Pakistan is a huge country and highly diverse in terms of terrain, climate and infrastructural developments. While train travel is the preferred mode of transport on routes that are regularly serviced by Pakistan Railways, bus travel is the major means of transport in Pakistan. Buses are the most commonly used mode for intercity travels in Pakistan. According to Bureau of Statistics Pakistan, there were 226,500 buses registered in Pakistan in 2014. Thereafter the number of buses has been growing at a steady pace. Approximately 64,000 buses were added during the period from 2015-2020. There are a number of local and foreign bus operating companies that compete for business in Pakistan. This has lead to growth of a highly competitive service sector that has stayed dynamic and responsive to the growing needs of travelers, local and international.

Bus companies are not only the major source of transport but also one of the major employers in Pakistan. Buses provide millions of jobs to include drivers, conductors, booking clerks, data-entry operators, customer service representatives, hosts and hostesses, security personnel and a plethora of indirect jobs in other industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, hospitality, maintenance and repair services. Buses thus are the major contributors to the growth of national economy of Pakistan.

Bus travel in Pakistan has grown not only in terms of number of passengers, volume of travels and number of buses, but also in term of quality of service, passenger safety and comfort. Buses operating on major routes are mostly air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating, entertainment systems and offer complimentary food and beverages on longer routes. It would not be wrong to say that quality of service on ordinary buses in Pakistan is better than many low budget airlines here and elsewhere.

Baggage Allowance

Most companies allow lavish baggage allowance free of charge. Excess baggage may be charged at a nominal price.

Bus Terminals

Most bus operating companies have terminals that are equipped with passenger lounges, cafeterias, snack shops, washrooms, prayer areas and entertainment systems like TV screens etc.

Major Bus Operators

Skyways Pakistan

Skyways is one of the oldest road transport company in Pakistan. The company was the first to introduce air-conditioned coaches with modern safety features. The company has terminals and connecting stations in almost all major cities of Pakistan with major terminals being in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Skyways has an extensive fleet of modern buses and coaches and the fares are highly competitive. To learn more about the company or to make a booking please visit their website www.skyways.pk

Daewoo Express

Daewoo Express is a subsidiary of Daewoo International and thus has the resources, expertise and experience available to only few companies in Pakistan. Daewoo has the largest fleet of buses equipped with most modern safety, comfort and entertainment systems. It would not be wrong to say that Daewoo has been the trend setter in Pakistan and the performance of other bus companies is measured against standards established by Daewoo. Daewoo has international quality terminals in almost all major cities in Pakistan. Daewoo follows the best practice of being always on time. To book a ticket with Daewoo or learn more about the company please visit their website www.daewoo.com.pk. The company also offers an efficient courier service.

Faisal Movers

Faisal Movers is a Pakistani company that has a great track record of passenger safety and comfort. The company has been a forward looking enterprise ever since its inception and has been focused on growth of its fleet, service quality and best practice standards. Faisal Movers has terminals in all major cities and towns and has the most comprehensive coverage of bus routes in Pakistan. Recently the company has diversified its operations and has started cargo and courier services. To book with Faisal Movers or to learn more about the company please click www.faisalmovers.com

Northern Area Transport Corporation (NATCO)

NATCO is a public sector entity that has traditionally been the sole transport provider to people in Northern Areas of Pakistan until recently. NATCO was established in 1974 and currently falls under the purview of the Province of Gilgit-Baltistan. To learn more about NATCO and its services or to book a ticket please visit their webisite www.natco.gov.pk

Niazi Express

Operating since 1990 Niazi Express is one of the biggest bus operating company in Pakistan. Niazi Express operates a large fleet of buses, minibuses and coaches covering a large number of city, suburban and rural routes in Pakistan. To learn more about Niazi Express or book a ticket please visit their website www.niaziexpress.com.pk

Some of the other bus operators with significant fleet size and coverage are Bilal Tavels, Kohistan Bus Service and New Khan Bus Service.