Quetta to Sakrand – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Sakrand is a small yet significant town located in the Shaheed Benazirabad District (formerly Nawabshah District) of Sindh. Known for its agricultural activity and educational institutions, Sakrand sits along the National Highway (N-5) and is easily accessible from various cities in Sindh. Traveling from Quetta to Sakrand connects Pakistan’s mountainous western region to its fertile plains, offering several transportation options by road, rail, and air (in combination with road travel).
Distance from Quetta to Sakrand
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By Road: Approximately 530 kilometers (about 329 miles)
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By Air (via Karachi or Nawabshah + road): About 600 to 650 kilometers (373–404 miles), depending on route
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By Train (to Nawabshah + road): Approximately 540 to 560 kilometers (335–348 miles)
Travel by Road
The journey from Quetta to Sakrand by road is one of the more straightforward options, especially due to the availability of national highways for a large portion of the route. The roads are generally in usable condition and widely used by both personal and commercial transport.
Route:
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Depart from Quetta via Mastung and Kalat
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Continue through Khuzdar and Rato Dero
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Proceed to Nawabshah
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From Nawabshah, Sakrand is just 18 kilometers (11 miles) south along the N-5
Travel Time:
Approximately 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic, vehicle type, and rest stops.
Highlights & Considerations:
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The route is popular for intercity travel, with rest stops, fuel stations, and restaurants available at regular intervals.
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Sakrand lies along a major highway, making the final stretch simple to navigate.
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Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the hilly sections near Khuzdar.
Travel by Train
While Sakrand itself does not have a major railway station, the nearby Nawabshah Railway Station serves as a convenient rail access point. From Nawabshah, Sakrand can be reached by local transport or taxi.
Leg 1: Quetta to Nawabshah (by train)
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Pakistan Railways offers services such as the Bolan Mail and Akbar Express.
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The train journey from Quetta to Nawabshah takes around 13 to 15 hours, depending on train type and delays.
Leg 2: Nawabshah to Sakrand (by road)
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The distance is just 18 kilometers (11 miles), covered in 20 to 30 minutes by car or rickshaw.
Total Travel Duration (Train + Road):
Approximately 14 to 16 hours
Highlights & Considerations:
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Ideal for those who prefer avoiding long road drives.
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Train comfort can vary; booking AC class is recommended for such a long journey.
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Nawabshah to Sakrand is a short ride with plenty of transport options.
Travel by Plane
There is no airport in Sakrand. The nearest airports for this journey are Nawabshah Airport (with limited flights) and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which is well-connected but farther.
Option 1: Quetta to Nawabshah (by air) + Nawabshah to Sakrand (by road)
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Occasional charter or scheduled flights are available from Quetta to Nawabshah; however, availability is limited and may require early booking.
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The flight takes approximately 1 hour.
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The road journey from Nawabshah to Sakrand takes about 30 minutes.
Option 2: Quetta to Karachi (by air) + Karachi to Sakrand (by road)
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Flight from Quetta to Karachi takes around 1.5 hours.
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Road travel from Karachi to Sakrand via Hyderabad and Nawabshah is about 330 kilometers (205 miles) and takes 6 to 7 hours.
Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
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Via Nawabshah: 2 to 3 hours (if flight is available)
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Via Karachi: 8 to 9 hours
Highlights & Considerations:
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The Nawabshah flight is the quickest option but may not be consistently available.
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If flying via Karachi, plan for a long road journey after arrival.
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Air travel is best suited for business travelers or those with time constraints.
Summary
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Distance by Road: 530 km (329 miles)
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Estimated Travel Time by Road: 9–11 hours
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Distance by Train + Road: 540–560 km (335–348 miles)
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Estimated Travel Time by Train + Road: 14–16 hours
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Distance by Plane + Road: 600–650 km (373–404 miles)
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Estimated Travel Time by Plane + Road:
- Via Nawabshah: 2–3 hours
- Via Karachi: 8–9 hours
Sakrand is a relatively accessible town compared to deeper Tharparkar destinations. For travelers from Quetta, road and train travel are the most practical choices. The presence of Nawabshah nearby adds flexibility, especially for air or train arrivals. Whether you're visiting for educational, business, or family reasons, a trip to Sakrand provides a smooth transition from Balochistan's rocky terrain to Sindh’s cultivated plains.
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