Buses in Pakistan

When the group is over thirty people, a bus is cheaper per head than running two coasters. The local fleet covers standard forty-five seat coaches, air-conditioned fifty-two seat units and a smaller number of luxury coaches with reclining seats used for long intercity runs. Universities, corporate offices in Blue Area and event organisers are the main users.

A standard air-conditioned bus is typically Rs 55,000 to Rs 80,000 per day inside the twin cities. Islamabad to Lahore one way is Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.4 lakh depending on the coach standard, and Murree or Nathia Gali round trips are Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Fuel, toll and driver allowance are normally included on fixed-route quotes but should be confirmed in writing.

Access is the thing people forget. Large coaches cannot enter many narrow sector streets or several Expressway marquee car parks, so agree a boarding point that a fifty-two seat vehicle can actually reach and turn in. Also check the year of the coach, whether a second driver is provided for journeys over eight hours, and the luggage bay capacity.