Planning a weekend trip across the twin cities? The good news is that the metro bus does not take the weekend off. The main Rawalpindi–Islamabad metro line runs on Saturdays and Sundays just like on weekdays, so you can rely on it for shopping trips, family visits and airport runs without worrying about a separate weekend timetable.
The Red Line, which connects Saddar in Rawalpindi to Pak Secretariat in Islamabad, typically operates daily from around 6:15 AM to 10:00 PM. Buses run every few minutes during busy hours, and weekend rides are often a little more relaxed than the weekday office rush. If you are travelling late in the evening, aim to reach the station well before the last bus, since the final departures can vary slightly.
Weekend-Only Buses Worth Knowing About
Weekends also unlock two special routes that do not run on weekdays at all. The ST-01 bus runs from PIMS to Daman-e-Koh and the ST-02 bus runs via Shakarparian, and both are marked as Saturday and Sunday services. They run about once an hour, with the first trip leaving around 9:10 AM and the last trip leaving PIMS at about 5:10 PM, making them a handy option for a family day out at Daman-e-Koh, Shakarparian or Faisal Mosque.
Islamabad’s electric feeder buses also run through the weekend on most routes. Nearly every city route starts at around 6:00 AM, with the last trip leaving at about 10:00 PM. A few outer routes finish earlier, so if you are heading somewhere far like Taxila or Fateh Jang, check the last departure for your exact route before you set out.
Sunday and Public Holiday Travel Tips
On Sundays and public holidays, the metro generally follows the same hours as any other day, but there is one important exception to keep in mind. During major security arrangements or big cricket matches in Rawalpindi, the service has sometimes been partly suspended or a few stations closed for short periods, so a quick check before you leave can save you a wasted trip. You can call the metro helpline on (051) 111-222-627 to confirm the service on the day of travel.
For a smooth weekend journey, travel outside the afternoon rush if you can, keep a charged metro card ready to skip the token queue, and always plan your return trip around the last bus time. With the same daily hours, weekend-only sightseeing routes and affordable fares, the metro remains one of the easiest ways to move between Rawalpindi and Islamabad on a Saturday or Sunday.