Rawalpindi to Besham Bus Ticket Price, Online Booking, Timing
Besham is the first major town on the Karakoram Highway beyond the end of the Hazara Motorway at Thakot, and the junction for the road over the Shangla Pass to Swat. Fares from Rawalpindi run from about Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300.
Short answer: Rawalpindi to Besham costs about Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300 and takes five to six hours. Coasters and vans leave Pir Wadhai in the day for the Hazara Motorway, Thakot and Besham. Gilgit and Skardu coaches also pass through, but usually in the middle of the night.
Rawalpindi to Besham ticket price by operator
The main ways to Besham, with the Rawalpindi boarding point beside each fare.
| Bus operator | Class | Boards in Rawalpindi | Journey time | Ticket price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coasters | Standard, air conditioned | Pir Wadhai general stand | 6h | Rs 1,200 |
| Hiace vans | Standard | Pir Wadhai general stand | 5h 30m | Rs 1,300 |
Fares are indicative published prices and vary with class, season, fuel adjustments and demand. Your live, confirmed fare appears on the seat map before payment.
Daytime coasters, night coaches
Daytime coasters are the practical choice for Besham itself. Northern coaches pass through at inconvenient hours and may charge close to the full Gilgit fare.
Vans are a little faster on the motorway section.
Besham as a junction
Besham links three directions.
North on the KKH
- To
- Dasu, Chilas and Gilgit.
- Tip
- Northern coaches pass at night; book through from Rawalpindi instead.
West over the Shangla Pass
- To
- Alpuri and Khwazakhela in Swat.
- Tip
- Local vans from Besham; the pass can close in winter.
Besham town
- Good for
- Shangla district travel and the Indus riverside.
- Tip
- Coasters finish here.
How to choose
For Besham or Shangla, take a daytime coaster. For Gilgit, book a through coach rather than changing here.
Which is the best way to travel from Rawalpindi to Besham
Daytime road options.
Coaster
Daytime from Pir Wadhai.
From Rs 1,200Hiace van
Slightly faster.
From Rs 1,300Private car
Stop along the Indus and Thakot.
From Rs 12,000Our verdict
Take a daytime coaster for Besham; for the far north, book a through coach.
Rawalpindi to Besham bus timings
Daytime coasters; northern coaches at night.
Morning
6:00 AM to 10:00 AMBest for daylight on the KKH.
Midday
11:00 AM to 1:00 PMLast departures to arrive before dark.
Evening
2:00 PM onwardArrive after dark; avoid.
Night
Gilgit coachesPass Besham in the small hours.
Travel the KKH in daylight
The Karakoram Highway beyond Thakot is mountain road along the Indus, prone to landslides in the monsoon. Daytime travel is safer and more reliable.
Rawalpindi and Besham terminals
Coasters finish in Besham town.
Rawalpindi
- Pir Wadhai general stand
- Coasters, vans and regional coaches.
- Northern operators
- NATCO and others at Pir Wadhai for through services north.
- Tip
- Ask for Besham coasters by name.
Besham
- Town stand
- Coasters and vans finish in Besham.
- Onward north
- KKH transport towards Dasu and Chilas.
- Onward west
- Vans over the Shangla Pass to Swat.
The road from Rawalpindi to Besham
Hazara Motorway to its end, then the Karakoram Highway along the Indus.
- RawalpindiDeparture, km 0.
- Haveliankm 100.
- Mansehrakm 165.
- ThakotEnd of the Hazara Motorway, Indus bridge, km 230.
- BeshamArrival five to six hours later, km 255.
Where the motorway meets the mountains
The Hazara Motorway ends near Thakot, where the historic Thakot bridge crosses the Indus. From there the Karakoram Highway climbs north through Kohistan.
Rawalpindi to Besham bus vs car
Road travel is the practical option for most travellers.
Bus
Rs 1,200to Rs 1,300
Daytime coasters and vans.
The practical default.
Private car
Rs 12,000and up, one way
Lets you travel on your own schedule in daylight.
For flexibility.
Cheapest way to travel from Rawalpindi to Besham
A coaster from Pir Wadhai at around Rs 1,200.
Rawalpindi to Besham bus FAQs
What is the Rawalpindi to Besham bus ticket price?
Expect roughly Rs 1,200 on coasters, Rs 1,300 on hiace vans.
How long does it take from Rawalpindi to Besham?
Five to six hours, covering roughly 255 km (hazara Motorway and KKH).
Do Gilgit buses stop at Besham?
They pass through, usually at night. Daytime coasters are better for Besham itself.
How do I get from Besham to Swat?
Take local transport over the Shangla Pass towards Khwazakhela.
Is the Karakoram Highway open in the monsoon?
Usually, but landslides can cause delays. Check before travelling.
Related routes and operators
From Rawalpindi and Besham
Operator fare lists
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Coasters and vans to Besham compared, with no booking fee added to the published fare.
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