Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station: Pakistan’s Bustling Railway Center

Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station, located in the heart of Karachi, Pakistan, is a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Formerly known as Frere Street Station, this iconic Karachi railway station hub has witnessed the ups and downs of time since its construction between 1896 and 1898 during the British Raj era. With its awe-inspiring colonial-style architecture and grandeur, Karachi Cantt Station was a vital junction for trade and military operations, connecting Karachi’s bustling port to the rest of the nation.

Historical Significance of Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station has witnessed numerous historic events, including Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in 1916 and Lord Mountbatten’s departure in 1947. Its high-arch ceiling and colonial-style that shows the elegance of the past. Designated as a protected heritage site by the Sindh government, this station holds immense historical value, preserving the essence of Karachi’s past for generations to come. Managed by Pakistan Railways, it remains a bustling hub of activity, embodying the city’s rich heritage and legacy.

Strategic Importance and Location of Karachi Railway Station

As a crucial junction station, Karachi Cantt connects seaports on both sides, facilitating the transportation of freight and goods from Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to up-country destinations like Multan, Lahore, and Peshawar. Its strategic location near Dr. Daudpota Road in Saddar places it in the heart of the metropolis, surrounded by significant market hubs, cultural landmarks, and government offices, including the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum and the Chief Minister’s House. This prime location underscores its significance as a gateway to Pakistan for travelers arriving by train.

Karachi to Lahore Train Timing From Karachi Cantt Station

Ten no Train daily departed from Karachi for Lahore. Karachi to Lahore train timing at Karachi cantt station is as under.

Karachi to Lahore train timing
Sr. #	Name of Train	Karachi cantt	Lahore Jn
		Departure	Arrival
1	Shalimar Exp 27 up	06:30 am	02:15 am
2	Awam Exp 13	07:00 am	06:40 am
3	Karakoram Exp 41 up	03:00 pm	09:35 am
4	Allama Iqbal Exp 9 up	03:30 pm	12:10 pm
5	Pak Business 33 up	04:00 pm	10:00 am
6	Tezgam Exp 7 up	05:30 pm	01:45 pm
7	Karachi Exp 15 up	06:00 pm	12:45 pm
8	Fareed Exp 37	07:50 pm	09:35 pm
9	Green Exp 5 up	10:00 pm	03:20 pm
10	Khyber mail 1 up	10:15 pm	08:05 pm

Available Facilities at Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station offers many amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. From current and advanced reservation offices to cargo and parcel facilities, the station caters to the diverse needs of passengers. Spacious waiting rooms and halls, segregated for men and women, provide a welcoming environment for travelers. The station’s capacity to accommodate up to 56 trains per day, operating in various cities across the country, highlights its importance as one of Pakistan’s largest railway hubs. Additionally, a loco shed, equipped with turntables and washing lines, ensures the efficient maintenance of locomotives and coaches, further strengthening the station’s operational capabilities.

Platform Facilities

The leading platform of Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station boasts a range of amenities, including tea stalls, refreshment outlets, and tuck shops, offering passengers a variety of snacks and beverages. Overhead bridges conveniently connect all platforms, enhancing accessibility for travelers.

Karachi Cantt Station Booking Office Timing and Location

Location: The reservation office is at Karachi Cantt Station, where you can book train tickets.  

Office Booking: Timing: Office Booking time at Karachi cant station is 8:00 am to 9:00 pm confirmed from reservation office Karachi cantt.

Purpose: It helps passengers reserve seats and plan their trips.  

Services: Staff assist with ticket bookings, schedules, and travel information. 

Technology: Computers and electronic systems make booking faster and more efficient.

Convenience: The office ensures passengers have a smooth and organized travel experience.

Karachi Railway station Waiting Room and Hall at Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station

Location: The new waiting hall is near the parking area of Karachi Cantt Station.

Comfort: It provides a comfortable place for passengers to wait for their trains.

Facilities: There are seats, fans, restrooms, and sometimes even a small café.

Safety: The waiting hall is safe, with security personnel and CCTV cameras

Pakistan Railway Loco shed Karachi Cantt  

Location:  The loco shed is situated at Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station, where trains get their engines checked and repaired.  

