Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price, timings and online booking
The Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price starts at Rs 5,050 for an economy seat and reaches Rs 13,500 for a premium sleeper berth, with 15 operators covering the 1,420 km run. The fare is the same whether you board in Islamabad or Rawalpindi, so pick the terminal nearest you rather than the one nearest the capital.
Short answer: Islamabad to Karachi economy seats cost around Rs 5,050 to Rs 5,600, business and executive class Rs 5,900 to Rs 9,650, and sleeper berths Rs 10,200 to Rs 13,500. Boarding at Pirwadhai in Rawalpindi rather than Faizabad makes no difference to the fare, only to how far you travel before the bus starts.
Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price by operator and class
The Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price covers the widest range of any Pakistani route, because 15 operators compete across everything from basic economy coaches to full sleeper berths. Every fare below is identical whether your ticket says Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
| Bus operator | Class | Seat layout | Journey time | Ticket price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC Transit | Sleeper Plus | 1 + 1 berths | 17h 30m | Rs 13,500 |
| Gul e Kashmir | Sleeper | 1 + 1 berths | 18h 00m | Rs 11,500 |
| Faisal Movers | Sleeper | 1 + 1 berths | 17h 30m | Rs 10,800 |
| Kainat Travels | Sleeper | 1 + 1 berths | 18h 00m | Rs 10,200 |
| Daewoo Express | Gold Class | 2 + 1 | 17h 00m | Rs 9,650 |
| Faisal Movers | Business | 2 + 1 | 17h 30m | Rs 9,135 |
| Daewoo Express | Luxury | 2 + 2 | 17h 00m | Rs 8,120 |
| Faisal Movers | Executive | 2 + 2 | 18h 00m | Rs 7,700 |
| Skyways | Business | 2 + 2 | 18h 00m | Rs 6,800 |
| MG Business Class | Business | 2 + 2 | 18h 00m | Rs 6,500 |
| Iftikhar Express | Business | 2 + 2 | 18h 30m | Rs 6,300 |
| Al Sanober Express | Business | 2 + 2 | 18h 30m | Rs 6,100 |
| Pakistan Express | Business | 2 + 2 | 18h 30m | Rs 5,900 |
| Waraich Express | Economy | 2 + 2 | 19h 00m | Rs 5,600 |
| Manthar Transport | Economy | 2 + 2 | 18h 30m | Rs 5,400 |
| Karachi Coach Service | Economy | 2 + 2 | 19h 00m | Rs 5,200 |
| Adil Shah Coaches | Economy | 2 + 2 | 19h 00m | Rs 5,050 |
Fares are indicative published prices and vary with fuel adjustments and peak demand. Your live, confirmed fare appears on the seat map before payment.
Boarding in Islamabad or Rawalpindi, does it change the fare?
No. Operators price Islamabad and Rawalpindi as a single origin, so the fare, the class and the coach are identical from either city. Rawalpindi passengers do not need to travel out to Faizabad or into Islamabad to board, which is the single most useful thing to know before booking this route.
Fare, class and coach
The same bus, the same berth numbers and the same published price whichever twin cities terminal your ticket names. There is no Islamabad premium and no Rawalpindi discount, and return tickets cost exactly twice a single.
How long before you actually leave
Buses that start at Pirwadhai then call at Faizabad will have been on the road for half an hour before the Faizabad passengers board. Boarding at the first pickup point means a longer total journey but a better choice of seat.
Whether your terminal is a stop
Not every service calls at every point. Some sleeper departures run direct from a single terminal, so confirm your boarding point is actually on that bus’s list before you pay rather than assuming all four are covered.
Islamabad to Karachi bus timings and daily departures
Islamabad to Karachi bus timings are shaped by the arrival end rather than the departure end. An eighteen hour journey leaving the twin cities in the afternoon puts you into Sohrab Goth during Karachi’s morning, which is what nearly every operator is aiming for.
Early afternoon
1:00 to 3:00 PMClears the M-2 in daylight and arrives Karachi around 7 AM to 9 AM, ahead of the worst of the city traffic.
Late afternoon
4:00 to 6:00 PMThe busiest window and where most sleeper berths sit. Arrives late morning, which suits onward connections within Karachi.
Evening
7:00 to 9:00 PMPopular with budget operators. Arrives Karachi in the early afternoon, when the heat and the traffic are both at their worst.
