Karachi to Torkham Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Torkham

Distance and Overview:

• Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
• Travel Duration: Varies significantly based on the mode of transport

Torkham is a significant border town located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, serving as a key crossing point into Afghanistan. It’s a crucial hub for trade and travel between the two countries. Given its remote location, reaching Torkham from Karachi involves a multi-stage journey that includes road, train, and plane travel.

By Road

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
• Duration: Around 20 to 24 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions

Route:

1. Karachi to Lahore:

   • Distance: 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
   • Duration: 18 to 20 hours
   • Route: Take the M-9 Motorway from Karachi to Hyderabad, then continue on the N-5 National Highway. Pass through cities such as Multan and Faisalabad before reaching Lahore.

2. Lahore to Peshawar:

   • Distance: Approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles)
   • Duration: 6 to 8 hours
   • Route: Continue on the N-5 National Highway from Lahore to Peshawar, passing through Gujranwala and Wazirabad.

3. Peshawar to Torkham:

   • Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles)
   • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
   • Route: Take the N-35 (also known as the Grand Trunk Road) from Peshawar towards Torkham. The road is well-maintained but can be congested, especially near the border area.

Considerations:

• Road Conditions: The route is mostly along major highways and motorways, but road conditions can vary. The journey is long and may require breaks for rest and refueling.
• Border Crossing: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents for crossing into Afghanistan if required.

By Train

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) by road, though the train route is indirect.
• Duration: Approximately 24 to 30 hours, depending on train schedules and connections.

Route:

1. Karachi to Lahore:

   • Train: The Pakistan Railways operates several trains between Karachi and Lahore, such as the Green Line Express or the Karachi Express.
   • Duration: 18 to 20 hours

2. Lahore to Peshawar:

   • Train: From Lahore, you can catch a train to Peshawar. The Pakistan Railways offers services such as the Tezgam Express.
   • Duration: 6 to 8 hours

3. Peshawar to Torkham:

   • Travel by Road: From Peshawar, you will need to travel by road to Torkham, as there is no direct train service to the border town.
   • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by road

Considerations:

• Train Schedules: Train timings can be subject to delays and may require careful planning to ensure timely connections.
• Comfort: Train travel offers a more comfortable option compared to road travel, but the journey is longer and involves multiple segments.

By Plane

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) by road
• Duration: Total travel time including transfers is approximately 5 to 7 hours

Route:

1. Karachi to Islamabad:

   • Flight: Several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and private carriers, operate flights from Karachi to Islamabad.
   • Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours

2. Islamabad to Peshawar:

   • Flight: While there are no direct flights from Islamabad to Peshawar, you can drive or take a train.
   • Duration: Driving takes about 1.5 to 2 hours or train journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

3. Peshawar to Torkham:

   • Travel by Road: From Peshawar, you will need to take a road journey to Torkham.
   • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Considerations:

• Airport Transfers: Factor in time for airport security, boarding, and potential delays.
• Comfort: Flying offers a faster option compared to road and train travel, but the journey to Torkham still requires road travel from Peshawar.

Summary

Traveling from Karachi to Torkham involves significant distance and varying travel times depending on the chosen mode of transport. Each option—road, train, and plane—has its own set of advantages and challenges:

• By Road: Offers flexibility and direct access but is time-consuming and requires endurance.
• By Train: Provides a comfortable journey but involves multiple connections and indirect travel.
• By Plane: The fastest option to reach a nearby major city (Islamabad or Peshawar), but still requires road travel to Torkham.

Choosing the best travel option will depend on your priorities, including time, comfort, and convenience. For the most efficient journey, a combination of flying to Islamabad or Peshawar and then driving to Torkham is often recommended.