Karachi to Mirpur (AJK) Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Karachi to Mirpur (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) involves covering a substantial distance across Pakistan. Depending on your preferred mode of transport—road, train, or plane—each option presents its unique set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a detailed guide on each travel method, including distance, route, and estimated travel duration.

1. By Road

Distance and Route

The road distance from Karachi to Mirpur is approximately 1,200 kilometers (about 746 miles). This distance can vary slightly depending on the specific route taken and traffic conditions.

Route Overview:

• Start in Karachi: Begin your journey on the M9 Motorway, which connects Karachi with the rest of the country.
• Travel North: Continue on M9 towards Hyderabad. From Hyderabad, switch to N-55 (National Highway 55) which is also known as the Indus Highway.
• Proceed North-East: Follow N-55 through Sukkur, and then head towards Multan.
• From Multan: Transition to the M-4 Motorway heading towards Faisalabad.
• Faisalabad to Lahore: Take the M-3 Motorway which will take you towards Lahore.
• Lahore to Mirpur: From Lahore, continue on the N-5 (National Highway 5) and then take a left onto the AJK-specific route leading directly to Mirpur.

Travel Duration:

The journey by road can take around 15 to 20 hours, depending on traffic conditions, stops, and the exact route taken. The roads are generally in good condition, but traffic congestion, especially near major cities, can impact travel time.

2. By Train

Distance and Route

The direct train route from Karachi to Mirpur is not available as there isn’t a single train line connecting these two destinations directly. However, you can travel part of the journey by train and then switch to other modes of transport.

Route Overview:

• Start in Karachi: Board a train from Karachi to Lahore. The main trains operating on this route are the Pakistan Express, Green Line Express, or the Karachi-Lahore Train, among others.
• Lahore: Upon reaching Lahore, you will need to take a bus or hire a taxi to complete the journey to Mirpur. The distance from Lahore to Mirpur is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles).

Travel Duration:

• Karachi to Lahore by Train: This journey typically takes about 18 to 24 hours, depending on the type of train service and any delays.
• Lahore to Mirpur by Road: This can take around 2 to 3 hours.

Overall, including waiting times and potential delays, the total travel time by train and subsequent road travel could range from 20 to 27 hours.

3. By Plane

Distance and Route

Flying is the quickest way to travel from Karachi to Mirpur, though it involves at least one stopover since Mirpur does not have its own airport with direct flights from Karachi.

Route Overview:

• Karachi to Islamabad: Take a flight from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi to Islamabad International Airport. Multiple airlines operate this route, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), SereneAir, and Airblue.
• Islamabad to Mirpur: From Islamabad, you will need to travel to Mirpur by road. The distance from Islamabad to Mirpur is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles).

Travel Duration:

• Karachi to Islamabad by Plane: The flight typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Islamabad to Mirpur by Road: This leg of the journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

In total, including check-in, security checks, and travel between airports and final destinations, the entire trip from Karachi to Mirpur via air could take approximately 5 to 7 hours.

Summary

By Road:

• Distance: Approximately 1,200 km (746 miles)
• Duration: 15 to 20 hours
• Route: Karachi → Hyderabad → Sukkur → Multan → Faisalabad → Lahore → Mirpur

By Train:

• Distance: Not direct; requires transfer from Lahore
• Duration: 20 to 27 hours (including train journey and road travel from Lahore to Mirpur)
• Route: Karachi → Lahore by Train → Lahore to Mirpur by Road

By Plane:

• Distance: Indirect; involves connecting flights
• Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Route: Karachi → Islamabad by Plane → Islamabad to Mirpur by Road

Each mode of travel has its advantages. Road travel offers flexibility but is time-consuming. Train travel provides a scenic journey but requires additional road travel. Air travel is the quickest but involves at least one transfer. Your choice will depend on your priorities, including time, budget, and convenience.