Morning services
Limited, 8:00 to 10:00 AMA few departures arriving in Karachi after midnight. Only sensible if you have somewhere confirmed to go on arrival.
Which departure should you pick?
A 2 PM to 4 PM departure works best southbound. You are over the Salt Range and past Multan before the small hours, you sleep through the long Sindh stretch, and you reach Sohrab Goth early enough to get across Karachi before the morning gridlock sets in. The 7 PM and later departures are cheaper but drop you into the city at the hottest, busiest point of the afternoon, which is a real cost on a route this long.
Bus terminals and boarding points in Islamabad and Karachi
The twin cities have four usable boarding points for this route and they are spread across two cities, so the one on your ticket decides how your journey starts. At the Karachi end, the arrival terminal matters just as much.
Departure terminals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
- Faizabad
- The main twin cities hub, on the boundary between the two. Metro Bus station adjacent, so it is the easiest to reach from anywhere in Islamabad.
- Faisal Movers, Motorway Chowk, Peshawar Road
- Islamabad terminal close to the motorway entry, which means the bus is on the M-2 within minutes of departing.
- Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi
- The general bus stand and where most economy coaches start. Busy and basic, but the first pickup point, so seat choice is widest here.
- Daewoo Terminal, Saddar Rawalpindi
- Daewoo Express runs its own terminal with a waiting lounge and taxi rank, convenient for Rawalpindi cantonment.
Arrival terminals in Karachi
- Al Asif, Sohrab Goth
- The main arrival point for most operators, on M.A. Jinnah Road at the northern edge of the city. Open 24 hours with luggage handling and ticket counters.
- Daewoo Terminal, Saddar
- Near Empress Market and much closer to central Karachi. A significant advantage if you are staying downtown or in Clifton.
- Karachi Cantt
- A smaller drop-off point next to the railway station, worth choosing if you are continuing by train or staying near the cantonment.
- Yousuf Goth
- Some economy operators terminate here. Cheapest fares, fewest facilities, and awkward to leave late at night.
The arrival decision worth making before you book
Sohrab Goth sits well north of the city. If your destination is Clifton, Saddar or the centre, a Daewoo Saddar arrival saves a long ride through Karachi’s morning traffic. If you are heading north, east or straight back out toward the motorway, Sohrab Goth is the better arrival. The fare is the same either way, so this is a free decision that most travellers never make deliberately.
Islamabad to Karachi distance, journey time and motorway route
The Islamabad to Karachi distance by road is about 1,420 km, with a journey time of 17 to 19 hours depending on class. Southbound the route runs M-2 down to Pindi Bhattian, M-4 into Multan, M-5 through Sukkur, then M-6 and M-9 into Karachi, which is motorway almost the entire way.
Major stops and cities along the route
- Islamabad, FaizabadDeparture, km 0
- Chakri and BalkassarM-2 interchanges south of Rawalpindi
- Kallar Kahar or BheraShort first break on the M-2, roughly 2h in
- Pindi Bhattian interchangeM-2 joins the M-4 toward Multan
- MultanMain rest stop, around 7h in: food, prayer and fuel
- Rahim Yar KhanSome services set down passengers here
- SukkurM-5 ends, around 12h in
- HyderabadM-9 begins, the last two and a half hours
- Karachi, Sohrab GothArrival, km 1,420
Why the first two hours matter most
The M-2 climb over the Salt Range at Kallar Kahar is the slowest section of the whole route and it comes right at the start southbound. A bus held up leaving the twin cities in afternoon traffic loses that time before it reaches open motorway, and rarely makes it back. If your departure is scheduled between 4 PM and 6 PM, treat the arrival estimate as roughly an hour optimistic.
Sleeper bus from Islamabad to Karachi, fares and availability
The sleeper bus from Islamabad to Karachi costs between Rs 10,200 and Rs 13,500, against roughly Rs 5,050 for the cheapest economy seat. At eighteen hours this is the longest scheduled bus journey in Pakistan, and the route where a berth earns its premium most clearly.
