Islamabad to Sonmiani Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Traveling from Islamabad to Sonmiani offers several route options, each with its own distance, duration, and unique landscapes along the way. Here’s a detailed exploration of the possible routes:

1. Via N-25 and Coastal Highway (Route 1):

   • Distance: Approximately 1,060 kilometers (659 miles)
   • Route: Start from Islamabad and head southwest on N-5 National Highway. Continue on N-25 through Quetta, passing through Kalat and Wadh. From Wadh, take the Coastal Highway (Makran Coastal Highway) towards Sonmiani.
   • Travel Duration: Around 18-20 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

   This route takes you through the rugged terrain of Balochistan, showcasing its desert landscapes and occasional small towns along the way. It’s the most direct route by road.

2. Via N-55 and N-85 (Route 2):

   • Distance: Approximately 1,220 kilometers (758 miles)
   • Route: Start from Islamabad and head south on N-5 National Highway towards Sukkur. From Sukkur, take N-55 towards Jacobabad and then connect to N-85 towards Sibi. From Sibi, continue towards Quetta on N-65 and then take N-25 towards Wadh. From Wadh, take the Coastal Highway (Makran Coastal Highway) towards Sonmiani.
   • Travel Duration: Approximately 20-22 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

   This route offers a bit more variety in terms of terrain, passing through both the Indus River Valley and the desert regions of Balochistan before reaching the coastal areas.

3. Via N-50 and N-25 (Route 3):

   • Distance: Approximately 1,250 kilometers (777 miles)
   • Route: Start from Islamabad and head southwest on N-50 National Highway towards Dera Ghazi Khan and then towards Jacobabad via N-55. From Jacobabad, take N-25 towards Sibi and then continue towards Quetta. From Quetta, take N-25 towards Wadh and then follow the Coastal Highway (Makran Coastal Highway) towards Sonmiani.
   • Travel Duration: Around 22-24 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

   This route takes you through the southern regions of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, offering a mix of plains and desert landscapes before reaching the coastal route.

4. Via Air (Islamabad International Airport to Jinnah International Airport, Karachi):

   • Distance: Direct flight
   • Route: Fly from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) to Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI). From Karachi, travel by road towards Hub and then take the coastal highway to Sonmiani.
   • Travel Duration: Approximately 2 hours by flight, plus additional time for ground transportation.

   Flying is the quickest option, significantly reducing travel time, though ground transportation from Karachi to Sonmiani adds to the overall journey.

5. Via Train and Road (Islamabad to Karachi and then to Sonmiani):

   • Distance: Varies depending on the train route chosen
   • Route: Take a train from Islamabad to Karachi (various options available). From Karachi, travel by road towards Hub and then take the coastal highway to Sonmiani.
   • Travel Duration: Train journey from Islamabad to Karachi varies from 18 to 24 hours. Additional time is required for the road journey to Sonmiani.

   This option provides a mix of rail and road travel, offering a scenic view of Pakistan's landscape from the comfort of a train.

Each route offers its own set of experiences and challenges, from the diverse landscapes of Pakistan’s interior to the coastal views along the Makran Coastal Highway. Travelers can choose based on their preferences for speed, scenery, and mode of transportation.