Bahauddin Zakaria Express: Complete Guide, Schedule & Ticket Info (2025)
The Bahauddin Zakaria Express is a daily intercity passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways. Running between Karachi City and Multan Cantonment, this iconic train has been serving travelers since 1973. Covering a vast distance of nearly 934 kilometers, the Bahauddin Zakaria Express is not just a means of transport—it’s a lifeline for thousands of commuters, tourists, and business professionals traveling between southern and central Pakistan.
🧭 Route Overview
The Bahauddin Zakaria Express operates on the Karachi–Peshawar main railway line, which is one of the busiest and most significant rail corridors in Pakistan. The train connects Karachi, the country’s largest city, with Multan, a historical and cultural hub in southern Punjab.
- Starting Point: Karachi City Station
- Ending Point: Multan Cantonment
- Distance Covered: Approximately 934 km
- Journey Duration: Around 16 to 17 hours
- Train Numbers:
- 25UP – Karachi to Multan
- 26DN – Multan to Karachi
- Track Gauge: Broad gauge (1,676 mm)
- Operator: APNI RAIL (SSR GROUP)
🕐 Bahauddin Zakaria Express Timings
The Bahauddin Zakaria Express runs daily in both directions. Below is the latest schedule for 2025.
🔼 25UP – Karachi to Multan Schedule
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi City | – | 17:50 |
| Karachi Cantt | 18:05 | 18:10 |
| Drigh Road | 18:35 | 18:37 |
| Landhi Jn | 18:56 | 18:58 |
| Kotri Jn | 21:06 | 21:08 |
| Hyderabad Junction | 21:30 | 21:35 |
| Tando Adam | 22:47 | 22:49 |
| Shahdadpur | 23:06 | 23:08 |
| Nawabshah Junction | 23:40 | 23:42 |
| Daur | 00:05 | 00:07 |
| Mahrabpur Jn | 01:07 | 01:09 |
| Rohri Junction | 02:55 | 03:20 |
| Ghotki | 04:02 | 04:04 |
| Sadiqabad | 05:14 | 05:16 |
| Rahim Yar Khan | 05:46 | 05:48 |
| Khanpur Jn | 06:40 | 06:45 |
| Firoza | 07:04 | 07:06 |
| Liaquatpur | 07:26 | 07:28 |
| Dera Nawab Sahib | 07:58 | 08:00 |
| Mubarakpur | 08:15 | 08:17 |
| Samasata Jn | 08:40 | 08:42 |
| Bahawalpur | 08:56 | 09:00 |
| Lodhran Junction | 09:20 | 09:22 |
| Gilawala | 09:43 | 09:45 |
| Zarif Shaheed | 09:57 | 09:59 |
| Shujabad | 10:12 | 10:14 |
| Multan Cantonment | 10:50 | – |
🔽 26DN – Multan to Karachi Schedule
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Multan Cantt | – | 16:00 |
| Shujabad | 16:30 | 16:32 |
| Zarif Shaheed | 16:45 | 16:47 |
| Gilawala | 17:00 | 17:02 |
| Lodhran Jn | 17:25 | 17:27 |
| Bahawalpur | 17:45 | 17:50 |
| Samasata Jn | 18:06 | 18:08 |
| Mubarakpur | 18:27 | 18:29 |
| Dera Nawab Sahib | 18:43 | 18:45 |
| Liaquatpur | 19:14 | 19:16 |
| Firoza | 19:35 | 19:37 |
| Khanpur Jn | 20:00 | 20:05 |
| Rahim Yar Khan | 20:45 | 20:47 |
| Sadiqabad | 21:24 | 21:26 |
| Ghotki | 22:33 | 22:35 |
| Rohri Jn | 23:40 | 00:05 |
| Mahrabpur Jn | 01:18 | 01:20 |
| Daur | 02:43 | 02:45 |
| Nawabshah Jn | 03:21 | 03:23 |
| Shahdadpur | 04:21 | 04:23 |
| Tando Adam Jn | 04:50 | 04:52 |
| Hyderabad Jn | 05:45 | 05:55 |
| Kotri Jn | 06:12 | 06:14 |
| Landhi Jn | 08:11 | 08:13 |
| Drigh Road | 08:50 | 08:52 |
| Karachi Cantt | 09:20 | 09:35 |
| Karachi City | 09:45 | – |
🏷️ Bahauddin Zakaria Express Ticket Prices (2025)
The train offers three main classes of travel, each suited for different comfort levels and budgets:
| Class | Facilities | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | Basic seating, affordable, fans, open windows | PKR 1,500 – 2,000 |
| AC Standard | Air-conditioned, padded seats, clean toilets | PKR 3,000 – 3,500 |
| AC Business | Spacious seating, privacy, luxury environment | PKR 4,500 – 5,500 |
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on season, booking channel, and travel demand. Booking early is recommended to secure preferred seats.
🛏️ Onboard Facilities
The Bahauddin Zakaria Express provides essential amenities to make your journey comfortable and safe:
- Sleeping Berths: Available in AC classes
- Catering Services: Snacks and meals available from vendors and station kiosks
- Clean Washrooms: Provided in all classes
- Security Personnel: Onboard for safety during the night journey
- Luggage Storage: Space available above seats or under benches
🕌 About the Name: Bahauddin Zakaria
The train is named after Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, a revered Sufi saint of the Suhrawardiyya order, who lived in Multan from 1171 to 1262. His contributions to the spiritual and social life of Multan have made the city a major center of Sufism in South Asia.
🧳 Why Travel by Bahauddin Zakaria Express?
Here are a few reasons why this train is popular among long-distance travelers:
- Affordability: Budget-friendly fare options make it accessible to all.
- Daily Service: Operates every day, ensuring availability.
- Multiple Stops: Connects small towns and major cities en route.
- Reliability: Known for timely departures and arrivals.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for all age groups, including elderly and children.
📞 Contact & Booking Info
For seat reservation, latest schedule updates, or travel queries, you can:
- Call Railway Helpline: 042-111-111-111
- Visit Nearest Station for counter bookings
- Online Booking: Available through Pakistan Railways official website or apps
Make sure to book tickets in advance during peak travel seasons and holidays.
📌 Travel Tips for Passengers
- Arrive Early: Be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Bring ID: You may be asked for ID when checking tickets.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially for long journeys.
- Power Banks: Bring chargers or power banks; not all coaches have outlets.
- Secure Luggage: Always lock your bags and keep valuables close.
