What are Pakistan Railways’ fare rules and concessions?
Pakistan Railways charges by distance band and class. Children from 3 to under 10 pay half fare, booking more than 48 hours ahead takes 5% off, and economy berths cost Rs 50 extra up to 500 km (Rs 100 beyond). These rules are printed with the official fare table in force from 20 Apr 2025.
Updated 4 Nov 2026
Rules printed with the fare table
- The minimum fare for any class and train is the 1–20 km fare.
- Children who are 3 or older but under 10 pay half the full fare, rounded off and never below the minimum fare.
- A fare 5% lower than the table applies on all trains when you reserve more than 48 hours before departure.
- Economy berth surcharge: Rs 50 for trips up to 500 km, Rs 100 for 501 km and above.
- Second class no longer exists; its fare was merged into intercity and passenger trains.
- On Green Line and Shah Husain, child fare is 50% of the adult fare including complimentary food and services, and most concessions do not apply.
Concessions listed in the table
Concessions are given on the base fare of the train. Some apply only with authority letters issued by the railway’s divisional offices; ask at the reservation office.
| Who | Concession |
|---|---|
| Students, foreigners, Scouts and Girl Guides | 50% |
| Foreign tourists | 25% |
| People with disabilities (with the special CNIC) | 50% |
| Sportspersons and athletes; people with mental or orthopaedic disabilities | 40% |
| Blind students (CNIC and certificate) | 65% |
| Attendant of a blind student or blind person | 50% |
| Journalists with a Railway accreditation card and press card | 80% (spouse 50%) |
Senior citizens
- Age 75 and above: free travel in Economy on all trains, for four single journeys a calendar year, booked in advance with your original CNIC.
- Age 65 to under 75: 25% off AC classes and 50% off Economy, except on Green Line, Karakoram, Karachi Express, Pak Business, Shalimar, Millat, Rawal Express, Islamabad Non-Stop, any non-stop train and outsourced trains.
- Carry the original CNIC: without it on board you are treated as travelling without a ticket.
Refunds on unused tickets bought in advance
This is Pakistan Railways’ refund policy for computerised paper tickets (in effect since 25 Aug 2011). RABTA e-tickets are refunded in the app; check the amount it shows before you confirm.
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before departure | 90% |
| 24 to 48 hours before departure | 80% |
| Within 24 hours of departure | 70% |
| Within 3 hours after departure | Up to 50% |
Questions
What age is child fare on Pakistan Railways?
From 3 years to under 10 years: half the full fare, not less than the minimum fare.
Do senior citizens travel free on Pakistan trains?
People aged 75 and above travel free in Economy, for four single journeys a calendar year booked in advance with the original CNIC. Ages 65 to under 75 get 25% off AC and 50% off Economy on most trains.
Is there a student discount on Pakistan Railways?
The fare table lists a 50% concession for students. It is given on the base fare and some trains (Green Line, Shah Husain) do not allow most concessions.
How much do I get back if I cancel a train ticket?
90% more than 48 hours before departure, 80% between 24 and 48 hours, 70% within 24 hours, and up to 50% within three hours after departure.