Transportation Information in Pakistan
Air
There are daily routine flights to Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Sakhar, Faisalabad, Gilgit and Quetta. Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft. If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections. Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Train
The national railway company is Pakistan Railway, which operates a comprehensive network across the country. The main line runs from Karachi to Lahore (20 hours), Rawalpindi (28 hours) and Peshawar (32 hours). Passengers also have the option to choose daytime or overnight journeys. Travelers have their choice of first and second class, but even first-class carriages can become quite hot. The better option during the peak summer season is the air-conditioned coaches. Tickets can be purchased at all local bus stations, with children under the age of three travelling for free and those under the age of 11 paying half price.
Bus
The most popular intercity bus travel company is Sammi Daewoo Express which gives regular transport services to all cities inside the country. The rates for these journeys are quite reasonable – often cheaper than trains – but the journeys can take several days. There are several other bus and minibus companies which are cheaper Sammi Daewoo, but these are definitely the most efficient and comfortable, offering air-conditioning in their vehicles. There is no need to book ahead with most bus companies as buses leave local stations almost every hour.
Besides, there is another kind of "walking landscape" in Pakistan; that is the hand-painted buses.The art of hand-painting buses dates back to the 1920s. It has now become an important part of Pakistani culture and is widely loved by people. The bus decoration has even become an industry in Pakistan. However, behind this beautiful art, bus painters like Mohammed Rafiq often face poor working conditions and low pay.In general, Pakistani hand-painted buses are a wonderful combination of art and transportation, showing the unique charm of Pakistani culture.
Taxi
There are many other sources of transports like taxi companies which operate in many of Pakistan’s larger cities, especially for traveling from airports to city centers. 24-hour taxi firms are reasonably priced and are quite an efficient mode of transport. Travelers should remember, however, that many companies may not operate after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Travelers also have the option of taking an auto rickshaw, which is convenient for transport within cities. Rickshaws are cheap but prices should be negotiated prior to embarking on any journey.
Tips
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
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