There's really not much to it. I just bring up my nav-map (F6) and click on the planet I want to go to (When you left click, you will get some icons that allow you set a waypoint, zoom in, or set "best path"
. I usually zoom in to make sure I am selecting the appropriate base (remember to select the planet's docking ring, not the planet itself) and then select "best path". This will automatically set the appropriate waypoints needed to get to that planet.
Then take off and fly to the waypoints, which will generally take you through trade lanes (though not always). Select the first waypoint and then hit F3 to dock (if it is a trade lane ring) or F2 to Go-To (if the waypoint is just a point in space). You could also manually fly to each of the waypoints. Typcially you should use your cruise engines to make the trip faster, but if you select F3 or F2, the "autopilot" should turn these on for you if you are far enough away from your waypoint.
Then it's just a matter of flying to each waypoint until you reach your destination. Dock with the planet's docking ring and your there!
I hope that helps and isn't too confusing. I'm sure someone else will post a reply that probably provides the same information in half the time. Oh well. The best way is to just start flying around and get used to the controls and waypoints and stuff. You'll get the hang of it in no time.
Happy Freelancing!
Those are my thoughts, not yours, I'm WapCaplet[!