Rides to hill stations emerge as top inDrive destinations

ISLAMABAD: Routes connecting Islamabad to the hill stations were among the busiest on ride hailing services network in the first half of 2026, according to a report of inDrive Pakistan issued on Thursday.

The report said that the period includes the start of the summer travel season when many families head north to escape the heat. The platform recorded a 54 percent increase in intercity rides and a 54 percent increase in distance travelled over the same period last year.

The rise lines up with the school summer break, as families use the time off through June and July to travel north. Average estimated one-way fares to popular hill destinations from Islamabad range from roughly Rs4,000 to Murree and up to Rs11,500 to Naran, giving travelers price clarity before they set off.

More families and groups appear to be turning to shared and pre-agreed fare options for these trips, letting them plan costs upfront without the burden of driving themselves.

Awais Saeed, country manager, inDrive Pakistan, said, “Families are increasingly choosing inDrive because it’s affordable, cost-effective, and takes them straight from their doorstep to their destination and back. It gives them the peace of mind to enjoy the trip without worrying about fuel, parking, or driving through hill traffic themselves.”

Murree, Nathia Gali, Abbottabad, Naran, Muzaffarabad and Swat all feature among the busiest routes out of the capital, according to the platform’s 2026 data.

The Islamabad to Murree route shows a distinct weekend pattern, with orders peaking on Saturday around 11 a.m. as travelers set off for a day or weekend in the hills, a rush-hour moment repeated across the capital every week of the season.

Shared Rides’ share of completed trips rose from 14.9 percent to 18 percent year-on-year — a modest but steady shift toward shared travel.

The ride hailing service’s peer-to-peer pricing model was a key driver of why families continue to choose inDrive for their holiday travel needs.

By allowing passengers and drivers to agree on terms in advance, the platform ensures that mobility remains accessible and fair for all parties.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026