The journey may be slow but watching Pakistan's landscape unfurl as you travel by train is Rent a car Lahore to Islamabad magical experience © Awais khan / Shutterstock

Pakistan is one of Asiaâ??s most exciting frontiers, but exploring independently can pose challenges, especially for those new to the country.

While public transportation is extensive, finding out about it can be difficult due to the limited amount of information online.

Planning a trip to Pakistan might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the intricacies of the local transport system, youâ??ll quickly gain the confidence to travel to the most remote corners of the country. Here's everything you need to know about getting around once you arrive.

Travel by bus to hop from city to city

Numerous bus operators provide cost-effective travel between major cities. Companies such as Daewoo Express and Faisal Movers are known for their dependable service, connecting many destinations across Pakistan using large, comfortable buses. Dozens of smaller companies offer bus and van services to less frequented cities.

Larger bus companies offer online bookings â?? reserve your tickets through their websites (or via their apps) three or four days prior to departure. To make an online booking, youâ??ll need a Pakistani contact number and identity card; it's often more convenient to book through a travel agent or a local contact. Alternatively, visit the bus terminal to buy tickets in advance from the bus company booking desk.

Premium air-conditioned buses have a higher price tag than regular buses, but they offer swifter travel with fewer stops before you reach your destination. As a guide, a Daewoo Express intercity bus between Lahore and Rawalpindi (4½ hours) costs Rs 2470 for a standard air-conditioned bus and Rs 3170 for Gold Class. For the 16-hour journey between Lahore and Karachi, the fare is Rs 7300 for a luxury bus and Rs 8670 for a superior sleeper bus. Many bus operators also provide budget-friendly options, including lower-class air-conditioned buses and affordable but crowded non-air-conditioned buses.

Ask locally to find out which buses go where or visit the bus station to explore all available options. If you know the route, you can board at the roadside stops where buses briefly stop to allow passengers to board or disembark, which may be the only option in small villages. Smaller buses and vans are often overcrowded, accommodating more passengers than their designated capacity, and you may have to stand in the aisle.

Ride the rails to meet the locals

The railway system in Pakistan was established during the period of British colonial rule, and the route of the main line of Pakistan Railways, stretching from Peshawar to Karachi, closely mirrors the path taken by Alexander the Great when he invaded in 327 BCE. Unfortunately, due to inadequate maintenance and investment, the trains have become outdated. Service does not always meet international standards and train derailments have occurred in the past.

However, train travel presents a wonderful chance to engage in meaningful interactions with local people, and a unique opportunity to enjoy the diverse beauty of the local landscape and culture. Taking the train is also an economical choice for travel in the south of the country â?? for example, from Islamabad/Rawalpindi or Lahore to Karachi.

Tickets can be booked online through the Pakistan Railway website if you have a local contact number and identity card. However, the online booking system is not very reliable â?? it's better to buy tickets at the railway station a few days before you travel. Several different classes of trains operate between the main destinations in Pakistan; for travel between Lahore and Karachi, Green Line Express and Pak Business Express trains are the superior choices.

Tickets for classes of travel can be reserved in advance. AC Standard Class (also known as AC Lower Class) provides a satisfactory seat in an air-conditioned carriage. If you'd prefer a little more comfort, AC Business or AC Sleeper Class is more suitable. Almost all trains also offer Economy category seats, which are affordably priced. However, this class of travel can be challenging due to overcrowding and uncomfortable seating in open-plan carriages. When traveling in AC class, booking a whole cabin (with space for up to 6 individuals) offers increased privacy for people traveling in a group.

At stations, food vendors hop on the trains selling local specialties or you can explore more dining options by taking a quick stroll along the station platform when the train stops. Just be mindful not to take too long â?? trains only halt for a few minutes at each station, and thereâ??s usually a rush of passengers getting on or off with their luggage.

Fly to cut out slow overland journeys

Air travel presents a convenient alternative to long, slow trips overland, such as the journey from Islamabad or Lahore to Karachi, as well as for reaching Pakistan's mountainous regions. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country's flagship carrier, has flights to destinations across Pakistan, including the mountain airstrips at Gilgit, Skardu and Chitral.

Complementing the national carrier, private airlines such as Air Blue operate flights to select destinations, with most flights starting in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. In recent years, several new airlines have commenced operations, including Serene Air, Air Sial and Fly Jinnah. Reserve tickets from the airlines' official websites, or through local travel agents.

Flights to mountainous regions should be booked months in advance; availability falls during the bustling tourist season from June to October, so last-minute bookings are not advisable. Domestic flights are often delayed, particularly during the foggy winter season in the plains. Additionally, flights to northern areas are prone to delays or cancellations during the monsoon season between July and September.

The Northern Area Transport Company (NATCO) is the most important bus service provider for travel to Gilgit-Baltistan. However, some of their buses are old and not adequately maintained, with limited legroom for a lengthy journey of over 20 hours on uneven roads.

Departing from Rawalpindi in the evening, Natco buses travel through the night to reach destinations in the mountains the following day. Ticket prices are moderate but the buses can be overcrowded and some play loud music throughout the journey. Consider traveling with a chartered vehicle and driver for more comfort.

Recently, Faisal Movers has started offering services to select destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their buses are in better condition, ensuring a more comfortable journey. For those planning a trip to the Chitral region, the Hindukush Express stands out as a dependable choice.

If youâ??re considering flying to the mountains, you'll find three primary airports receiving flights from the lowlands: Gilgit, Skardu and Chitral. The flights typically span about an hour â?? a significant reduction on the travel time by road â?? but it's important to note that these flights use small ATR aircraft and services are frequently impacted by weather conditions.

An upgrade has been made to Skardu airport recently, allowing for flights using larger Airbus aircraft. In 2023, Skardu Airport welcomed its inaugural international flight originating from Dubai, opening up a new, more direct route to the mountains.

Renting a car and driver gives you more flexibility

Renting a vehicle is the most comfortable way to travel around Pa