Ever thought you’d find a fancy restaurant hidden inside an old-school overnight train? Well, that’s exactly what I discovered on the Bahauddin Zakaria Express in Pakistan! From unexpected luxuries to some seriously unpleasant surprises (hello, cockroaches!), this journey had it all. Buckle up—this is going to be a crazy ride!
The Adventure Begins
I kicked things off at Karachi City Station, Pakistan’s second main station in its largest city. The place has been around since 1861, back when the British ruled the region, and the current station building was constructed in 1935. It’s a busy hub, especially for long-distance trains like mine, the Bahauddin Zakaria Express.
After dodging some half-distracted security guards and weaving through the platforms, I finally spotted my ride: a massive 20-carriage-long train, with everything from modern air-conditioned compartments to completely open, old-school sleeper cars. My ticket? Business class—but the real highlight was the exclusive Premium Lounge Restaurant onboard.
Luxury Dining on a Train?
Most Pakistani trains have dining cars, but they’re usually nothing to write home about. This one, though? Pure class. Fancy lighting, stylish decor, and an actual menu filled with both Western and local dishes.
I went for a Shahi Palak (a rich spinach and cream cheese dish) with naan, along with fresh orange juice and water. The bill? 2,472 Pakistani Rupees—not exactly cheap, but hey, it’s a high-end restaurant on a train. With my stomach full, I headed back to my room to check out my sleeping setup.
Roommates I Didn’t Sign Up For
Now, my business class compartment was supposed to be premium. But guess what I found? A cockroach. On my pillow. And it wasn’t alone.
A quick scan of the room revealed an entire army of these little guys scuttling around. Not exactly the five-star experience I had imagined. Still, I tried my best to sleep through the bumpy ride.
At 6 AM, after a pretty restless night, I gave up on sleep and headed to the train doors to take in the scenery. And wow—the sunrise over Pakistan’s countryside was absolutely stunning.
Breakfast Buffet on Rails
Despite the rough night, I was excited to check out the breakfast buffet in the Premium Lounge.
The selection was surprisingly good—cereal, bread, eggs, and traditional Pakistani dishes. I kept it simple with cornflakes, bread, butter, and spiced chai, which was amazing. The buffet cost 1,150 Pakistani Rupees, which felt like a solid deal, considering the variety.
After breakfast, we made a stop at Sumersata Junction, running an hour and a half late (apparently, totally normal for this train). I stretched my legs, grabbed some tea from a vendor, and got back onboard for the final leg of the trip.
Exploring the Train’s Different Classes
Since I had time, I wandered through the rest of the train.
- Business Class – My buggy home for the night. Six-bed compartments with basic amenities, but no power sockets (just a couple of unreliable USB ports).
- AC Standard – Open-plan sleeper cars, cheaper than business but still air-conditioned.
- Economy Class – No AC, super affordable, and packed with people.
I also checked out the bathrooms. Let’s just say… you don’t want to use them unless absolutely necessary.
The Grand Finale: Crossing the Empress Bridge
One of the highlights of the journey was crossing the Empress Bridge over the Sutlej River. Built in 1878, this towering steel structure looked straight out of an old railway movie.
By now, the train was 94 minutes late, but no one seemed too bothered—it’s just part of the experience. Finally, after 17+ hours, we rolled into Multan Cantonment Station, bringing my adventure to an end.
Worth It?
Would I take this train again? Hmm… mixed feelings.
Pros:
- The Premium Lounge Restaurant was amazing.
- Comfortable seating and a unique onboard buffet breakfast.
- Incredible scenery, especially at sunrise.
Cons:
- The cockroach infestation in my compartment.
- The rough ride made sleeping difficult.
- Almost two hours late—but that’s pretty standard here.
Overall, it was a wild and unforgettable journey. If you’re up for an adventure and can handle a few unexpected guests in your room, this train is definitely worth trying! Would you take a 17-hour train ride like this?