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Karachi Jinnah Layover Guide (KHI)

What are you looking for in KHI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Karachi Airport (KHI) is an international airport located in Karachi, Sindh. It’s situated about 15 km (9.3 miles) from downtown Karachi. The airport officially opened in 1929. Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and a major economic hub. It’s known for its diverse culture, historic landmarks, and bustling markets. Karachi also offers a vibrant food scene and access to the Arabian Sea, making it a unique blend of commerce and coastal charm.

Can you leave Karachi Airport (KHI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
To exit Karachi Airport (KHI) during a layover, you must hold a valid Pakistan visa or approved free eVisa. Eligible travelers can apply online at least 48 hours before arrival. Visas on arrival are not issued. Requirements vary by nationality and passport type; always plan accordingly. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Clifton Beach A popular Arabian Sea beachfront offering camel rides, local snacks, friendly vendors, colorful vibrant promenades, stunning sunsets, and cultural performances, ideal for relaxation and scenic photography along Karachi’s picturesque coastline. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~30 min.)
• Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum The serene white marble tomb of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, surrounded by lush gardens, iconic architecture, interactive displays, and peaceful informative exhibits celebrating national history and memorable leadership legacy. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~20 min.)
• Mohatta Palace A stunning pink sandstone palace turned museum showcasing exquisite art galleries, interactive cultural exhibits, immersive rotating installations, unique photo ops, reflecting Sindh’s heritage amid lavish courtyards and elegant colonial-era architecture. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~25 min.)
• Empress Market A historic Victorian-era market buzzing with colorful spice stalls, aromatic fresh produce vendors, handicraft shops, and street food, offering an authentic glimpse into Karachi’s daily commerce and vibrant local life. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~20 min.)
• National Museum of Pakistan An educational, comprehensive museum showcasing archaeological artifacts, rare ancient manuscripts, Islamic art exhibits, and immersive interactive ethnographic displays, thought-provokingly narrating Pakistan’s diverse history from Indus Valley civilization to modern times. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~30 min.)
• Frere Hall A grand colonial-era building surrounded by picturesque manicured lawns, hosting year-round art exhibitions, vibrant cultural events, and book fairs, offering serene, historic ambience and inviting architectural elegance in Karachi’s heart. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~25 min.)
• Saddar Bazaar An exciting dynamic bustling shopping district filled with diverse electronics shops, clothing boutiques, colorful street food stalls, and antique vendors, perfect for bargain hunting and experiencing Karachi’s vibrant urban energy. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~30 min.)
• Hawke’s Bay Beach A tranquil sandy beach offering crystal-clear swimming, horse riding, and picturesque coastal views, ideal for memorable sunrise walks, ultimate peaceful relaxation, and enjoying fresh seafood from charming colorful local shacks. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or ride-hailing app, ~40 min.)

Things to Do in Karachi Airport (KHI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Jinnah International Airport (KHI) offers several lounges, including Marhaba Premium, Prestige and Majestic Lounges, and dedicated CIP and bank lounges for first and business class passengers. Located airside in domestic and international terminals, most operate 24/7. Facilities include complimentary snacks, beverages, showers, prayer rooms, workstations, Wi-Fi access, relaxation zones. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site airport hotel exists, but several accommodations within 2 km include Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Karachi Airport Hotel, Bed & Rest Airport Hotel and guesthouses. Properties offer 24-hour front desks, airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, luggage storage and laundry services. Most lie steps from the terminal with parking nearby. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Jinnah International offers limited public rest areas. Seating in terminals consists mainly of hard benches without reclining features. Overnight stays are discouraged due to restricted after-hours access. Travelers seeking rest may purchase lounge passes for 3-hour use in Marhaba, Majestic or CIP Lounges, which provide comfortable seating and quiet zones.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi titled “Wateen-FREE-WiFi” is available landside and airside, though initial access requires a local or roaming number to receive an SMS OTP. Internet kiosks and public call offices in Hall 1 offer PC and fax services. Premium Wi-Fi packages and complimentary lounge internet provide faster connections, charging stations too.

SIM/eSIM Card: Mobile network operators Jazz, Zong, Telenor and Ufone maintain booths landside at Karachi Airport, open around the clock. International travelers must present passport copies to purchase prepaid SIM cards, with data plans starting at PKR 500. Alternatively, eSIM profiles from Airalo or Truphone can be purchased and activated via QR codes. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Pre-paid taxi booths located landside near Arrivals offer fixed-fare rides to central Karachi in courteous CAA-licensed yellow-black vehicles. These operate 24/7 with metered or flat-rate options. Ride-hail services like Uber and Careem also reliably serve the airport. Journey to Saddar or Clifton takes 20–30 minutes, payable by cash or card.

Train: There is no direct train service airport terminal. The nearest commuter rail station, Karachi Airport Station, lies about 2 km southwest of the terminal, with shuttle rickshaws to reach it. Intercity connections run from Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, approximately 15 km away. Timetables and fares are available online. Check link below now. more info

Bus: A public bus service connects Jinnah International Airport to Karachi city center from dusk until dawn, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. The route covers key areas such as Saddar and Clifton, taking about 50–60 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets are purchased landside at dedicated counters, affordable, widely used option. more info

Shuttle: Arrivals area houses counters for 24/7 airport shuttle services provided by hotels such as Ramada Plaza and private operators. These air-conditioned shuttles connect the terminal to nearby accommodations and major city hubs. Advance booking at arrival kiosks is recommended. Ride-hail and hotel-run transfers also supplement transport needs, timely reliable service.

Car rentals: In the Arrival hall landside at Jinnah International Airport, major car rental brands such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar and National operate 24/7. Services include GPS, insurance and child seats. Drivers must present a valid international or local driving license, passport and credit card. Vehicles can be returned to terminal desks. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Jinnah International Airport provides multi-storey and surface parking adjacent to both domestic and international terminals, accommodating over 3,000 vehicles. Options include short-term (hourly) and long-term (daily) bays, with hourly rates and discounted weekly tariffs. A valet service and covered parkade are available for premium vehicles. Payment via cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Jinnah International lacks dedicated public luggage lockers. Paid baggage wrapping and storage services are offered landside via private companies at Arrivals. Passengers can also store bags at hotel front desks or in paid lounge concierge services. For lost items, approach the airport administration’s Lost & Found office near Terminal 1. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Karachi Airport (KHI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks