Orange Bus Islamabad: Route, Fare & Timings
The Orange Bus in Islamabad is the city’s airport metro line, and it is the simplest way to reach Islamabad International Airport without a taxi. It runs from Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station at Peshawar Morr, where it connects with the Red Line, all the way to the airport terminal. The route is about 25.6 kilometres long and has been running since April 2022, operated by the Capital Development Authority.
For airport passengers, this line removes the biggest worry of the journey: traffic and taxi fares. Instead of negotiating a ride, you board a dedicated bus on a fixed route with fixed stops, and you arrive right at the airport. That is why it is popular not just with daily commuters in sectors like G-9 and G-13, but also with travellers carrying luggage.
Orange Bus Route and Main Stations
The Orange Line starts at Faiz Ahmed Faiz Station near Peshawar Morr and heads along Kashmir Highway toward the airport. Its main stops include H-9/G-9, G-10, the NUST area, Golra Morr, 26 No Chungi on GT Road, the M-1/M-2 motorway interchange, and finally Islamabad International Airport. The exact number of stops varies by listing because some counts include smaller halts, so it is best to follow the station boards on the day.
The interchange at Faiz Ahmed Faiz is the key to the whole trip. If you are coming from Rawalpindi, Blue Area or Pak Secretariat on the Red Line, you change here for the Orange Bus to the airport. Coming from the airport side, the same station lets you join the Red Line toward central Islamabad or Saddar. Allow a few extra minutes for the change, especially if you are carrying bags.
Fare, Timings and Travel Tips
The fare on the Orange Line is typically Rs 50 for most of the route, while the stretch from 26 No Chungi to the airport is usually charged at around Rs 90. Fares on Islamabad’s metro lines have been revised before, so it is worth confirming the current fare at the station counter before you travel. You can pay with a token or a metro card, and keeping a charged card ready saves time when you are rushing for a flight.
Buses on the Orange Line generally run from around 6:15 in the morning to 10:00 at night, roughly every 10 minutes during the day. For a flight, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours early and work backwards from there, adding a buffer for the interchange and for waiting time. If your flight is very early or very late, check the first and last bus timings in advance, since the metro does not run through the night.
If you need help while travelling, the metro helpline number is (051) 111-222-627. For most travellers, though, the Orange Bus is a straightforward ride: board at Peshawar Morr, stay on through Golra Morr and 26 No Chungi, and get off at the airport. It is cheap, predictable and far less stressful than driving to the airport yourself.