The airport is about 25 km from Islamabad's diplomatic enclave; taxis take 30–45 minutes.
Things to do at Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Islamabad International AirportISB
At the airport
Things to do in Islamabad International Airport
Islamabad International Airport serves both the Pakistani capital and historic Rawalpindi (Pindi), which border each other. Islamabad's planned grid features the Faisal Mosque — one of the world's largest and architecturally striking, set against the Margalla Hills — and the Lok Virsa Museum of folk and traditional arts. The ancient Taxila archaeological site — a UNESCO World Heritage complex with Greco-Bactrian ruins and Buddhist stupas — is about 35 km northwest. Rawalpindi's Raja Bazaar provides a chaotic, visceral Old City market experience.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Islamabad International Airport
- Taxila museum and ruins are about 35 km northwest of the city — an excellent half-day layover excursion with a hired car.
- Rawalpindi's Raja Bazaar is a genuine sensory experience — go with a local guide if possible and keep valuables secure.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at ISB
2 Sanctifly partner lounges at Islamabad International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestDomestic Cip Lounge
At Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in Islamabad, Pakistan, the Domestic Cip Lounge is conveniently located in the Main Terminal on the airside, making it an easy stop once you’ve cleared the formalities. After completing passport control and the security check, continue into the departures area and head toward the boarding gates. You’ll find this airport lounge positioned directly in front of gates C3 and C4, so it’s ideal for travelers who want to stay close to their gate while they relax. If you’re traveling through Islamabad International Airport and looking for a comfortable place to wait before your flight, simply follow the signs to gates C3/C4 after security and you’ll arrive at the Domestic Cip Lounge.Book Now
100 points per guestAirline Lounge
At Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in Islamabad, Pakistan, the Airline Lounge is conveniently located in the Main Terminal on the airside, making it an easy stop for international travel before your flight. Once you have completed passport control and the security check and entered the International Departures area, continue through Immigration Control and the ASF Search Area. From there, head into the main departure lounge and look for the stairs; the airport lounge is located upstairs, positioned next to the stairs within the main departure lounge. This clear airside location means you can settle in after formalities are complete, so you can relax and prepare for boarding without leaving the departures area.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.