Karachi to Turbat Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Karachi to Turbat: Road, Train, and Air Options

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel. Turbat, located in Balochistan, is a prominent city in the Makran division and known for its rich history and cultural significance. Whether for business or leisure, travelers often find themselves commuting between Karachi and Turbat. In this guide, we explore the various travel options by road, train, and plane, along with their respective routes, distances, and travel durations.

1. By Road: Karachi to Turbat

Distance:

• 433 kilometers (270 miles) via the National Highway N-25.

Route:
To travel by road from Karachi to Turbat, the primary route is through the National Highway N-25, also known as the RCD Highway (Regional Cooperation for Development). The journey is as follows:

1. Karachi to Hub: Starting from Karachi, you'll head west towards the town of Hub, located on the border of Sindh and Balochistan.
2. Hub to Uthal: From Hub, you travel northwest along the RCD Highway, passing through Uthal.
3. Uthal to Bela: Continuing on the N-25, you will pass through Bela, a small town along the Makran Coastal Highway.
4. Bela to Turbat: From Bela, the journey becomes more scenic as you continue towards the Makran region, eventually reaching Turbat. The route goes through the coastal area, offering views of the rugged mountains and arid landscapes typical of Balochistan.

Travel Duration:
The journey by road from Karachi to Turbat takes approximately 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the condition of the road. The road between Karachi and Turbat is generally in fair condition, but some parts may be bumpy and require careful driving, especially in more remote areas.

Pros and Cons of Road Travel:

• Pros:
  • Scenic journey with views of the Makran coast and Balochistan's mountainous terrain.
  • Flexible travel schedule; you can stop at various points along the way.
  • Relatively low cost compared to air travel.
• Cons:
  • Long duration and can be physically exhausting.
  • Some parts of the road may not be well-maintained, requiring caution.
  • Limited roadside amenities and services, particularly in remote areas.

Recommended Vehicle: For this route, a sturdy vehicle such as an SUV or a 4x4 is recommended, especially for parts where the road condition might be less favorable. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry enough water, food, and fuel, as petrol stations may be scarce in certain areas.

2. By Train: Karachi to Turbat

Currently, there is no direct train service between Karachi and Turbat. Pakistan Railways does not offer a dedicated route that connects the two cities. However, a possible alternative is to take a train from Karachi to a nearby town, such as Gwadar, and then complete the remaining journey by road. While this method is not the most direct or time-efficient, it is an option for travelers who prefer train travel.

Alternative Train Route:

• Karachi to Quetta or Karachi to Gwadar:
  • From Karachi, you can travel to Quetta by train on the Quetta Express or Bolan Express. However, this route requires further road travel from Quetta to Turbat, which is around 730 kilometers (454 miles) and takes about 12 to 14 hours by road.
  • Similarly, for the Gwadar option, travelers can take the Makran Express to Gwadar and then complete the remaining road journey to Turbat, which is approximately 165 kilometers (102 miles).

Travel Duration by Train:

• Karachi to Quetta: The train journey from Karachi to Quetta takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on the train service.
• Road Travel to Turbat: From Quetta, the additional road journey to Turbat takes around 12 to 14 hours by car.
• Karachi to Gwadar: The Makran Express from Karachi to Gwadar takes about 16 to 18 hours. From Gwadar, the road journey to Turbat is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Pros and Cons of Train Travel:

• Pros:
  • Train travel can be more comfortable for those who prefer to avoid long drives.
  • More relaxed environment, allowing for rest and sightseeing from the train.
• Cons:
  • There is no direct train route from Karachi to Turbat, requiring additional road travel.
  • Train schedules can be less reliable and subject to delays.
  • Travel duration is significantly longer due to the combined train and road journey.

3. By Plane: Karachi to Turbat

Distance:
The aerial distance between Karachi and Turbat is approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles).

Route:
The flight route between Karachi and Turbat is straightforward, flying across Balochistan’s coastal and desert landscapes. The flight departs from Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi and lands at Turbat International Airport (TUK), which is a small but functional airport serving the region.

Travel Duration:
The flight duration from Karachi to Turbat is around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it the fastest travel option between the two cities.

Flight Availability:

• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates direct flights between Karachi and Turbat on select days of the week, with a flight schedule that may vary depending on the season. It's recommended to check flight availability and book tickets in advance, as flights to Turbat are limited and can fill up quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Pros and Cons of Air Travel:

• Pros:
  • Fastest travel option, reducing a potentially 7-9 hour road journey to just over an hour.
  • Comfortable and convenient, especially for business travelers or those with time constraints.
  • Avoids the potential challenges of road travel, such as traffic or poor road conditions.
• Cons:
  • More expensive compared to road travel.
  • Limited flight availability, so travelers need to plan ahead.
  • Weather conditions can sometimes cause flight delays or cancellations.

Additional Information:

• Airport Facilities: Turbat International Airport is a small airport with basic facilities. While it does not offer the same level of services as larger airports, passengers can expect essential services like check-in counters, waiting areas, and limited refreshments.
• Baggage Allowance: Depending on the airline, baggage allowances may vary, so it’s important to confirm these details when booking your ticket.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Option

When choosing between road, train, and air travel from Karachi to Turbat, consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.

• For a quick trip with minimal hassle, air travel is the best option, despite being pricier.
• For those looking for a more scenic and flexible journey, the road is an excellent option, offering beautiful landscapes and the freedom to travel at your own pace.
• For train enthusiasts, while there is no direct route, the combined train and road journey is a unique experience, albeit more time-consuming.

Whichever option you choose, traveling between Karachi and Turbat provides an opportunity to experience the diverse geography and cultural richness of Pakistan's southwestern region.