Heer Express – A Complete Travel Guide

The Heer Express is one of the most popular passenger trains operated by Pakistan Railways. It connects two major cities of Punjab — Lahore and Multan. This train is known for being affordable, convenient, and running every day, which makes it a good choice for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.

This article covers everything about the Heer Express — its schedule, route, ticket prices, stops, and travel tips.

Basic Details

Train Name: Heer Express
Operator: Pakistan Railways
Train Numbers: 115 Up (Multan to Lahore), 116 Down (Lahore to Multan)
Route Distance: Around 312 kilometers
Travel Time: About 5 hours and 10 minutes
Frequency: Daily

The train uses the Karachi–Peshawar Main Line (ML-1), which is the most important railway line in Pakistan.

Route and Stops

The Heer Express begins its journey from Multan Cantonment Station and ends at Lahore Junction Station, or the other way around. Along the way, it stops at several big and small cities.

Here are the main stops on the route:

Multan Cantonment – Starting point
Khanewal Junction – A major stop for train connections
Mian Channu – A busy local stop
Chichawatni – Important for southern Punjab passengers
Sahiwal – A major city in the middle of Punjab
Okara – A central agricultural town
Raiwind Junction – Near Lahore, has religious importance
Kot Lakhpat – A small stop in Lahore city
Lahore Junction – Final station

If you are traveling from Multan to Lahore, it takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes, and from Lahore to Multan, the travel time is almost the same.

Timings

Train timings may change from time to time, but here is the approximate schedule:

From Multan to Lahore (Train 115 UP):

Departure: 6:30 AM from Multan Cantt
Arrival: 11:40 AM at Lahore Junction

From Lahore to Multan (Train 116 Down):

Departure: 3:30 PM from Lahore Junction
Arrival: 8:40 PM at Multan Cantt

It is always a good idea to check the updated schedule on the Pakistan Railways website or by visiting your nearest railway station.

Classes and Facilities

The Heer Express offers only Economy Class seating. It is designed for affordability, so even low-income passengers can travel between cities without spending too much.

Features in the economy class:

Bench-style seats with cushion
Overhead fans
Basic lights and windows
Luggage space
Washroom facilities (simple)

There is no AC class or business class, and no dining car, but you can buy snacks from vendors who get on at different stations.

The train is also suitable for families, students, office workers, and laborers who are looking for a budget-friendly option.

Ticket Price

The ticket price of the Heer Express is very affordable, especially compared to buses or private cars.

As of 2025, the ticket for a one-way journey in Economy Class is approximately:

Multan to Lahore: Rs. 400–450
Lahore to Multan: Rs. 400–450

Tickets can be purchased from the station ticket counters, or through the Pakistan Railways online booking system, which is available via mobile apps and website.

Booking Methods

You can book your seat through any of the following methods:

Visit Railway Station: Go to the ticket counter and book with your CNIC.
Online Booking: Use www.pakrail.gov.pk or the official Pakistan Railways app.
Mobile Apps: Some private apps also offer rail booking.

Booking in advance is recommended during public holidays, Eid, or other busy travel days.

Who Should Travel on Heer Express?

The train is ideal for:

Daily commuters who travel between Lahore and Multan for work or study.
Families looking for low-cost travel options.
College or university students.
Workers and laborers.
Tourists exploring Punjab by train.

Though not a luxury train, Heer Express is safe, decent, and often arrives on time. If you are looking for a quick and affordable way to travel between Lahore and Multan, this is a great option.

Safety Tips

While traveling on the Heer Express or any local train in Pakistan, consider the following safety advice:

Keep your luggage close and secure.
Do not trust strangers with your bags or personal items.
Carry a copy of your CNIC or ID.
Bring your own drinking water and snacks.
Avoid standing near open doors while the train is moving.

If you are traveling with children or elders, try to reach the station early to get good seats and settle in before departure.

Future Improvements

Pakistan Railways is working to improve train services across the country. In the future, trains like the Heer Express may get:

Better seats
Improved toilets
Digital display screens
Security cameras
Free Wi-Fi

But even in its current form, Heer Express is a useful and affordable train for Punjab travelers.

Fun Fact About the Name

The train is named “Heer” after the famous love story of Heer Ranjha, a traditional Punjabi tale. The name reflects the cultural heritage of Punjab and gives the train a poetic identity. It’s a symbol of the connection between people, cities, and stories.

Conclusion

The Heer Express is a great example of low-cost public transport that serves thousands of people every day. It connects two of the most important cities in Punjab — Lahore and Multan — and stops at major towns in between.

If you are looking for a safe, affordable, and reliable train to travel across Punjab, give Heer Express a try. It may not have all the luxuries, but it gets you where you need to go — without breaking the bank.