Quick Facts
About Pakistan Railway
Pakistan Railways is the state-owned railway system of Pakistan, operating under the Ministry of Railways. With approximately 7,791 km of track, it serves as a critical transportation link connecting major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan. The railway carries over 70 million passengers annually and plays a vital role in the country's economy and daily life.
The flagship trains include the Green Line (Islamabad to Karachi), Tezgam (Karachi to Rawalpindi), Karakoram Express (Karachi to Lahore), and the Shalimar Express. Pakistan Railways offers several classes of travel including AC Parlor, AC Business, AC Standard, Economy, and the affordable Second Class. The journey from Quetta to the Iranian border via the Bolan Pass offers some of the most dramatic mountain railway scenery in Asia.
In recent years, Pakistan Railways has undergone significant modernization with new Chinese locomotives, improved booking systems, and plans for the ML-1 railway upgrade under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). The online booking system at pakrail.gov.pk allows advance ticket purchase for most major routes.
বাংলায় পড়ুন
পাকিস্তান রেলওয়ে হলো পাকিস্তানের রাষ্ট্রীয় রেলওয়ে ব্যবস্থা। প্রায় ৭,৭৯১ কিলোমিটার ট্র্যাকের মাধ্যমে এটি করাচি, লাহোর, ইসলামাবাদ, পেশোয়ার, কোয়েটা এবং মুলতানের মতো প্রধান শহরগুলিকে সংযুক্ত করে। সবুজ লাইন, তেজগাম এবং কারাকোরাম এক্সপ্রেসের মতো ফ্ল্যাগশিপ ট্রেনগুলি দেশের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ যোগাযোগ ব্যবস্থা।
Highlights
- 7,791 km rail network across Pakistan
- 70+ million passengers carried annually
- Green Line — premium Islamabad to Karachi service
- Bolan Pass route offers dramatic mountain scenery
- ML-1 upgrade under CPEC for modernized infrastructure
- Affordable travel — one of the cheapest rail systems in Asia
How to Book
Book tickets online at pakrail.gov.pk or through the Pakistan Railways mobile app. Tickets can also be purchased at any major railway station counter. Advance booking opens 30 days before departure.
Visit Official Booking Site →Travel Tips
- Book Green Line and Tezgam tickets at least a week in advance during holidays
- AC Parlor and Business class offer the most comfortable experience
- Carry your CNIC — it's required for ticket purchase and verification
- The Quetta-Chaman route through Bolan Pass is spectacularly scenic
- Food vendors board trains at major stations — try local specialties
- Download the Pakistan Railways app for live train tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Pakistan Railway tickets online?
Visit pakrail.gov.pk, create an account with your CNIC, select your route and date, choose your preferred class, and pay online via bank transfer or mobile wallet.
What is the best train in Pakistan?
The Green Line (Islamabad-Karachi) is considered the premier service with AC Parlor class offering airline-style seating, meals, and Wi-Fi. The Karakoram Express and Business Express are also popular choices.
How much does a train ticket cost in Pakistan?
Prices vary by route and class. Economy class from Lahore to Karachi costs around PKR 1,500-2,500, while AC Business class ranges from PKR 5,000-8,000. Green Line AC Parlor costs PKR 6,000-9,000.
