If you live in South Punjab (the Saraiki belt) or need an affordable connection between Multan and Rawalpindi, the Thall Express (تھل ایکسپریس) is your train. Unlike faster trains that take the main line via Lahore, this train takes you through the historic Thal Desert route — passing through Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Kundian, Mianwali, and Attock.
This train is a lifeline for smaller cities that are otherwise ignored by Pakistan Railways. After being closed for 11 years, the train was revived in 2019 and again in 2022-2023. In this complete 2026 guide, we will cover everything: Thall Express live status, timing 2026, full route, ticket prices, facilities, and tips for a smooth journey.
⚡ Real-Time Tracking Notice: Do not rely blindly on manual timetables. Track the real-time position, expected delays, and current speed of the Thall Express on our high-precision live trackers:
1. Train History and Background
The Thall Express has a dramatic history of closure and revival — making it one of the most resilient trains on the network.
The First Run and Suspension (Pre-2008)
The train originally ran between Multan and Rawalpindi via the Thal Desert route. However, in 2008, Pakistan Railways suspended the service due to financial losses and a shortage of locomotives. For over a decade, passengers from cities like Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Layyah had no direct train to Rawalpindi or Multan.
Revival in 2019 by Prime Minister Imran Khan
On February 12, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the re-launched Thall Express at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed announced that senior citizens above 70 years could travel free of cost on the first day. A new train tracking system (Pak Rail Live) was also launched at the same event.
COVID-19 Suspension and Second Revival (2022-2023)
The train was suspended again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then in April 2023, Railways Minister Saad Rafique announced the restoration of Thall Express (129UP/130DN) effective from April 21, 2023. The train now operates under a public-private partnership between Pakistan Railways and Imran Enterprises.
Today, the train carries over 700 passengers daily with 7 economy coaches and 1 AC coach.
2. Complete Route with All Stops in Order (2026)
The Thall Express follows the Kot Adu–Attock Railway Line through the Thal Desert. It makes 39 stops in total.
129UP — Multan Cantt to Rawalpindi (Up Direction)
According to the Pakistan Railways Winter Timetable 2025-2026 (valid until April 14, 2026):
| Station Name | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Multan Cantt | Start | 06:30 |
| Sher Shah Jn. | 06:46 | 06:47 |
| Muzaffargarh | 07:03 | 07:07 |
| Mehmood Kot | 07:35 | 07:36 |
| Gurmani | 07:48 | 07:49 |
| Sanawan | 08:01 | 08:08 |
| Kot Adu Jn | 08:21 | 08:24 |
| Daira Din Panah | 08:35 | 08:36 |
| Ehsanpur | 08:47 | 08:48 |
| Kot Sultan | 09:04 | 09:05 |
| Leiah | 09:27 | 09:32 |
| Dorata | 09:46 | 09:48 |
| Karor | 10:02 | 10:04 |
| Behal | 10:24 | 10:25 |
| Bhakkar | 10:42 | 10:44 |
| Darya Khan | 11:18 | 11:20 |
| Shah Alam | 12:02 | 12:03 |
| Kallor Kot | 12:45 | 12:47 |
| Piplan | 13:17 | 13:19 |
| Alluwali | 13:43 | 13:44 |
| Kundian Jn | 14:15 | 14:35 |
| Mianwali | 14:53 | 14:58 |
| Pai Khel | 15:19 | 15:20 |
| Daud Khel | 15:34 | 15:36 |
| Makhand Road | 16:30 | 16:31 |
| Injra | 16:50 | 16:51 |
| Khattakabad | 17:04 | 17:05 |
| Chhab | 17:20 | 17:21 |
| Jhamat | 17:36 | 17:37 |
| Jand Jn | 18:20 | 18:22 |
| Namal | 18:41 | 18:42 |
| Domel | 18:56 | 18:57 |
| Basal | 19:08 | 19:09 |
| Attock City | 20:00 | 20:05 |
| Faqirabad | 20:20 | 20:21 |
| Hassan Abdal | 20:37 | 20:39 |
| Wah | 20:44 | 20:45 |
| Taxila Cantt | 21:00 | 21:02 |
| Golra Sharif | 21:27 | 21:29 |
| Rawalpindi | 21:45 | End |
130DN — Rawalpindi to Multan Cantt (Down Direction)
The return journey follows the same stations in reverse order, departing Rawalpindi in the morning.
| Station | Departure | Estimated Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Rawalpindi | 07:00 AM | Start |
| Multan Cantt | - | 09:00 PM (Approx) |
(For complete stop times in the 130DN direction, please check our live tracking page.)