Purpose: It keeps the trains running smoothly by ensuring all engines are in good condition.  

Activities: Mechanics and engineers work here, fixing any problems and performing regular maintenance. 

Importance: With the loco shed, trains could travel safely and on time. there is also two turntable where engine/loco direction are reversed in opposite direction.

Tours: Students and visitors can sometimes tour the loco shed near Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station to learn how trains work.

Washing Line, Karachi Cantt 

Location:     The washing line is found at Karachi Cantt Station, where trains get cleaned. 

Purpose: It helps keep trains looking nice and tidy for passengers.  

Process: Special machines and workers wash the trains with water and soap.

Importance: Clean trains are more comfortable and pleasant for everyone to use.

Maintenance: Regular cleaning also helps maintain the trains, ensuring they stay in good shape.

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station Train Timing

Train Name	Train No	Departure Time	Destination of Train (Important-stoppage)
Karachi Express	15 up	18:00 or 6:00 pm	Hyderabad-Nawab shah-Rohri-Bahawalpur- Multan-Khanewal-Sahiwal-Kotlakhpat-Lahore
Khyber mail	1 up	22:15	Hyderabad-Tando adam-Nawab shah-Khairpur-Rohri-Ghothki-Sadiqabad-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur-Liaqatpur-Bahawalpur-Lodhran-Shujabad-Multan-Khanewal-Mian channu-Chichawatni-Sahiwal-Kotlakhpat-Lahore-Gujranwala-Wazirabad-Gujrat-Lalamusa-Jhelum-Gujjar khan-Rawalpindi-Attock-Jahangira-Nowshera-Peshawar
Green line	5 up	22:00	Hyderabad-Rohri-Bahawalpur–Khanewal-Lahore-Chaklala-Rawalpindi
Tezgam Express	7 up	17:30	Hyderabad-Tando Adam-Nawab shah-Khairpur-Rohri-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur-Bahawalpur–Multan-Khanewal-Mian channu-Chichawatni-Sahiwal-Okara-Lahore-Gujranwala-Wazirabad-Gujrat-Lalamusa-Jhelum-Gujjar khan-Rawalpindi-
Pak Business	33 up	16:00	Hyderabad-Nawab shah-Rohri-Rahim yar khan-Bahawalpur–Khanewal- Sahiwal-Lahore
Karakoram Express	41 up	15:00	Hyderabad-Rohri-Bahawalpur–Khanewal-Toba Tek singh-Faislabad-Lahore
Rehman Baba Express	47 up	12:00 or 12 pm	Drigh road-Landhi-Hyderabad-Tando Adam-Nawab shah-Bandhi-Bhira road-Lakha road-Setherjha-Mehrabpur-Rohri-Pano akil-Mirpur mathelo-Rahim yar khan-Bahawalpur–Multan cant-Khanewal-Toba tek singh-Faisalabad-Sangla hill-Hifizabad-Alipur chatha-Wazirabad-Lalamusa-Rawalpindi-Attock city Jn-Jahangira road-Nowshera-Peshawar
