How to Take the Night Train from Karachi to Lahore
- Alexander
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How to Take the Night Train from Karachi to Lahore – Pakistan’s Most Iconic Rail Journey
Taking the night train from Karachi to Lahore is one of the most memorable travel experiences you can have in Pakistan. It’s chaotic and tiring, yet very authentic. A journey that takes roughly 24 hours and spans the entire length of the country, from the southern port city to Pakistan’s cultural capital.
Finding tickets however, choosing the right train, and making your way through the overcrowded stations can be confusing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to take one of the world’s most iconic train rides. from booking tips and onboard life to what to expect before, during, and after the trip.
Coming from Karachi? Check out:
Table of Contents
🚆 Why Take the Train from Karachi to Lahore?
In a country as massive as Pakistan you might ask yourself, why you should even take the train and not a domnestic flight instead. Especially if the journey is so long and chaotic. Well while you’d save a lot of time and energy indeed, what’s the reason you travel in the first place? If you want an authentic trip, meet locals and make new memories this should be reason enough.
Over the course of roughly 24 hours, you’ll travel from the chaotic, coastal sprawl of Karachi all the way to the cultural heart of Lahore. Along the way, you’ll watch the landscape slowly shift from the dry desert to green warmland.
🎫 Where and How to Get Tickets
Buying a train ticket was really confusing as I found very little information online. While there is an online platform I’d highly recommend against it, as it`s buggy as fuck and you’ll need a pakistani mobile number plus ID card.
Where To Buy Tickets
In Karachi, head to Karachi Cantonment Station (Cantt Station). This is the city’s main railway hub and where all long-distance trains to Lahore depart. There’s a separate ticket hall where you can buy tickets for any class. . I wasted about 30 minutes wandering around, getting through bag checks, before figuring out you have to purchase the tickets in the buidlding opposite. I am marking the exact location here.
Inside the ticket building, you’ll find around four counters, all moving painfully slowly. I waited nearly 45 minutes, even with only a few people ahead. There are two electronic terminals in the lobby, but they only work with Pakistani ID, so don’t bother.
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets in Lahore
In Lahore, head to Lahore Junction Railway Station. It’s less chaotic than Karachi and easier to navigate. You can reserve tickets here.
Purchasing The Tickets
You’ll need your passport (I used a copy which was enough) and a pakistani phone number. I simply used the number of the reception of the last hotel I was staying in.
The tickets have to be paid in cash:
- Economy Class: 3.500 PKR
- Sleeper Class: 4.800 PKR
- AC Sleeper Class: 8.600 PKR
Note that as a foreigner they will automatically assume you want to book AC Sleeper Class Ticket. If you want another tarif say so right away.
Book the ticket a day in advance! Before the train arrival the train station is super chaotic and it takes a long time to get a ticket. There is even a chance AC Sleeper Class is sold out if you book the same day.
⚠️ I did this journey in April 2024. While I try to keep all the information updated, I can not gurantee that it’s 100% the same today.
👮 Is the train ride safe?
The train itself is safe, even for solo travellers. There are also a few police officers with machine guns in the train to assure safety. If they noticeyou are a foreigner, they might even accompany you for part of the journey, either out of curiosity or as a precaution.
Unfortunatley theft is not uncommon in economy class and people’s bags get stolen while they are asleep quite regularly. AC Sleeper class is significantly more secure and comfortable. Compartments are more private, and theft is very rare.
❓FAQ about the Karachi-Lahore Sleeper Train
🗺️ What Is The Actual Train Route?
The train starts in Karachi and stops in Hyderabad, Rohri Junction, Bahawalpur, Multan, Khanewal and ends in Lahore.
🛑 Does The Sleeper Train Continue To Islamabad?
No, not directly.
The sleeper train ends in Lahore. You can take another train from Lahore to Islamabad which takes around 5 more hours.
⏱️ How Long Does The Journey Take?
On paper it takes 18-20 hours, however in reality it’s more like 24 hours.
🧭 Navigating Karachi Cantt Station
As you can imagine in the 13th biggest city, Karachi Cantt station it is extremly loud and chaotic. Trash litters the ground and the air is thick with a smell of fuel and old food.
You’ll need to take a taxi or TukTuk to get to the train station. Exit in front of the main gate as the taxi driver has to pay a fee to get in otherwise.
Once in the outside area there ares everal men wearing orange clothes, trying to carry your luggage for some extra money. Most of the accept a simply no.
As mentioned above the tickets are being sold in a building outside the train station.
Before entering the platform area, you’ll pass through bag checks and a body scanner. Once inside you’ll find an overcrowded waiting hall as well as several food stalls selling chai and snacks.
You might need to ask around to find out where yourtrain departs from as it is a bit random. As you can imagine the train is usually at least an hour late.
🛏️ Inside the Train: What It’s Really Like
The train is no luxury express and the ride is gonna be long, gritty, sleeples and unfortgettable. Once the train finally arrives (probably late), there’s a brief rush as passengers board.
🚋Economy Class
If you’re riding in Economy Class, prepare for a rough night. There’s no AC, and the wagons are extremely hot, loud, overcrowded, and smelly. Expect babies crying, people sleeping on the floor, and vendors shouting at every stop. Keep a good eye on your backpack so it does not get stolen.
🛌 AC Sleeper Class
If you booked AC Sleeper Class, congrats, you’ve got the most comfortable option available. There are compartments with four to six bunks, air conditioning and a sliding door which can be locked for some privacy. There is a small table, trash can and a big window. Think of it as basic Soviet-era meets South Asian practicality.
🚽 Bathrooms
The toilets are simply a hole in the floor so you are basically shitting on the railway. This is why the toilets are not allowed to use when holding in the cities. There is no running water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer but probably some cockroaches watching you. Enoy the company!
💡 As you will have a lot of time on the train, why not read some more of my Guides.
🍛 Food & Drink on the Train
Don’t. Buy. Any. Food. On. The. Train.
Seriously! Hygiene standards are extremely poor, and food poisoning is almost guaranteed. Don’t even get convinced to drink Chai with locals as its made with tap water in questionable conditions. This is how I caught food poisoning in Pakistan.
Instead go off the train when it stops and buy bottled drinks and chips, bread or candy. Don’t get any street food at the stops either.
🔗 A Full Guide to Pakistan
🇵🇰 More on Pakistan
How to Take the Night Train from Karachi to Lahore (Pakistan)
How to Travel to Karachi, Pakistan in 2025 – A Travel Guide
Alex
Welcome off the beaten path!
I’m Alex, a 23 year old traveler who loves to explore the corners of the world, that still seem to be untouched. In this Blog I want to share my experiences with you.