3. Departure and Arrival Times Both Directions (2026)
| Direction | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Journey Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multan → Rawalpindi | 129UP | 06:30 AM | 09:45 PM | 15 hours 15 min |
| Rawalpindi → Multan | 130DN | 07:00 AM | 09:00 PM | 14 hours (approx) |
4. Ticket Prices for All Classes (2026) in PKR
Based on the Pakistan Railways fare table updated in March-May 2026:
| Class Name | Type of Travel | Fare Rate (PKR) | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Seat | Reserved Coach Seat | Rs. 1,400 | Highly affordable, best for budget passengers |
| Economy Berth | Reserved Sleeping Berth | Rs. 1,500 | Economical sleeping arrangements |
| AC Standard | Shared AC Coach Berth | Rs. 3,200 | Climate controlled, budget AC |
| AC Business | Premium Upholstered Cabin | Rs. 4,450 | Spacious, electrical charging sockets |
| AC Sleeper | Private Coupes | Rs. 5,900 | Maximum privacy, locks, and premium berths |
5. On-Board Facilities
Unlike luxury express liners, the Thall Express offers basic but functional facilities — ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Sleeping Arrangements: Sleeping berths are fully available in Economy and AC classes. Bedding is not provided by default — we highly suggest bringing your own blanket/pillow in winter.
- Catering & Food: No dedicated pantry car. However, vendors board at major stations like Kot Adu, Leiah, Kundian, Mianwali, and Attock City. Hot tea, soft drinks, and standard meals (daal chawal, chicken biryani) are easily bought.
- AC & Comfort: Air conditioning is fully functional in AC Standard and AC Business coaches.
- WiFi & Technology: WiFi is not available on this train. Power outlets are limited and mostly located in AC Business classes, so bringing a high-capacity power bank is advised.
- Cargo Facilities: Basic luggage and cargo vans are attached for light regional freight shipments.
6. How to Track Thall Express Live Online
Skip the station wait times. You can track this train in real-time by visiting our dedicated tracking panels:
- Use the smart search bar on our homepage to search for "Thall Express".
- Choose your route:
- For Multan to Rawalpindi: Track Thall Express 129UP Live Status.
- For Rawalpindi to Multan: Track Thall Express 130DN Live Status.
- Get immediate coordinates, running speeds, and ETA boards.
7. Common Delay Reasons and Average Delay Times
Being a regional train that passes through single-track segments in the Thal Desert, delays are common, averaging 30 to 60 minutes. The primary reasons include:
⚠️ Primary Delay Causes:
- Freight Crossings: Heavy priority freight trains passing on the Attock–Kundian single-line section frequently require the Thall Express to pause on siding loops.
- Kundian Junction Halts: Scheduled engine checks and passenger handovers at Kundian Junction can sometimes run longer than the planned 20 minutes.
- Seraiki Belt Winter Fog: Dense fog in winter months (December to January) heavily reduces operational running speeds.
8. Best Passenger Tips
- 🛋️ Book AC Business for Night Travel: The train arrives in Rawalpindi at 9:45 PM. AC class is considerably safer, cleaner, and more comfortable after dark.
- 🥪 Pack Your Own Breakfast: Since the train departs Multan Cantt at 06:30 AM, vendors usually do not board until after Kot Adu (around 08:30 AM). Having some personal breakfast is highly convenient.
- 🔌 Carry a Power Bank: Charging outlets are extremely scarce, especially in the Economy coaches.
- 🖼️ Pick the Left Side: When going from Multan to Rawalpindi, sitting on the left side of the carriage offers spectacular panoramic views of the Thal Desert and the majestic Indus River near Daud Khel.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Q1: What is Thall Express train number from Multan to Rawalpindi?
Ans: The train number from Multan to Rawalpindi is 129UP. The return train number from Rawalpindi to Multan is 130DN.
❓ Q2: Thall Express ticket price Multan to Rawalpindi kitna hai?
Ans: Economy Seat is Rs. 1,400, Economy Berth is Rs. 1,500, AC Standard is Rs. 3,200, and AC Business is Rs. 4,450 (standard 2026 rates).
❓ Q3: Is Thall Express running today?
Ans: Yes, this train operates daily (7 days a week). Check our Thall Express Live status to verify today's operational telemetry.
❓ Q4: Thall Express kis route se chalti hai?
Ans: This train runs from Multan via Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Kundian Junction, Mianwali, Attock City, and Taxila to Rawalpindi, traversing the interior sand dunes of the Thal Desert.
❓ Q5: Does the Thall Express have onboard Wi-Fi?
Ans: No, there is no Wi-Fi service available on the Thall Express. Passengers are recommended to rely on their mobile cellular networks.