Karachi to Thul Desert Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Thul: Road, Train, and Plane

Thul is a small town located in the Jacobabad District of Sindh, Pakistan. While it may not be a major urban center, its strategic location in the northern part of Sindh makes it an important destination for those traveling from Karachi. Whether you're planning a trip for business, family visits, or exploring the cultural heritage of Sindh, knowing your travel options is crucial. This article explores the various ways to travel from Karachi to Thul, including by road, train, and plane, along with the distance, routes, and travel durations.

1. Traveling by Road

Distance:

• Kilometers: Approximately 500 km
• Miles: Approximately 310 miles

Route:
The most common road route from Karachi to Thul involves traveling via the M-9 Motorway (Super Highway) towards Hyderabad. From Hyderabad, you continue on the N-55 (Indus Highway), passing through Dadu, Larkana, and finally reaching Jacobabad. From Jacobabad, Thul is a short drive away.

• Karachi to Hyderabad: The journey begins by taking the M-9 Motorway from Karachi, which is a well-maintained highway connecting the city to Hyderabad. This stretch covers around 150 km (93 miles) and typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• Hyderabad to Larkana: After reaching Hyderabad, the journey continues on the N-55 (Indus Highway), heading towards Larkana. This segment of the trip is around 220 km (137 miles) and usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
• Larkana to Jacobabad: From Larkana, you continue on the N-55 to reach Jacobabad, covering another 120 km (75 miles) in approximately 2 hours.
• Jacobabad to Thul: Finally, from Jacobabad, it’s a short drive of about 30 km (19 miles) to Thul, which takes around 30 minutes.

Total Travel Duration:

• Road travel: Approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Road Conditions:
The road conditions from Karachi to Thul vary along the route. The M-9 Motorway is a well-maintained highway with smooth surfaces and multiple lanes, making for a comfortable drive. The N-55 (Indus Highway) is generally in good condition, although it may have some rough patches and areas under construction, particularly near smaller towns and cities. It's advisable to start your journey early in the morning to avoid the heat and heavy traffic.

Facilities Along the Way:
There are several rest stops, fuel stations, and eateries along the M-9 Motorway and N-55. Cities like Hyderabad, Larkana, and Jacobabad offer various amenities, including restaurants, hotels, and hospitals, making it easy to take breaks and refresh during the journey.

2. Traveling by Train

Distance:

• Kilometers: Approximately 520 km
• Miles: Approximately 323 miles

Route:
Traveling by train from Karachi to Thul involves taking a train to Jacobabad and then continuing the journey by road to Thul.

• Karachi to Jacobabad: Multiple trains operate daily from Karachi to Jacobabad, including the Bolan Mail, Sukkur Express, and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express. The train journey covers around 490 km (304 miles) and typically takes between 10 to 12 hours, depending on the train and the number of stops along the way.
• Jacobabad to Thul: Upon reaching Jacobabad, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Thul. The road distance is about 30 km (19 miles), taking approximately 30 minutes.

Total Travel Duration:

• Train travel: 10 to 12 hours (Karachi to Jacobabad)
• Road travel: 30 minutes (Jacobabad to Thul)
• Overall duration: Approximately 10.5 to 12.5 hours

Train Facilities:
Pakistani trains vary in terms of comfort and amenities. Some trains offer air-conditioned compartments, sleeper berths, and dining cars, while others have more basic seating arrangements. It's advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and choose a train that suits your comfort level and budget.

Advantages of Train Travel:
Train travel offers a scenic route through Sindh's landscape, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving. It's also a cost-effective option, especially for those traveling with families or in groups. The main drawback is the longer travel time compared to road travel.

3. Traveling by Plane

Distance:

• Kilometers: Not applicable for direct flight (Closest airport is in Sukkur)
• Miles: Not applicable for direct flight

Route:
Currently, there are no direct flights from Karachi to Thul, as Thul does not have its own airport. The closest airport to Thul is located in Sukkur.

• Karachi to Sukkur: Flights from Karachi to Sukkur are available daily, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The flight covers approximately 370 km (230 miles) and takes about 1 hour.
• Sukkur to Thul: After arriving at Sukkur Airport, travelers need to cover the remaining 140 km (87 miles) to Thul by road. This drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Total Travel Duration:

• Flight duration: 1 hour (Karachi to Sukkur)
• Road travel: 2.5 to 3 hours (Sukkur to Thul)
• Overall duration: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, including airport transfer and waiting times

Flight Facilities:
The flights from Karachi to Sukkur are generally short and comfortable, with basic in-flight services. Sukkur Airport is a small regional airport, so facilities may be limited compared to larger airports, but it offers the necessary amenities like waiting areas, food stalls, and transportation services.

Advantages of Air Travel:
The main advantage of traveling by air is the significantly reduced travel time. However, this option may be more expensive than road or train travel, and it requires additional arrangements for the road trip from Sukkur to Thul.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Thul offers a range of options, each with its own advantages. Road travel is ideal for those who prefer flexibility and wish to explore multiple cities along the way. Train travel is a scenic and cost-effective option, while air travel is the quickest, though it requires additional road travel from Sukkur. Depending on your priorities—whether it's saving time, reducing costs, or enjoying the journey—each mode of transport has something unique to offer. Regardless of the chosen method, the journey from Karachi to Thul provides an opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Sindh.