Official ways to book
Pakistan Railways sells tickets through three official channels:
- Rabta app: the mobile app officially authorised by Pakistan Railways for booking, cancelling, paying for and checking tickets. Download it only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. On the App Store it is listed by Easyway Innovations Pakistan and described as officially authorised by Pakistan Railways.
- Pakistan Railways booking website: the same booking system in a web browser, reached from the official Pakistan Railways website.
- Railway reservation offices at main stations, for people who prefer to pay in person or need help.
Avoid unknown agents and social media pages selling “confirmed” tickets. Only tickets issued in your own name through the official system are valid.
What you need
- Your CNIC number. Each adult passenger’s ticket is linked to a CNIC.
- A mobile number for the account and for SMS confirmation.
- A way to pay: the app and website show the payment options at checkout, such as cards and mobile wallets like JazzCash and Easypaisa.
- For children, the details the booking form asks for.
How to book on the app, step by step
- Install the Rabta app and sign up with your mobile number and CNIC.
- Choose your departure station, destination and travel date.
- Pick a train from the list. Check the departure time and the class.
- Choose the class and seat or berth if the app offers seat selection.
- Enter each passenger’s name and CNIC exactly as on the card.
- Pay within the time shown, before the seat hold expires.
- Save the e-ticket in the app and keep the SMS. Take a screenshot as a backup.
Seat classes
Trains have an Economy class and air-conditioned (AC) classes, and some trains also have a Parlour class. The class names, seats and berths differ from train to train, and not every train has every class. The app shows the classes and fares for each train before you pay.
