Have you ever wondered what it’s like to cross one of the world’s most enigmatic countries on tracks? Recently, I lived through one of the most intense and surprising experiences of my life as a digital nomad: traveling by train in Pakistan. If you are planning an adventure through South Asia or are simply curious about this destination, get ready—because what I found between Peshawar and Islamabad (via Rawalpindi) went far beyond simple landscapes; it was a deep dive into insane hospitality.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything about safety, how to buy tickets, the challenges of working on board, and why you should consider Pakistan as your next travel destination. Or watch my full video abou travel Pakistan by train:
Departure from Peshawar: High Security and Wide Smiles
My journey began in Peshawar, a vibrant and historic city that demands attention. To give you an idea of the local context, our trip from the hotel to the train station—a mere 4-minute drive—required a police escort. In Pakistan, the government treats the safety of foreign tourists as an absolute priority. It’s a strange sensation, but at the same time, very comforting.
As we walked through Peshawar City Station, built by the British in 1928, we were surrounded by police and security guards armed with AK-47s. It might sound intimidating on paper, but the reality is that these men were extremely friendly, acting almost like guides, showing us where to go, and even asking to take selfies with us.
The Myth of Pakistani Hospitality: Treated Like Royalty
Many people ask me if it is dangerous to travel through Pakistan. My short answer is: statistically, the risk here is often lower than living in major Brazilian cities or traveling through Central America. What truly defines the country is not the conflict we see on the news, but the hospitality.
Upon reaching the station, the Station Master personally helped us find our carriage. In Pakistan, if you are a foreigner, people go out of their way to make you feel welcome. We received an unexpected “upgrade” to Business Class simply because the staff wanted to ensure we had the best possible experience.
The cost? We paid about $7.50 (USD) for a ticket with air conditioning. It’s a steal considering the distance and the “VIP” level of service we received from the locals.
How to Buy Train Tickets in Pakistan
Here is a golden tip for anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps: use the official railway app. Trying to buy through the website can be a headache, as the system often rejects foreign cards or limits purchases to one ticket per name.
The app (Pakistan Railways) worked much better. It generates a code that you present at the station. Another important point: be prepared for constant passport checks. Pakistani intelligence monitors the movement of foreigners to ensure safety. They know exactly where you are staying and where you are going. While it may seem invasive, it is what allows tourism to continue growing safely.
The Onboard Experience: Comfort vs. Reality
The train we took is old, nostalgic, and has that charm of a bygone era. The Business Class cabin we stayed in was comfortable, featuring fans, air conditioning, and sleeping space (six beds per compartment).
Working on the Train: The Nomad’s Challenge
As I travel while editing videos and writing, I tried to work during the trip. However, Pakistani trains shake a lot. Video editing requires precision, and my laptop almost flew off the table a few times. If your focus is extreme productivity, the bus (like the Daewoo Express fleet) might be more stable. But if your focus is watching life go by, the train is unbeatable.
The Other Classes
I did a quick exploration of the other classes to understand the local reality. The non-air-conditioned classes are noisy, dusty, and much more crowded, but tickets cost around $2.00 (USD) for a three-hour journey. This is where the “Real Pakistan” happens, with open windows and intense social interaction.
What to See from the Window: From History to Pollution
Traveling by train allows you to pass literally through people’s backyards. I saw children running to wave at us, improvised cricket fields (the national passion), and ancient military fortifications.
Unfortunately, it’s not all perfect. Pollution in Pakistan, especially in November, is severe. Chemical smog and smoke from crop fires create a haze that blocks the horizon. It’s a somber reminder of the environmental challenges the country faces as it strives to modernize.
Rawalpindi: The Gateway to Islamabad
The train does not go directly to the capital, Islamabad. You must get off at Rawalpindi, which is the sister city. “Pindi” station is beautiful, well-preserved, and even has an old British locomotive on display. From there, the best way to reach Islamabad is by taking a Tuk-Tuk or using apps like Uber/InDrive, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Conclusion: Why Should You Go?
My train journey through Pakistan was a reminder that the world is much larger and more welcoming than TV screens suggest. I left Peshawar with new friends on WhatsApp (including police officers and security guards) and immense gratitude for a people who, despite economic and political difficulties, treat every visitor as a “guest of God.”
If you are looking for an authentic, affordable trip filled with history, Pakistan is waiting for you. Forget the prejudices and hop on the train.
