One of the first questions students ask when they move to a hostel in a new city is: how do I get around? If you are staying at Ibrahim Hostel in I-11/2 and studying at FAST University, Bahria University, Air University, or NUTECH, the good news is you do not need a car. Here is how students actually get around Islamabad without burning their budget.
Walking – The Easiest Option
If you are studying at FAST or Bahria, you can walk to campus. I-11/2 is right next to H-11/4 where FAST is located. It is about a 5-7 minute walk from Ibrahim Hostel to the FAST gate. Bahria University is also within walking distance – about 9 minutes. This is the main reason many FAST and Bahria students choose to live in I-11. No bus fare, no traffic, no parking headaches. You just walk.
Bike and Scooty Rental for Students
For students at Air University (E-9) or NUTECH (I-12), walking is a bit far. But a bike or scooty solves that problem. In Islamabad, you can rent a bike or scooty monthly for around PKR 4,000-7,000 depending on the model and condition. There are rental services near I-11 and in the G-11 sector that cater to students. Most ask for a refundable deposit (PKR 5,000-10,000) and a copy of your student ID or CNIC.
With a bike:
- I-11 to Air University: about 8-10 minutes
- I-11 to NUTECH: about 4 minutes
- I-11 to FAST: 2 minutes (but you will probably just walk)
- I-11 to the metro station: 5 minutes
Many students at NUTECH and Air University who stay at Ibrahim Hostel use bikes for their daily commute. It is cheaper than a rickshaw every day and gives you freedom to explore the city on weekends.
Rickshaws and Careem/Indrive
For short trips, rickshaws are everywhere in I-11. A ride from I-11 to F-11 Markaz costs around PKR 100-150. To G-9 or G-10 it is about PKR 150-200.
For longer trips, Careem and Indrive are widely used by students. From I-11 to the Blue Area costs about PKR 250-350. To Aabpara or the Centaurus Mall it is around PKR 300-400. Split between two or three friends and it is cheap.
Pro tip: Indrive lets you negotiate the fare, and Careem has a bike option (Careem Bike) that is cheaper than a car. Both work well in the I-11 area.
Metro Bus
The Islamabad Metro Bus is useful for getting to the main areas of the city. The nearest station to I-11 is the I-10 station, which is about a 10-minute walk or 3-minute rickshaw ride from I-11/2. From there you can reach the Blue Area, Secretariat, or even Rawalpindi (Saddar) for around PKR 30-50 per trip. For students going to the city center for shopping, weekends out, or part-time jobs, the metro is the cheapest option.
Route Summary From I-11/2
| Destination | Walk | Bike | Rickshaw |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAST University (H-11) | 5 min | 2 min | PKR 80-100 |
| Bahria University | 9 min | 3 min | PKR 100-150 |
| Air University (E-9) | – | 8 min | PKR 150-200 |
| NUTECH (I-12) | – | 4 min | PKR 100-150 |
| F-11 Markaz | 15 min | 5 min | PKR 100-150 |
| Blue Area | – | 12 min | PKR 250-350 |
Tips for Getting Around on a Student Budget
- Get a bike. The upfront cost (rent + deposit) pays for itself in 1-2 months of rickshaw savings. Plus you save time.
- Walk when you can. I-11 to FAST is walking distance. Skip the rickshaw and you save PKR 2,000-3,000 per month.
- Share rides. If you and 2-3 hostel mates are going to the same place, split the Careem fare. Ibrahim Hostel has many students from the same universities, so you will find travel buddies easily.
- Use the metro for long trips. For going to Rawalpindi or the far ends of Islamabad, the metro is PKR 30-50 versus PKR 500+ for a cab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk from I-11 to FAST University?
Yes, FAST University is in H-11/4, right next to I-11/2. It is about a 5-minute walk from Ibrahim Hostel to the FAST campus gate. Most FAST students staying in I-11 walk to university every day.
How much does a bike rental cost in Islamabad for students?
Monthly bike rental in Islamabad costs between PKR 4,000 and 7,000 for a standard 70cc or 100cc bike. You will also need to pay a refundable deposit of PKR 5,000-10,000. Most rental places near I-11 accept student IDs.
Is there a metro station near I-11?
The nearest metro station is I-10 station, about 10-15 minutes walk or 3 minutes by rickshaw from I-11/2. The metro can take you to the Blue Area, Secretariat, and Rawalpindi Saddar.
How do students get to Air University from I-11?
Most students use a bike (8-10 minute ride) or a rickshaw (PKR 150-200). Some share Careem rides. Air University is in E-9 sector, which is a straight drive up the Islamabad highway from I-11.
What is the cheapest way to commute daily from I-11 to NUTECH?
The cheapest way is a bike – NUTECH is in I-12, about 4 minutes from I-11. A monthly bike rental costs PKR 4,000-7,000 which works out to PKR 150-230 per day. A rickshaw both ways would cost PKR 200-300 per day.
Looking for a room near campus?
Ibrahim Hostel — I-11, Islamabad. Walking distance to major universities.