Murree is the most well-known hill station in Pakistan, and is referred to as the “Queen of Hills” pretty much everywhere it is marketed. It is the foothills of the Himalayas, and thousands upon thousands of tourists come here each year to enjoy the amazing views, pleasant temperatures, and colonial-inspired flair. Whether you are a family on your summer vacation together, or an explorer taking time off by yourself, we all hope to stroll around Mall Road, take in the misty-morning views at Kashmir Point, and sip tea with excellent views of the mountains.
But if you’ve nagged your mind with the great travel question of the ages, everywhere you visit, “How am I going to get around?” The next big question is whether or not you should use public transportation and hold on to a budget-friendly, cultural experience, or hire a private car and experience flexibility and comfort, which are two different things to consider for your trip. Picking either of these options has a major impact on the general nature of your trip, and there is a HUGE difference between a great travel adventure on one hand, and an endless amount of stress on the other.
In this blog, we will explore public transportation versus private cars in Murree, share the pros and cons of both modes of transportation, review the best places to visit in Murree, and provide some hotel booking tips as well, to help you decide on how to best explore this one-of-a-kind hill retreat.
Why Murree is a Popular Destination for Visitors?
Pakistan’s Murree is a well-known hill town 60 kilometers northeast of Islamabad. It gets nice heat from the plains, at an altitude of about 7000 feet, which is a notable change. Murree is filled with hills covered in pines; the mountains here form a gently rolling plateau, with winds and foggy mornings. Because of the factors mentioned, Places to visit in Murree are a destination of choice for a short escape or a longer summer getaway.
The summer weather remains pleasant, and in winter, Murree has an extremely refreshing and snowy aesthetic. The difference in seasons attracts travelers to visit all year round, with a different experience of the mountains each time.
Places to visit in Murree are made special by the surrounding towns of Murree Barian, Bhurban, and Nathia Gali, each of which is lesser-known and quieter than Mall Road, allowing travelers to enjoy a peaceful walk while looking over their surroundings into the beauty of nature and sounds of the forest, and representing the different varieties of nature paths. Overall, that is the beauty of Murree, a mountain town that has a lively town side with a quiet and mesmerizing nature side as well.
Public Transport in Murree
Public going in Murree is generally the easiest and cheapest way to explore, and for nearly all travelers, by far the best option. There is usually a local bus, coaster, or cabbie that connects the primary town to the nearby attractions of Patriata, Ayubia, and Murree Barian. Public transportation makes it painless, especially for budget travelers and independent explorers, to visit programmes without worrying about the steep cost of driving away.
A big advantage is cost. A seat in a shared van lasts far less than you would a rented or fueled private car, and is ideal for people who only plan to visit for a short amount of time. Additionally, using the local transport is a small glimpse into life in Murree, providing ease for locals and other travelers to travel in pleasure.
Speaking of which, there are downsides to using public transport. In peak season, cramped van rides can quickly become cramped and uncomfortable. There may also be limited schedules for vans and buses, which can become inconvenient for individuals wanting to visit more remote areas of the province and have the ability to roam freely. Overall, public transportation remains a practical consideration when planning your trip to Murree, especially if you value budget over flexibility.
Private Car in Murree
A private vehicle lets visitors explore the places to visit in Murree and its surroundings at their own speed. Whether you drive or rent a car, you may easily see Murree Barian and Nathia Gali or rest in Bhurban’s hidden gems. You are not forced to conform to any schedule, which means you can also easily stop along the way to see a waterfall or any other amazing sight!
For family travel and group travel, having a car hire is the best way to go. You can carry all the luggage you want, travel in greater comfort (for example, the number of people in the car plays a role in the comfort level on long drives), and plan a series of day trips without worrying about catching the next van or bus. It also allows for the ability to do a later night or early morning travel, which public transport does not generally allow.
There are obstacles. Murree’s roads are narrow, winding, and hilly; therefore, it’s best if new drivers avoid these roads. Traffic jams occur nearly every weekend, holiday, and even on some weekdays on Mall Road and in other congested locations.
You cannot ignore parking in the Mall area of the central town, which can prove to be nearly impossible. Extra costs must be taken into consideration: A private vehicle incurs fuel costs, road toll costs (if appropriate), and parking costs; while, the consideration of the costs means that taking a private vehicle comes at a greater cost. Exploring places to visit in Murree with a private vehicle gives the flexibility to enjoy the trip on your terms, despite the challenges.
Differences Between Public and Private Transportation
| Factor | Public Transport (Buses, Vans, Coasters) | Private Car (Suzuki Alto, Toyota Corolla, Honda BR-V) |
| Cost | Very affordable (PKR 200-500 over short routes within Murree) | Increased expenses (Fuel, tolls, and parking may cost PKR 3,0006,000 a day) |
| Flexibility | Planned routes and timetables; few stops. | Complete access to explore Murree Barian, Nathia Gali, Bhurban, etc., on your time. |
| Comfort | Collective rides, usually crowded at the top season. | Seat comfort, privacy and luggage room. |
| Accessibility | Access to key destinations, such as Mall Road, Patriata, and Ayubia, is easy. | More suited to remote and off-beat attractions that are not served by buses/vans. |
| Driving/Traffic | No driving stress; handled by locals | Requires careful driving on steep and narrow roads; heavy traffic on weekends |
| Cultural Experience | Chance to interact with locals and fellow travelers | More private; limited local interaction |
| Availability | Easy to find near bus stands and main town areas | Rentals and personal cars are available, but parking is limited in crowded zones. |
| Best For | Solo travelers, students, budget tourists | Families, groups, or those wanting flexibility and comfort |
Popular Places to Visit in Murree
In Murree, the visit is not complete without having seen the best-known attractions. Each place has its notes from the hustle and bustle of valuable shopping and street food to a serene getaway in the hills.
