Quetta to Sakran Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Sakran: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is a bustling city nestled among rugged mountains, while Sakran is a small town located in the Lasbela District, closer to the coastal region of Balochistan. Though lesser-known compared to major cities, Sakran plays an important local role in trade, agriculture, and connectivity in the province. Traveling from Quetta to Sakran offers a glimpse of Balochistan’s geographical and cultural diversity — from mountainous terrains to coastal plains.

In this article, we’ll explore the distance between Quetta and Sakran, and the available travel options by road, train, and air. We'll also detail the duration each mode of travel typically takes.

Distance Between Quetta and Sakran

• Distance by Road: Approximately 670 kilometers (416 miles)

• Straight Line (Air) Distance: Approximately 520 kilometers (323 miles)

Due to the geographical features of Balochistan, the road route is considerably longer than the straight-line aerial distance.

Traveling from Quetta to Sakran by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Sakran is the most direct and commonly used option, especially since Sakran lacks an airport or train station. The journey provides a rugged and scenic view of the Balochistan landscape, consisting of arid mountains, desert plains, and eventually coastal lowlands as one approaches Lasbela.

Route Overview:

There are two primary road routes travelers can take:

1. Via Quetta – Mastung – Kalat – Khuzdar – Uthal – Sakran:

   • This is the most common and practical route.

   • It follows the N-25 (RCD Highway) from Quetta to Khuzdar, then continues on the N-25 toward Uthal, and finally heads to Sakran via regional roads.

2. Via Quetta – Mastung – Kalat – Awaran – Sakran:

   • This alternative is less frequently used due to road conditions and sparse infrastructure.

Road Conditions and Terrain:

• The road from Quetta to Kalat is a mountain pass with winding turns and occasional landslides during the monsoon season.

• Khuzdar to Uthal is a smoother section of the highway but passes through remote areas with limited facilities.

• From Uthal to Sakran, local roads take you into the plains with some unpaved or narrow segments.

Travel Duration by Road:

• Estimated Travel Time: 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions, vehicle type, and stops.

• Travel may be slower at night or during extreme weather, particularly in winter (fog in northern areas) or summer (extreme heat and sandstorms).

Private and Public Transport:

• Private Car/Jeep: Recommended for flexibility and comfort, especially due to some rough patches on the route.

• Bus Services: Limited intercity buses may go as far as Uthal or Hub. From there, local transport or a hired vehicle may be needed to reach Sakran.

• Hiace Vans/Coasters: These are common between Quetta and Khuzdar/Uthal and may offer intermediate connections.

Traveling from Quetta to Sakran by Train

There is no direct railway line connecting Quetta to Sakran. Sakran does not have its own railway station, and the closest major railhead is located in Hub or Karachi.

However, one can partially use the train system for this journey by following this approach:

Step 1: Quetta to Karachi by Train

• The Jaffar Express or Akbar Express provides train service from Quetta to Karachi.

• This journey takes the traveler from the mountainous region into the coastal plains and finally to the port city of Karachi.

Distance: Approximately 690 kilometers (429 miles)
Duration: Around 20 to 24 hours, depending on the train schedule and stops.

Step 2: Karachi to Sakran by Road

From Karachi, Sakran is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, which can be covered via the RCD Highway (N-25) and Hub River Road.

Duration by road from Karachi to Sakran: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• Estimated Time: 22 to 26 hours, including transfer time.

Limitations:

• No direct train route to Sakran.

• Requires combining modes of travel (train + car/bus).

• Not ideal for time-sensitive travel.

Traveling from Quetta to Sakran by Plane

Sakran does not have an airport, so air travel is only partially possible by flying from Quetta to Karachi and then traveling by road to Sakran.

Step 1: Quetta to Karachi by Plane

• Quetta International Airport offers daily flights to Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

• Several airlines operate on this route, including PIA and AirSial.

Distance (Air): Approximately 520 kilometers (323 miles)
Flight Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Step 2: Karachi to Sakran by Road

• Once you land in Karachi, you can drive or hire a car to reach Sakran via the N-25 Highway.

• The route passes through Hub, a major town near Sakran.

Road Distance: Around 70 kilometers (43 miles)
Road Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Total Duration (Air + Road):

• Estimated Total Time: 3 to 4 hours, including airport check-in and transfer time.

Advantages:

• Fastest option available.

• Comfortable if booked through a travel agent or organized trip.

• Suitable for business or emergency travel.

Limitations:

• Higher travel cost (though not included here).

• Limited flights depending on day and season.

• Road from Karachi to Sakran may be congested near industrial zones.

Summary of Travel Options

• By Road:

  • Distance: 670 km (416 miles)

  • Duration: 10–12 hours

  • Best For: Flexibility, affordability, and direct access

• By Train + Road:

  • Distance: 690 km (429 miles) to Karachi + 70 km (43 miles) to Sakran

  • Duration: 22–26 hours

  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers with more time

• By Air + Road:

  • Distance: 520 km (323 miles) by air + 70 km (43 miles) by road

  • Duration: 3–4 hours

  • Best For: Fast, efficient travel with comfort

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Sakran provides a unique look into Balochistan's contrasting terrains — from the dry, mountainous landscape of Quetta to the flat, semi-coastal region near Lasbela. Though Sakran lacks direct rail and air connections, it can be accessed via a combination of transportation modes. Road travel remains the most straightforward and frequently used method, while combining air and road is the quickest for those with limited time. Each option caters to different needs, from affordability to speed.

Let the journey offer not just transportation, but a deeper understanding of one of Pakistan’s most diverse provinces.