Travelling from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can fly out of in Dubai. Explore your options departing from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when reserving your flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
Book a direct Dubai to Islamabad International Airport flight and you'll be travelling for around 3 hours 10 minutes.
Islamabad International Airport is located in Islamabad. The city operates on the UTC+5 timezone and is one hour ahead of Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the most popular route. There are 32 direct weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer to head out later, hop on the last flight with Emirates at 9:30pm. Opt for the first DXB to ISB departure operated by Emirates at 3:10am if you'd rather not wait around.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules worth sticking to. Get to the airport on time to catch your flight from Dubai to ISB.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself more time. Get there two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
You can take a direct flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) out of Dubai Airport (DXB).
You'll have your pick of airlines that operate direct flights from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport leaving from DXB. Head off on your trip with any of these:
Airblue is the most frequently chosen airline for flights from DXB to ISB.
The carrier with the best on-time arrival rate on this route is Emirates.
We make it easy to book cheap flights from Dubai to ISB with a stopover. To explore all the options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB), uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers between DXB and ISB include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Quetta Airport (UET)
Skardu Airport (KDU)
Travelling from central Dubai to DXB takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Dubai Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping conveniently close to check-in:
Of all flights leaving Dubai Airport, 74.31% arrive on time at their destination.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC is about 56 kilometres from central Dubai. It takes 45 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Dubai to ISB flight? Unwind in a hotel near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport before your break officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 56.64%.
About Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ISB instead:
Getting from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) to central Islamabad
Islamabad International Airport to the centre of Islamabad is about 24 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, plan in advance to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times can vary based on traffic conditions and the time of day.
Travelling by public transport takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Rs20,822 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport. A return flight starts from Rs59,447. These fares can change depending on availability and demand.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Dubai to ISB. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Dubai to Islamabad International Airport tickets across the month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Save time searching for cheap flight tickets from Dubai to ISB by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Lock in a cheap flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport by using filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Think about the kind of experience you want when planning your trip dates. April is the quietest month to visit Islamabad. July is when most people book flights from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport (ISB), which may be ideal if you enjoy travelling when it's busier.
The warmest month in Islamabad is June, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 39ºC. Book your Dubai to ISB flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has temperatures of between 4ºC and 19ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Islamabad
Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Islamabad International Airport, find a hotel that puts you in a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Islamabad:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Faisal Mosque, North-Pakistan Adventure | Climbing Trekking tours and Faisal mosque Islamabad are must-do's during your Islamabad adventure.
Explore more of Pakistan
Islamabad has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Pakistan just waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometres south-east of Islamabad, a trip to Lahore will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like Jamia Masjid F1, Mavi Mosque(blue mosque) and Jamia Masjid Mubarak.
If you're eager to discover another corner of Pakistan, consider Faisalabad, roughly 241 kilometres south of Islamabad. Faisal Masjid, Madni Masjid and Jamia masjid Bara Minar wali are key reasons to visit.