1. Mall Road
Mall Road in the center of town contains lively streets. It is the greatest site to get prominent attractions, try local street food, soak up Murree’s culture, and feel its hustle and bustle. From locally sourced handicrafts to local vendors of traditional shawls, Mall Road is a souvenir hunter’s paradise.
2. Patriata (New Murree)
Patriata (New Murree) is famed for its cable cars and chairlifts. It is about 15 kilometers from the main town of Murree. Visitors to Patriata can travel up into the clouds high above some incredible rolling hills and superb valley views. Patriata is a favorite for families seeking adventure or for those seeking a unique experience in phenomenal surroundings.
3. Kashmir Point
Kashmir Point is one of the oldest attractions in Murree. It is known for its beautiful views of the Kashmir highlands. Kashmir Point has a lot of room to move around without the congestion of Mall Road, and the air is cooler and calmer there.
4. Pindi Point
Pindi Point is another established vantage point that provides 360 views of the twin cities on a fine day. It has small food stalls, horseback riding, and a family-friendly location.
5. Murree Barian & Bhurban
For individuals who would like solace from noise, Barian and Bhurban is an answer. These areas are greener and not as congested, with a few higher-end resorts. They provide an opportunity for long walks, enjoying Murree’s peaceful natural state.
6. Ayubia National Park
Ayubia is highly recognized for nightlife as well as the ‘pipeline track’. It is simply a short drive away. People who love nature and trek know about the natural path that extends from Ayubia to Dunga Gali.
Why Finding the Best Accommodations in Murree is Crucial?
Murree offers options for all different types of accommodations. The most common hotels are located on or near the Mall Road area of Murree (Murree’s main strip), which also happens to be one of the tourist hotspots in Murree because it is close to shopping and restaurants. One other benefit of staying in this space is that it puts you in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the hill station experience (however, the downside is the noise and traffic, and crowds).
If you prefer tranquility and a scenic view, Murree Barian and Bhurban are also places to stay that have resorts and guest houses well apart in the greenery, assuring some privacy and reprieve from hustle and bustle. Families and honeymooners in particular seek out these more tranquil environments for relief.
When it comes to hotel booking, it is easy in a way because you can check the options, reviews, and book in advance online. This is especially useful in peak season; summer vacations and winter snowfall can fill up hotel rooms, so no matter what you might have thought about pricing, when you arrive in Murree without a hotel booking, you may be stuck with a higher price or limited options.
A good tip is to confirm your stay before arriving in Murree, because looking for hotels in crowded weather is stressful. When traveling by private car, also check if the hotel provides parking.
How MAS Holiday Homes is the Best Stay for Visitors?
MAS Holiday Homes offers a cozy Murree stay. If you are traveling with a large family or group and want a comfortable stay, a home has more privacy, more accommodations, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
MAS Holiday Homes are located in peaceful surroundings, but also away from the hustle and bustle of Mall Road. This allows the refreshment of convenience while maintaining a calm state of mind for any tourists whose stay is longer. Providing the same amenities as regular hotels, the downside of MAS Holiday Homes is that you can actually feel like you are at home, which is difficult to achieve in a typical hotel stay. Having your own home equipped, with a kitchen and lounge, may also save money on food while on vacation.
Whether you only want to visit Murree Barian because of its tranquillity, or you plan on viewing scenery in other beautiful tourist places around the area, including Bhurban and Patriata, I can depend on MAS Holiday Homes for my tourist base. With their convenience and comfort, I will be using MAS Holiday Homes again on my next tourist experience in Murree.
Conclusion
Murree is one of the finest hill stations in Pakistan, with its bustling bazaar, breathtaking views, and peaceful hideaways like Murree Barian and Bhurban. Regardless of how you prefer to experience the sights, whether that be public transport or a privately owned vehicle, at the end of the day, they will dictate how well to experience the area.
Public transport is better suited for backpackers and the potential to intermingle with local people. Private cars provide freedom, comfort, and convenience in reaching remote locations. Each mode has advantages, and it simply depends on your budget, preferred travel style, and travel knowledge/preferences.
Regardless of how you choose to get around, planning with booking your hotel and favor stays such as MAS Holiday Homes would enhance your overall experience and make your trip much easier, enjoyable, and memorable. When properly balanced with transportation and accommodation options available, your time in Murree will undoubtedly be an adventure to remember.
FAQs
Are there any issues with driving a private car in Murree?
Yes, the roads in Murree are narrow, steep, and winding, and they might be quite a challenge to new drivers. There is not much parking around Mall Road, and traffic jam is often experienced on weekends and holidays.
What is the cost of going to Murree by public transport compared to a personal car?
The cost of public transport is typically PKR 200-500 per way and is quite affordable to low-end travelers. A personal vehicle may cost between PKR 3,000-6,000 per day (including fuel, tolls, and parking).
Which alternative should be preferred by families visiting Murree?
A personal vehicle is usually suitable for families because it is comfortable, it has space to carry luggage, it has flexibility to make a day trip, and it can also be used during early mornings or late nights when many modes of transport are not available.
How should one choose between using public transport and a private car in Murree?
The decision is going to be based on your budget and mode of travel. When you are an alone traveller or on a tight budget, then public transport is the best. When you are going with family, in need of comfort, and want to explore offbeat destinations such as Bhurban or Nathia Gali, then a private car will be more suitable.
