Peshawar has two railway stations that passengers use: Peshawar Cantonment, on Saddar Road, and Peshawar City, on Dilazak Road. Cantonment is the main one, the terminus for the long-distance trains, and the one most visitors mean when they say Peshawar railway station. It opened in 1898 and remains the principal rail hub of the city.
This guide covers which station to pick, which named trains serve it, what facilities to expect, and how to plan the last leg into the city. It does not give fares or timetables, because both change and should be checked on the day you book.
Cantonment or City: which station?
| Peshawar Cantonment | Peshawar City | |
|---|---|---|
| Road | Saddar Road | Dilazak Road |
| Role | Terminus and main station | Secondary station on the same main line |
| Trains | Starts and ends the long-distance services | Awam Express, Khushhal Khan Khattak Express and Khyber Mail stop here |
For a visitor the rule is simple. Book to Peshawar Cantt unless you are staying in or near the old city and your train calls at City, in which case City can save you a cross-town ride. Check the stops on your ticket, because not every train calls at both.
Which trains use Peshawar?
Wikipedia's list of Pakistani named passenger trains and the station's own entry show these services running to and from Peshawar Cantonment:
- Khyber Mail to Karachi Cantonment
- Awam Express to Karachi Cantonment, back in service since 2023
- Rehman Baba Express to Karachi Cantonment
- Khushhal Khan Khattak Express to Karachi City, listed as running again since 2025
- Jaffar Express to Quetta
Timetables, running days and even whether a service is running can change at short notice, and Balochistan services in particular have been disrupted before. Confirm the train on Pakistan Railways' own channels before you plan around it. Our guides to booking Pakistan Railways tickets online and to the ticket classes cover the booking side, and Karachi to Peshawar compares the train with flying and driving.
What the station offers
Peshawar Cantonment has three platforms and seven tracks, linked by a foot overbridge. Facilities listed include computerised ticketing, left luggage, parking, access for disabled passengers, food outlets and a taxi stand. It is a working station with the usual crowds around departure times, so arrive with time in hand, keep your bag close and buy tickets in advance rather than at the counter.
Getting from the station to the city
Cantonment sits in the Saddar and cantonment side of Peshawar, not the old city. From the taxi stand you can take a taxi or ride-hailing car to old Peshawar, Qissa Khwani and the bazaars, or to hotels in University Town or Saddar. Agree the fare before you get in, or use an app so the price is shown up front. Traffic is heavier in the evening, and the old city is best reached by car and then explored on foot.
The city's Bus Rapid Transit line is another option for some journeys; our Peshawar BRT guide covers routes and stops.
Practical tips for the day
- Book ahead. Long-distance trains from Peshawar are popular around Eid and school holidays, and seats in the better classes go first.
- Allow extra time for the approach roads. Saddar Road gets congested, and security checks at the entrance can add minutes.
- Carry your CNIC. Pakistani passengers are asked for ID when booking and can be asked again at the station; foreign visitors should carry a passport.
- Keep food and water for long runs. The Karachi trains take many hours, and the station's food outlets are the last easy stop.
- Meeting someone? Agree the platform or the taxi stand as the meeting point, since the forecourt is crowded.
The Khyber line
The old Khyber Pass Railway also starts at Peshawar. Wikipedia describes it as defunct, and the heritage train safari that once ran on part of it is covered in our Khyber train safari post. Do not expect to catch a scheduled train to Landi Kotal.
Is it safe?
Peshawar has had attacks in recent years, including on police, and the UK government advises against all travel to the city. Pakistani travellers still use the station daily. Check local news and current police advice before you travel, arrive in daylight when you can, and tell overseas visitors that their government's advice can affect insurance. Our Peshawar safety guide goes into more detail. More on planning trips in the north is in the travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the main railway station in Peshawar?
Peshawar Cantonment, on Saddar Road. It opened in 1898 and is the terminus of the main trains.
Where is Peshawar City railway station?
On Dilazak Road. The Awam Express, Khushhal Khan Khattak Express and Khyber Mail are listed as stopping there.
Which trains go from Peshawar to Karachi?
Khyber Mail, Awam Express, Rehman Baba Express and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express. The last ends at Karachi City rather than Cantonment.
Is there a train from Peshawar to Landi Kotal or Torkham?
No scheduled service. The Khyber Pass Railway is described as defunct.
Can I book Peshawar train tickets online?
Yes, through Pakistan Railways' online booking. See our booking guide linked above for the steps.
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