How to Book a Train Ticket Online in Pakistan (Pakistan Railways E-Ticketing)

Quick answer: To book a train ticket online in Pakistan, go to Pakistan Railways' official e-ticketing website at pakrail.gov.pk, create an account with your name, mobile number and CNIC, search your route and date, choose a train and class, and pay by JazzCash, Easypaisa or a debit/credit card. Your e-ticket is sent by SMS and email — save it on your phone and carry your original CNIC for checking on board. Seats can be reserved up to 90 days in advance, according to Pakistan Railways' own FAQ.

Before you book: what you need

• Your CNIC number and the CNIC numbers or names of every passenger travelling.
• A mobile number you can receive an SMS on, and an email address for the e-ticket.
• A payment method: JazzCash, Easypaisa, or a debit/credit card with enough balance for the full fare.
• A backup train in mind — popular trains such as the Green Line and Tezgam sell out fast before Eid.

Only book through the official site — unofficial agents charging extra fees are not Pakistan Railways, and their tickets can be harder to refund.

How to book step by step

1. Open pakrail.gov.pk and go to the e-ticketing section. If you are new, register an account with your name, mobile number, email and CNIC details.
2. Search your journey. Enter departure and destination stations (for example, Lahore to Karachi), pick your date, and search.
3. Compare trains. Results show departure and arrival times, classes and fares. Fares vary by train, class and distance, so read the fare for your exact train and date, not an old quote elsewhere.
4. Choose a class. Economy, Business, AC Standard, AC Sleeper and AC Parlour are common, but not every train offers every class, and sleeper berths go first.
5. Enter passenger details. Type each name and CNIC number exactly as on the CNIC. Tickets are not transferable — the named passenger must be the one travelling.
6. Pay promptly. Choose JazzCash, Easypaisa or card and complete payment in the same session; do not close the page mid-payment.
7. Save your e-ticket. Screenshot the SMS/email confirmation, note the booking reference, and keep the e-ticket on your phone.

If money leaves your account but no ticket arrives, do not rebook straight away — check your booking history and messages first, then call the e-ticketing complaint number 042-99070011 or your payment provider, with your transaction ID ready.

Which class should you pick?

Booking at the station instead

Tickets are also sold at railway reservation offices at major stations, including return journeys. At the counter, check the train number, date, seat or berth number and passenger name before you leave. The same 90-day window applies.

Cancelling or changing a ticket

There is no simple date-change button: to change plans, you generally cancel and rebook, paying a deduction that rises as departure nears (revised policy reported in January 2025):

If Pakistan Railways cancels the train, or it is delayed by more than 6 hours, a full refund applies for the untravelled portion. Refunds go back through the same payment method you used, so keep your booking reference until the refund lands. Always confirm the exact deduction on the cancellation screen before confirming, as rules can change.

On travel day: checklist

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure at a main station, earlier if you need to find your platform or coach.
• Carry your original CNIC and your e-ticket on your phone; a screenshot helps if the station network is weak.
• Check your coach and seat or berth number against the coach markings, and keep luggage within the free allowance — 20 kg for Economy and most seated classes, 50 kg for AC Sleeper.
• Do not accept food or drink from strangers on the train.
• For help, ask the Station Master at the station or the Conductor Guard on board. Wheelchair help at main stations is arranged through the Station Master's office; the Railway Police helpline is 1333.

Common problems and fixes

"No seats available." Try a different train, a different class, or a nearby date. For Eid travel, book as soon as the 90-day window opens, and check again later — seats sometimes reappear after cancellations.

"Payment failed but money deducted." Wait a few minutes, check your booking history and messages, then call 042-99070011 or your payment provider with the transaction ID.

"The train is running late." Call helpline 117 for running status before leaving home — a delay over 6 hours entitles you to a full refund for the untravelled portion if you choose not to travel.

Related guides

Also read how to book a bus ticket online in Pakistan, and browse bus companies on PkBizGuide if you want to compare road and rail for the same route.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official website for booking Pakistan Railways tickets online?
pakrail.gov.pk — use its e-ticketing section. Avoid unofficial booking sites that add their own fees.

How far in advance can I book a train ticket?
Seats and berths can be reserved up to 90 days in advance, according to Pakistan Railways' official FAQ.

Can I pay with JazzCash or Easypaisa?
Yes. Both mobile wallets are accepted for online booking, along with debit and credit cards.

Do I need to print my e-ticket?
No — the SMS and email confirmation serve as your ticket. Keep it on your phone and carry your original CNIC for checking.

Can someone else travel on my ticket?
No. Tickets are not transferable, and the named passenger must be the one travelling.

What if my train is cancelled or very late?
If the train is cancelled, or delayed by more than 6 hours, you can claim a full refund for the untravelled portion. For general enquiries call helpline 117.

Steps, helplines and refund rules checked on 3 November 2026. Fares and refund rules vary by train and can change; confirm the fare and deduction shown at booking before you pay or cancel.