Lahore has two rapid transit lines visitors use: the Orange Line metro train (Ali Town to Dera Gujran, 27.1 km, 26 stations) and the Metro Bus (Gajjumata to Shahdara along Ferozepur Road, about 27 km). Both run roughly 6 AM to 10 PM with low fares. During Basant 2026, both were free, along with 228 feeder buses and about 5,000 branded rickshaws. Check whether free travel returns for 2027.
اورنج لائن اور میٹرو بس
لاہور میں اورنج لائن ٹرین (علی ٹاؤن سے ڈیرہ گجراں) اور میٹرو بس (گجومتہ سے شاہدرہ، فیروزپور روڈ) چلتی ہیں۔ دونوں صبح تقریباً چھ سے رات دس بجے تک چلتی ہیں۔ بسنت 2026 میں دونوں مفت تھیں، ساتھ فیڈر بسیں اور تقریباً پانچ ہزار رکشے بھی۔
The two lines at a glance
| Orange Line (train) | Metro Bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Ali Town to Dera Gujran (west to east) | Gajjumata to Shahdara (south to north) |
| Length and stops | 27.1 km, 26 stations | About 27 km, around 27 stops |
| Hours | About 6 AM to 10 PM | About 6 AM to 10 PM |
| Fare (2026 reports) | Low token fare, around Rs 40 | Flat fare, around Rs 30 |
| Basant 2026 | Free | Free |
Fares and hours are as reported in 2026 and may change; check at the station.
Stations near the sights
| Station | Line | Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshmi Chowk, GPO | Orange | Walled City (Delhi Gate, Shah Alami by rickshaw), food streets |
| Anarkali | Orange | Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore Museum, the Mall |
| Railway Station | Orange | Lahore Junction, budget hotels |
| UET, Baghbanpura, Shalamar Garden | Orange | Shalimar Gardens, Baghbanpura kite market |
| Chauburji | Orange | Chauburji gateway, Multan Road |
| Ichhra | Metro Bus | Ichhra Bazaar |
| Kalma Chowk, Model Town | Metro Bus | Gulberg (by rickshaw), Model Town |
| Azadi Chowk, Bhati Chowk | Metro Bus | Minar-e-Pakistan, Data Darbar, Bhati Gate |
| Shahdara | Metro Bus | Jahangir’s Tomb, Shahdara kite market |
اہم اسٹیشن
اندرونِ شہر کے لیے لکشمی چوک اور جی پی او، انارکلی اور میوزیم کے لیے انارکلی اسٹیشن، شالامار باغ کے لیے شالامار گارڈن، اچھرہ بازار کے لیے اچھرہ اور مینارِ پاکستان کے لیے آزادی چوک۔
Free transport during Basant 2026
- Orange Line, Metro Bus and feeder buses were free for the festival.
- 228 feeder buses ran free on 24 routes, plus 64 Metro Bus vehicles and buses lent by colleges and universities.
- About 5,000 branded rickshaws offered free rides.
- Expected ridership was about 250,000 a day on the Orange Line alone, so trains were crowded at peak times.
Tips
- Travel before noon or after 8 PM to avoid the Basant peaks.
- Keep small cash or a card for tokens if travel is not free in 2027.
- Plan your last train: services end around 10 PM.
- Carry kites flat and string in a bag; follow staff instructions.
- Women’s sections are available on buses; families often use them.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Orange Line timings?
About 6 AM to 10 PM daily, as reported in 2026.
سوال: اورنج لائن کے اوقات کیا ہیں؟
2026 کی اطلاعات کے مطابق روزانہ صبح تقریباً چھ سے رات دس بجے تک۔
Was public transport free during Basant 2026?
Yes. Orange Line, Metro Bus, feeder buses and about 5,000 rickshaws were free during the festival.
سوال: کیا بسنت 2026 میں ٹرانسپورٹ مفت تھی؟
جی ہاں، اورنج لائن، میٹرو بس، فیڈر بسیں اور تقریباً پانچ ہزار رکشے مفت تھے۔
Which station is closest to the Walled City?
Lakshmi Chowk and GPO on the Orange Line, then a short rickshaw ride to the gates.
Does the Orange Line go to the airport?
No. Use ride hailing or a taxi for the airport.
Sources and updates
Last checked: 13 October 2026. Fares, timings and rules change; confirm before you travel.
Basant 2026 free transport details from Zameen News; line details from published 2026 transit guides.