Much of Pakistan’s extensive rail network is a legacy of British rule. The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several daily trains. Even first-class compartments can be hot and crowded. Travel in air conditioned coaches is advised, as are reservations on long-distance journeys and overnight service. Children under three years of age travel free. Children aged three to 11 years pay half fare. Pakistan Railways offer concessions for tourists (on presentation of a certificate issued by PTDC), excluding Indian nationals traveling by rail. A discount of 25 per cent is offered to individuals and groups, and 50 per cent for students. Details are available from railway offices in Pakistan. For more information contact Pakistan Railways (www.pakrail.com).

A rail link extends from Quetta (via the border crossing at Taftan) to Zahedan, Iran; the express train (travel time – 27 hours) runs weekly from Quetta, as does the passenger train, which only travels as far as Taftan. For more information contact Pakistan Railways (website: www.pakrail.com).

Approximate rail times
Karachi to Lahore is 20 hours, to Rawalpindi is 28 hours and to Peshawar is 32 hours; and Lahore to Rawalpindi is five hours.

Click here for List of Train Stations