Sleeper operators southbound
- Kainat Travels, Rs 10,200, the cheapest berth on the corridor
- Faisal Movers, Rs 10,800, boarding at Faizabad or Pirwadhai
- Gul e Kashmir, Rs 11,500
- STC Transit, Rs 13,500 for Sleeper Plus
Before you book a berth
- Flat six foot berth, privacy curtain, blanket and reading light
- Around 27 berths per coach, quieter than a 45 seat bus
- Book from the first pickup point for the widest berth choice
- Sleeper departures run afternoon and early evening only
- Berths sell out first at Eid and through the summer holidays
Berth or seat on the southbound run?
Take the berth if the budget allows. You are weighing Rs 5,050 for eighteen hours upright against Rs 10,200 for a flat bed and a working arrival day in Karachi, and if that saves a hotel night at either end it costs nothing in real terms. The exception is the rare morning departure, where you will be awake for most of the journey anyway, so a Business or Executive seat is the smarter spend.
Which is the best bus service from Islamabad to Karachi?
The best bus service from Islamabad to Karachi comes down to three things: whether you want a berth, which twin cities terminal is closest to you, and where in Karachi you actually need to end up. With 15 operators running the route, all three are genuine choices.
Daewoo Express
The fastest scheduled time at 17 hours and the most dependable departures, running Saddar to Saddar between the two cities. Luxury at Rs 8,120 and Gold Class at Rs 9,650. No sleeper on this corridor, so Gold Class 2+1 seating is the ceiling.
Faisal Movers
A berth at Rs 10,800 with boarding at Faizabad, Pirwadhai and its own Motorway Chowk terminal, so almost everyone in the twin cities has a convenient option. Executive at Rs 7,700 if a berth is beyond budget.
Kainat Travels
A sleeper at Rs 10,200, the cheapest flat berth on the route and about Rs 600 under Faisal Movers for a broadly comparable product. Fleet and terminal facilities sit a step below the majors, which is the trade you are accepting.
The honest recommendation
Over eighteen hours the class matters more than the company. Book a sleeper if you can: Kainat Travels at Rs 10,200 for value, Faisal Movers at Rs 10,800 for the better boarding options. If a berth is out of reach, take Faisal Movers Executive at Rs 7,700 over a Rs 5,050 economy coach, because it buys a wider seat and an hour less on the road. Pick Daewoo when arriving on time genuinely matters or when you need that Saddar arrival in Karachi.
How to book Islamabad to Karachi bus tickets online
Booking Islamabad to Karachi bus tickets online takes about two minutes, and on this route it saves you two separate journeys: the trip to a ticket counter, and the trip to the wrong terminal. A CNIC number is required for every passenger.
Search the route and date
Enter Islamabad, Karachi and your travel date. All 15 operators running that day appear in one list.
Choose berth or seat
Decide sleeper or seated first, then filter by departure window, boarding point and arrival terminal.
Confirm both terminals
Check your twin cities boarding point and your Karachi arrival point, then pick your berth or seat.
Pay and get your e-ticket
Settle up with JazzCash, Easypaisa, a card or a bank transfer, and your e-ticket lands on WhatsApp within seconds.
Before you confirm, check these four things
- Your boarding point is on that bus’s list. Not every service calls at all four twin cities terminals.
- Sohrab Goth or Daewoo Saddar. An hour apart in Karachi’s morning traffic, at the same fare.
- Berth or seat. “Sleeper” means a flat bed; “Business” and “Executive” do not, whatever the price suggests.
- CNIC details match the passenger. One valid CNIC per seat, name matching, and operators do check.
Payment methods
- JazzCash
- Easypaisa
- Visa & Mastercard
- 1LINK bank transfer
- Raast
- Cash at terminal counter
Islamabad to Karachi bus vs train vs flight ticket price
Comparing the Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price against the train and a domestic flight is the closest call on any Pakistani corridor. At eighteen hours by road against two by air, the flight stops being a luxury and starts being a reasonable trade.
| Mode | Typical price | Journey time | Frequency | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (economy) | Rs 5,050 to 5,600 | 18h to 19h | Many daily | Cheapest reliable option, but a very long day |
| Bus (sleeper) | Rs 10,200 to 13,500 | 17h 30m | Afternoon and evening | Best bus option, a flat bed and no hotel night |
| Train (economy) | Rs 3,500 to 5,000 | 22h to 26h | Several daily | Cheapest of all, and the slowest by a wide margin |
| Train (AC business) | Rs 10,000 to 14,000 | 22h to 24h | Limited | Comfortable, but slower than the sleeper coach at a similar price |
| Domestic flight | Rs 18,000 to 32,000 | 2h flight | Many daily | The honest winner when a working day is at stake |
Flight and train fares fluctuate significantly; bus fares on this corridor are broadly fixed.