Shalimar Express	27 up	6:30 (6:30 am)	Drigh road-Hyderabad-Nawab shah-Rohri-Ghhotki-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur-Bahawalpur–Multan cant-Khanewal-Toba tek singh-Faisalabad-Lahore
Millat Express	17 up	17:00	Drigh road-Landhi-Hyderabad-Shadadpur-Nawab shah-Bandhi-Bhira road-Mehrabpur-Rohri-Sadiqabad-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur Jn-Bahawalpur–Lodhran Junction-Dunya-Jahania-Khanewal-Abdul Hakeem-Shorkot-Toba tek singh-Gojra-Faisalabad-Chak jumra Jn-Chanab nagar-Shahinabad jn-Sarghodha-Bhalwal-Phularwan-Malakwal Jn-Mandi Bahauddin-Chillian wala-Dinga-Lalamusa
Pakistan Express	45 up	14:00	Landhi-Hyderabad-Tando Adam-Paddan-Khairpur-Rohri-Ghotki-Sadiqabad-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur-Bahawalpur–Multan cant-Khanewal-Abdul Hakeem-Shorkot-Toba tek singh-Gojra-Faisalabad-Sangla hill-Sukheke-Hafizabad-Alipur chatha-Wazirabad-Gujrat-Lalamusa-Jhehlum-Dina-Gujar Khan–Chaklala-Rawalpindi
Bolan Mail	3 up	20:10	Karachi City-Karachi Cant-Drig Road-Landhi Jn-Braudabad Kotri Jn-Sind University-Sehwan Sharif-Dadu-Rehmani Nagar-Radhan-Badh-Larkana Jn-Shah Nawaz Bhutto-Shikarpur -Jacobabad Jn-Dera Allahyar-Dera Murad Jamali-Bakhtiarabad Domki-Sibi Jn-Ab-I-Gum-Mach-Kolpur -Quetta
Hazara Express	11 up	19:45	Drigh road-Landhi-Hyderabad-Shadadpur-Nawab shah-Bandhi-Bhira road-Mehrabpur-Rohri-Sadiqabad-Rahim yar khan-Khanpur Jn-Bahawalpur–Lodhran Junction-Dunya-Jahania-Khanewal-Abdul Hakeem-Shorkot-Toba tek singh-Gojra-Faisalabad-Chak jumra Jn-Chanab nagar-Shahinabad jn-Sarghodha-Bhalwal-Phularwan-Malakwal Jn-Mandi Bahauddin-Chillian wala-Dinga-Lalamusa
Sukkur Express	145 up	21:20	Karachi Cant-Drig Road-Landhi-Kotri-Hyderabad Jn-Tando Adam-Shahdadpur-Nawab shah Jn-Kot Lallo-Padidan -Bhira Road-Lakha Road-Mehrabpur-Setherjha-Ranipur Riyasat-Gambat-Khairpur-Rohri Jn-Sukkur Jn-Shikarpur-Jacobabad Jn
Fareed Express	37 up	19:50	Karachi City-Karachi Cant-Drigh Road-Landhi Jn-Kotri Jn- Hyderabad Jn-Tando Adam Jn-Shahdadpur-Nawabshah Jn- Pad Idan Jn-Bhiria Road-Mahrabpur Jn-Rohri Jn-Ghotki- Mirpur Mathelo-Sadiqabad-Rahim Yar Khan-Khanpur Jn- Liaqatpur-Dera Nawab Sahib-Mubarakpur-Samasata Jn -Bahawalpur-Lodhran Jn-Jamraniwah-Kahror Pakka-Mailsi- Nur Shah-Vehari-Machhianwala-Mandi Burewala-Gagoo Mandi- Arif Wala-Murad Chishti-Pakpattan-Haveli Wasawewala-Basirpur-Mandi Ahmad Abad-Kanganpur-Usmanwala-Khudian Khas-Kasur Jn-Raiwind Jn-Kot Lakhpat-Lahore Jn-

