic police updates before you leave Islamabad.
Is the car allowed out of Lahore?: Only if the owner allows it. Say where you are going in your request, and the owner confirms.
Can we go on to Nathia Gali or Ayubia?: Yes, both are on the Murree–Abbottabad road, about 25 to 35 km beyond Murree. The road is narrow with sharp bends; in winter it can close after snow. Mention it in your request so the owner knows the full route.
How much petrol does the trip use?: About 430 km each way, more of it uphill. Expect roughly the amounts in the table above for each direction, at Rs 390.23 a litre (OGRA, 16 October 2026). Return the car with the same fuel level as at pickup.
What do I need to drive the car myself?: Every renter signs up with a verified phone number and gives their CNIC number and a photo of the front of the card. Self-drive also needs a valid Pakistani driving licence. Owners may look at the original card at pickup, but may not keep it or any other original document.