Finally I did get a chance to travel in Green Line train and to be honest I was totally “WOWED”.

We went to Kashmir via Lahore and Islamabad.

There’s a whole lot to share but over here I will stick to my experience with Green Line.

We wished to go to Islamabad from Karachi through Green Line but this couldn’t be possible because we didn’t get the tickets. Even a week before when we went to Cantt station to buy tickets for 6 people, and since we were hoping to get one compartment there were no seats available, separate seats however were available; so we had no other choice but to go for Business Express from Karachi to Lahore and then from Lahore  on a daewoo to Islamabad.

So a very important point to keep in mind here is that if you wish to travel through Green Line Train, then book your tickets at least 15 days in advance and especially if its more than 2 people traveling.

Since our trip was very tightly scheduled because Ramzan was due the next week we couldn’t afford to take chances and so we got our return tickets on Green Line Train from Lahore to Karachi.

The cost of one adult persons ticket is Rs. 5000 one way and for my 5 year old boy it cost Rs.3750 and my 2 year old traveled for free.

Our train was due at 8:10 pm from Lahore and the train took off at exact 8:13 pm.

I suddenly compared to Swiss trains where people can match trains to a clock, and for sure this was a big thing for us a Pakistani train to be almost on time.

The next thing, we stepped inside the train and it was so clean, we got in our compartment, and it was provided with clean blankets, plastic cups and pillows.

We found the pillow covers a bit more used and dirty so we asked for a change of pillow covers, the attendants were very kind and provided us with clean pillow covers.

The Air conditioner was in perfect working condition and its cooling was superb.

We were provided with an urdu newspaper and next was dinner. As compared to Business Express Train dinner arrived a bit late. On Business Express we were served dinner at 8:00 pm and on Green Line Train dinner arrived at 9:00 pm.

Dinner was delicious, hot and fresh.

There were 2 naans, ample amount of chicken salan, daal and  Adams zeera raita.

Except for the fact there was no rice and dessert, the food gets full stars in terms of taste and freshness.

Although the train wasn’t like a fast train it did have speed and by not stopping for long at small stations, it didn’t make the passengers agitated.

There was a Changhong LCD screen and it did have a nice collection of documentaries, old Pakistani dramas like Angar Waadi, Bollywood movie Gabbar, Hollywood movies Focus and The Kingsman: The Secret Service, Children’s movie Home Alone.

But the biggest drawback of the Green Line Train was a very inefficient working WiFi. It just didn’t work. It showed glimpses of working at some stops but overall one cant call it an available WiFi. And I Really hope that in near future their WiFi systems gets to work.

We slept comfortably since their AC was not chilling cold as compared to Business Express, in which the AC was exceptionally cold that we had to cover ourselves with layers of clothing, especially kids.

Another remarkable feature of the Green Line Train was the separate washing basins, which are located at the end of each compartment.  So you don’t have to go to the toilet just to wash your hands or wash your baby’s bottle etc.

Water dispensers for hot and cold water are a huge help for mothers with little kids.

The next morning around 7:00 am we were provided with newspapers and a complimentary morning kit which consisted of a toothbrush, a small tube of close up, a comb, a razor and shaving cream and a small soap. Things that are extremely useful for any person traveling.

Around 8:30 am breakfast was served with 3 toasts, a perfectly cooked omelet, butter, jam and tea and a spoon and a spreading knife.

All the meals served in Green Line Train mostly satisfies the common mans hunger and one hardly feels the urge to buy items from different stations.

We reached Karachi right on time which was 1:45 pm, without any delay.

Best Features of Green Line Train

• Fully air conditioned coaches.
• Free WiFi. (Its free but not working)
• Special lounges for the Green Line Train passengers in the stations of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad. (A big plus) The lounges have comfortable sofas and big air conditioners but the condition of the toilets is very average)
  
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included in your fare.
• Free mineral water, newspapers.
• Clean pillows and blankets provided.

Green Line Train Fare

• Karachi to Lahore Rs. 5000 (Adult)
• Karachi to Lahore Rs. 3750 (Children aged between 3- 10 years)
• Karachi to Islamabad Rs. 5500 (Adult)
• Karachi to Islamabad Rs. 4130 (Children aged between 3-10 years)

Green Line Train Timing

From Karachi Cantt the train leaves at 9:30 pm and reaches Margalla station Islamabad at 8:45 pm.

From Islamabad Departure at 3:15 pm and arrival in Karachi at 2:30 pm.

Green Line Train Route

From Karachi to Hyderabad to Rohri, to Khanewal, to Lahore and Rawalpindi to Islamabad.

Advance booking and ticket purchasing can be done from Cantt station Karachi.

It was an absolute pleasurable experience to travel in Green Line Train with family and kids. Very comfortable and enjoyable.

Wishing all the best to Green Line Train for the future and hope that it always maintains its status.

The next time we plan to go to Lahore or Islamabad its definitely by Green Line Train.