Cheapest way to travel from Islamabad to Karachi
The cheapest way to travel from Islamabad to Karachi is Pakistan Railways economy at roughly Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000, which undercuts every bus fare on the route. The catch is that the rail journey from the capital runs longer than from Lahore, commonly 22 hours or more, and delays are routine. For the cheapest option that keeps roughly to a schedule, an economy bus seat at Rs 5,050 is the answer. It is also worth noting that on this corridor an AC business train ticket costs about the same as a sleeper berth while taking four hours longer, which makes the coach the better buy at that price point.
Compare all 15 operators for your travel date.
Check live fares and seatsIslamabad to Karachi bus ticket price FAQs
What is the Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price?
The Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket price ranges from about Rs 5,050 for an economy seat to Rs 13,500 for a premium sleeper berth. Business and executive classes sit between Rs 5,900 and Rs 9,650. Fifteen operators serve the route, which keeps the lower end unusually competitive.
Is it cheaper to board in Rawalpindi than Islamabad?
No. Operators treat Islamabad and Rawalpindi as a single origin and charge the same fare from Faizabad, Pirwadhai, Saddar or the Motorway Chowk terminal. Board wherever is closest to you. The only practical difference is that the first pickup point usually offers the widest choice of seats and berths.
How long does the Islamabad to Karachi bus take?
Express services cover the 1,420 km in about 17 hours, typical journeys run 18 hours and economy coaches up to 19. It is the longest mainline bus route in Pakistan. The route is motorway almost throughout, M-2, M-4, M-5, M-6 and M-9, so it keeps to schedule better than the distance suggests.
Where in Karachi does the bus arrive?
Most operators arrive at Al Asif terminal at Sohrab Goth on M.A. Jinnah Road, at the northern edge of the city. Daewoo Express uses its own Saddar terminal near Empress Market, which is much closer to central Karachi, and some economy coaches terminate at Yousuf Goth. The fare is the same, so choose the arrival that suits your destination.
How much is the sleeper bus from Islamabad to Karachi?
Berths on this leg start at Rs 10,200 and run to Rs 13,500 for the premium Sleeper Plus service, roughly double the economy fare. Availability is the real constraint rather than price: only four of the fifteen operators run berths southbound, and they depart in a narrow afternoon and early evening window, so a berth booked two days out is often the only one left.
What time do buses leave Islamabad for Karachi?
Most departures fall between 1 PM and 9 PM, timed so the journey delivers a morning arrival in Karachi. The busiest window is 4 PM to 6 PM, where most sleeper berths sit. A small number of morning services exist but arrive in Karachi after midnight.
Which is the cheapest bus from Islamabad to Karachi?
Adil Shah Coaches at around Rs 5,050, followed by Karachi Coach Service at Rs 5,200 and Manthar Transport at Rs 5,400. These are economy coaches making more stops, with journeys closer to 19 hours, so weigh the saving against the extra time rather than booking on price alone.
Is the bus or a flight better from Islamabad to Karachi?
This is the corridor where the flight has the strongest case. A two hour flight from around Rs 18,000 against an eighteen hour sleeper at Rs 10,200 means paying roughly Rs 8,000 to save most of a day. If your time carries a cost, fly. For families, students and anyone travelling with significant luggage, the sleeper still makes better sense.
Do I need a CNIC to book an Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket?
Yes, one valid CNIC per passenger, with the name matching the booking. Children on a B-Form travel under the guardian’s CNIC, and foreign passengers can enter a passport number. Keep the number handy at boarding, because twin cities terminals check it against the manifest before the coach leaves.
Do fares rise during Eid and holidays?
Published fares hold steady, but seats vanish. Southbound demand out of the twin cities spikes hard before Eid as people travel home to Sindh, and berths go first. Book a week ahead for Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. If everything is gone from Faizabad, check Pirwadhai and the Motorway Chowk terminal separately, since seat blocks are sometimes held per boarding point.
Related routes and fare guides
Return and nearby routes
Operator fare lists
Book your Islamabad to Karachi bus ticket
15 operators, four twin cities boarding points, seated and sleeper classes, and no booking fee added to the operator’s published fare.
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