Baggage Regulations on Pakistan Railways 2026
Know your luggage limits, understand banned items, and pack smartly for a hassle-free journey on Pakistan Railways.
Class-Wise Free Baggage Allowance
| Travel Class | Weight Limit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | 40 kg | Standard seating for budget travelers |
| AC Standard | 50 kg | Air-conditioned sleeper coaches |
| AC Business | 60 kg | Premium AC seating (Green Line, etc.) |
| AC Parlor | 60 kg | Top-tier luxury compartment |
| Sleeper Class | 40 kg | Non-AC sleeping berths |
| Children (Half Ticket) | 50% of class limit | Ages 5-12 years |
Excess luggage charges apply beyond the free limit. Rates vary by route distance. Book excess luggage at the station counter for cheaper rates.
Restricted & Prohibited Articles
Carrying prohibited items is a criminal offense and can result in prosecution under Pakistan Railways Act.
Practical Packing Strategies for Rail Journeys
- Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases — they fit better under train berths
- Pack a small day bag separately with essentials (phone charger, snacks, water, medicine)
- Keep valuables in a body pouch or front pocket, not in checked luggage
- Roll clothes instead of folding — saves space and reduces wrinkles
- Bring a light blanket or shawl — AC coaches can get surprisingly cold
- Pack a chain lock for securing luggage to berth hooks during overnight journeys
- Label all bags with your name, phone number, and destination station
- Keep your ticket and ID in an easily accessible pocket
- Bring a reusable water bottle — you can refill at major stations
- Pack snacks for the journey — station platform food varies in quality
Permitted Items on Board
Luggage Rules FAQs
Click on a question to expand the answer
The luggage allowance depends on your ticket class: Economy class allows 40 kg of free luggage, AC Standard allows 50 kg, AC Business allows 60 kg, and AC Parlor allows 60 kg. Children's tickets allow half the adult luggage limit. Any luggage exceeding these limits will be charged at the official excess luggage rate.
Yes, you can carry home-cooked food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on Pakistan Railway trains. Water bottles are allowed with no restrictions. However, alcohol is strictly prohibited on all trains. Hot cooked food should be securely packed to avoid spills. Many passengers carry thermos flasks for tea/coffee.
Strictly banned items include: firearms and weapons, explosives and firecrackers, flammable liquids (petrol, kerosene), compressed gas cylinders, corrosive chemicals, live animals (except guide dogs with authorization), and illegal substances. Carrying these items can result in criminal prosecution.
Yes, Pakistan Railways offers a parcel/cargo service for sending heavy or additional luggage. You can book parcels at the parcel office found at major stations. Charges are based on weight and distance. Parcels are usually loaded in the brake van of passenger trains. It's advisable to book parcels at least 1-2 hours before train departure.
Excess luggage is charged at the official Pakistan Railways rate per kg, which varies by route distance and class. The charges are collected by the Train Conductor during the journey or at the booking counter. It's more economical to book excess luggage in advance at the station counter rather than paying on the train.
Pack smart, travel safe — RailTracking.pk