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station Contact Number

Cantt station Karachi contact number detail given below.

• Address: Off Daud Pota Road, Main Cantonment Area of Karachi.
• Contact Number: 021 99206075-76. 
• Railway Inquiries Helpline: 117.

If you have any questions regarding ticket reservations, train timings, luggage, or arrivals and departures, please contact Karachi Railway Station. Whether you prefer visiting in person or giving them a call, they’re dedicated to ensuring your train journey is hassle-free and enjoyable.

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station: Tips for Tourists

Getting to the station is accessible via bus, taxi, rickshaw, or walking from nearby spots like Saddar or Frere Hall. Open 24/7, it’s best to visit during the day for safety. Inside, the waiting area isn’t very comfy, so it’s wise to bring your own snacks. Luggage storage is available but only sometimes reliable, so keep valuables close. Security checks are standard upon entry. Trains are announced, but you can also check display boards. For Muslim travelers, there’s a nearby mosque for prayers. Nearby attractions like Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum and the National Museum are just a short distance away.

Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station: Places to be visited

1. Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, just 6.1 kilometers from Karachi Cantt Station, is where the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, rests. It’s a must-see for history buffs.  
2. Mohatta Palace Museum, a stunning palace-turned-museum located only 4.1 kilometers from the Karachi Cantt Station, houses a fascinating collection of historical artifacts and art pieces. 
3. Frere Hall, situated 1.1 kilometers from the Karachi Cantt Station, is a beautiful colonial-era building. It’s a favorite spot for picnics and outdoor fun. The garden is lovely, and art exhibitions are held there.
4. Karachi Zoological Gardens, just 5.5 kilometers away from Karachi Cantt Station, is one of Pakistan’s oldest zoos. Its diverse range of animals, birds, and reptiles makes it a hit with nature lovers.
5. The National Museum of Pakistan, located 3.2 kilometers from the Karachi Cantt Station, showcases Pakistan’s rich history and culture. It’s a great place to learn about the country’s heritage.  
6. Mazar-e-Quaid Park,6.1 km from Karachi Cant railway station and right next to the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, is perfect for families looking to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
7. Pakistan Maritime Museum, situated on Karsaz Road 10 kilometers from Karachi Cantt Station, is dedicated to Pakistan’s maritime history. Visitors can explore ship models, naval equipment, and various artifacts.
8. Clifton Beach, a famous beach 6.6 kilometers from the Karachi Cantt Station, offers the perfect setting to relax, catch a sunset, and even enjoy water sports.

Food point near Pakistan Railway Cantt Railway station

Ideally located a few minutes’ drive from Saddar Town and the old city area, Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station is surrounded by many famous food joints. For example, if you’re craving street food and traditional dishes, you can head to Burnes Road. It is one of the oldest and most famous food streets in Karachi. Eateries like Waheed Kabab House, Mazedar Haleem, Food Centre, and Delhi Rabri House are trendy in the area.

Hotel Near Cantt Railway Station Karachi

One of the most significant conveniences of this location is that a few top-of-the-line hotel near cantt railway station Karachi are as under.

Avari Towers

Avari Tower boasts an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. With modern air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Just 2.2 km from Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station and 15 km from Jinnah Airport, it’s conveniently located. Rooms feature flat-screen cable/satellite TVs, safety deposit boxes, and minibars, with private bathrooms, including shower facilities. The 24-hour front desk offers currency exchange and laundry services. Guests can enjoy tennis and business facilities onsite, as well as various dining options. Avari Hotel Karachi is a favorite among couples, offering multiple room types and flexible booking conditions. Start your search for room rates now and earn loyalty points with every booking!

Movenpick

Movenpick Hotel Karachi, located on Club Road just 2.1 kilometers from the Pakistan railway Karachi Cantt Station, offers 4 dining options, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Rooms feature city views, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The Hotel provides free parking, conference facilities, and 24-hour staff service. Guests can enjoy Lebanese cuisine at Kabab-Ji, Pakistani cuisine at Al Bustan, international buffets at Al Bustan, Italian dishes at La Mamma, and local snacks at a 24-hour coffee shop.

Karachi Marriott Hotel

Opposite Frere Hall and Park, just 1.3 kilometers away, the 5-star Karachi Marriott Hotel offers luxurious rooms with flat-screen TVs. The Hotel features 2 restaurants, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Rooms have private bathrooms, minibars, and electric kettles. It is 1.3 km from Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station via Claremont Rd. Guests enjoy a business center, executive lounge, and onsite services like a drugstore and currency exchange. Enjoy European and Pakistani food at Nadia Coffee Shop and Pan Asian dishes at Nami Zumi.

Pearl Continental

In south-central Karachi, the 5-star Pearl Continental Hotel offers luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Enjoy 6 dining options, an indoor pool, and free parking. Rooms have private bathrooms, coffee machines, and safes. The Hotel is 2 km from Saddar and 2.2 km from Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station. Dining options include European, Japanese, Pakistani, Chinese, and American cuisines, putting you close to great attractions and food. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pakistan Railway Karachi Cantt Station is more than just a transportation hub – it’s a cultural icon that embodies the spirit of Pakistan. From its rich history and architectural marvels to its diverse culinary offerings and modern amenities, the station offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Karachi. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler exploring Pakistan’s landscapes or a curious local seeking to experience the pulse of your city, be sure to make a stop at Karachi Railway Station. It’s a journey you will remember. All aboard!

FAQs