Pakistan Railway Train Classes Explained

Pakistan Railways offers a diverse range of travel classes designed to suit different budgets, comfort levels, and journey types. Whether you're a business professional seeking luxury on the Green Line Express or a budget-conscious traveler making the most of Economy class, understanding your options can significantly improve your travel experience. This comprehensive guide breaks down every class available on Pakistan Railways in 2025.

Overview of All Classes

Before diving into details, here's a bird's-eye view of how the classes compare in terms of comfort, price, and availability:

1. AC Business Class

AC Business is the flagship travel experience on Pakistan Railways. Found on premium trains like the Green Line Express, Business Express, and Shalimar Express, this class offers airline-style comfort on rails.

What You Get

• Seating: Wide, reclining seats with generous legroom. Similar to airline business class. Seats often recline up to 160 degrees.
• Air Conditioning: Powerful AC that maintains comfortable temperatures even in summer.
• Meals: Complimentary meals included in your ticket price. Typically includes breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on timing, plus tea/coffee service.
• Power Outlets: Charging points at every seat for phones and laptops.
• Service: Dedicated onboard staff, clean Western-style toilets, and priority boarding.
• Entertainment: Some trains have personal screens, though entertainment options vary.

Price Range

For the Karachi to Lahore route: Rs. 6,000 - 8,500 depending on the train. Green Line is at the higher end.

Best For

Business travelers, those who value comfort over cost, travelers who need to work during the journey (laptop use), and passengers seeking the best dining experience.

2. AC Parlor Class

AC Parlor offers a similar luxury to AC Business but with private sleeping berths instead of reclining seats. This is the premium choice for overnight journeys where you want to arrive rested.

What You Get

• Sleeping Berths: Private or semi-private sleeping compartments, often with 2 or 4 berths per cabin.
• Bedding: Clean sheets, pillows, and blankets provided.
• Privacy: More privacy than other classes, especially in 2-berth cabins.
• Air Conditioning: Full AC with temperature control.
• Meals: Complimentary meals included.
• Amenities: Reading lights, charging points, and attached or nearby Western toilet.

Price Range

For Karachi to Lahore: Rs. 7,000 - 9,500. Premium compared to AC Business but worth it for overnight comfort.

Best For

Overnight journeys where sleep quality matters, couples seeking privacy, travelers who want to wake up refreshed at their destination.

3. AC Sleeper Class

AC Sleeper is the more accessible sleeping option. It offers sleeping berths with air conditioning but without the premium service level of AC Parlor.

What You Get

• Sleeping Berths: Upper and lower berths in open coach configuration (not private cabins).
• Bedding: Usually provided, though quality may vary.
• Air Conditioning: Full AC throughout the coach.
• Meals: Not included but can be purchased from pantry car.
• Privacy: Less than Parlor – open berths with curtains on some trains.

Price Range

For Karachi to Lahore: Rs. 3,500 - 6,000. A significant saving over AC Parlor.

Best For

Budget-conscious travelers taking overnight journeys, solo travelers who don't need complete privacy, anyone who wants to lie flat while traveling.

4. AC Standard Class

AC Standard is often considered the best value proposition on Pakistan Railways. You get air conditioning and reserved seating at prices between Economy and premium AC classes.

What You Get

• Seating: Padded seats, typically 2+2 or 3+2 configuration. Not as wide as Business class but comfortable for daytime travel.
• Air Conditioning: Fully air-conditioned coaches.
• Reservation: Guaranteed assigned seat.
• Meals: Not included, but pantry car service available.
• Toilets: A mix of Western and Eastern style, generally cleaner than Economy.

Price Range

For Karachi to Lahore: Rs. 2,000 - 4,000. About half the cost of AC Business.

Best For

Families seeking a balance of comfort and price, anyone traveling during hot months who needs AC, medium to long journeys where AC makes a difference.

5. Economy Reserved Class

Economy Reserved is the most popular class among regular Pakistani travelers. It's affordable, practical, and guarantees you a seat even on crowded trains.

What You Get

• Seating: Basic padded seats, typically 3+3 configuration. Less legroom than AC classes.
• Cooling: Natural ventilation + ceiling fans. No AC.
• Reservation: Assigned seat number – you're guaranteed your spot.
• Windows: Usually openable to catch fresh air during cooler parts of the journey.
• Toilets: Mix of Eastern and Western, varies by train and maintenance.

Price Range

For Karachi to Lahore: Rs. 800 - 1,500. Extremely budget-friendly.

Best For

Budget travelers, students (who get additional 50% discount), short to medium journeys, winter travel when AC isn't necessary, travelers who enjoy the authentic local experience.

6. Economy Unreserved Class

The most basic and cheapest option on Pakistan Railways. No assigned seat – you simply find an open spot when you board.

What You Get

• Seating: First-come, first-served. Wooden or basic padded benches depending on train.
• Cooling: Fans and open windows only.
• Crowding: Can be very crowded, especially during festivals and holidays.
• Flexibility: Tickets can often be purchased on the same day.

Price Range

For Karachi to Lahore: Rs. 400 - 800. Rock-bottom pricing.

Best For

Extremely budget-conscious travelers, short hops (1-3 hours), travelers comfortable with uncertainty, those who don't mind standing if seats fill up.

How to Choose the Right Class

Your choice should depend on several factors:

Journey Duration

• Under 3 hours: Economy Reserved is usually fine for anyone.
• 3-8 hours: Consider AC Standard for comfort, especially in summer.
• 8-15 hours: AC classes highly recommended. AC Sleeper for overnight budget option.
• 15+ hours: AC Parlor or AC Sleeper for overnight portions. Lie-flat sleeping makes a huge difference.

Season

• Summer (May-September): AC classes strongly recommended. Economy can be unbearably hot.
• Winter (November-February): Economy is perfectly comfortable and much cheaper.
• Monsoon: Avoid Economy as windows may need to be closed due to rain.

Traveling Party

• Solo: Any class works. Economy is social; AC is quieter.
• Couple: AC Parlor 2-berth cabins offer privacy.
• Family with kids: AC Standard is a good balance – enough space, not too expensive.
• Group of friends: Economy can be fun if you book together.

Class Availability by Train

Not all trains have all classes. Here's a general guide:

• Green Line Express: AC Business, AC Parlor, AC Standard
• Business Express: AC Business, AC Standard
• Tezgam: AC Sleeper, AC Standard, Economy
• Karakoram Express: AC Sleeper, AC Standard, Economy
• Passenger trains: Economy only (Reserved and Unreserved)