Gwadar to Turbat is roughly 150 to 230 km by road depending on the route, which is two to three hours of driving in good conditions. The usual way is to follow the Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) out of Gwadar and then take the M-8 motorway inland through Hoshab to Turbat, the main city of Kech district. It is a route for people with family or business in Kech, not a tourist circuit, and the UK government advises against all travel to Balochistan.
This guide explains the road, what lies at the end of it, and what to check before anyone makes the trip. For the coast itself, start with our Gwadar guide to places to visit.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 150 to 230 km by road; sources differ by route |
| Drive time | Roughly 2 to 3 hours in good conditions (online estimates range from about 2 to 2.5 hours) |
| Road | N-10 Makran Coastal Highway, then M-8 motorway |
| M-8, Gwadar to Hoshab | 193 km, two lanes, opened February 2016, no toll |
| Turbat | Second-largest city in Balochistan after Quetta, 268,625 people in 2023 |
| Night travel | Banned on major Balochistan highways from 6 pm to 6 am in March 2025 notices |
Which road links Gwadar and Turbat?
Two roads matter. The N-10, or Makran Coastal Highway, runs along the coast from Karachi to Gwadar and was completed in 2004. Our Makran Coastal Highway guide covers its length and scenery.
The M-8 is the newer road. It is an 892 km motorway project from Ratodero in Sindh to Gwadar, built under CPEC, and it passes near Khuzdar, Awaran, Hoshab and Turbat. The 193 km section between Gwadar and Hoshab was inaugurated in February 2016. It has two lanes and no toll. From Hoshab the motorway runs on to Turbat.
Distance figures vary a lot, from just under 100 km as the crow flies to well over 200 km by road, because online calculators choose different routes. Ask a local driver for the current practical route, since sections are sometimes closed or under repair.
What is the drive like?
Most of the journey runs through open, dry country with few buildings. Expect:
- Long empty stretches. There are few towns between Gwadar and Hoshab, so fill up in Gwadar before leaving.
- Heat. Turbat is among the hottest cities in the world in summer, with a recorded high of 53.5°C. Travel in winter if you can.
- Checkposts. Carry your original CNIC. See our page on CNIC requirements for Balochistan.
- Little help if you break down. Take water, a spare tyre and a charged phone, and expect weak signal in places.
- Daylight only. Leave in the morning and arrive well before 6 pm.
What is Turbat like?
Turbat sits on the left bank of the Kech River and is the administrative centre of Kech district. It was the historic capital of the Makran princely state and is known in Baloch tradition as the home of Punnu, hero of the romance Sassi Punnun. The surrounding area is a major date-growing region, and Balochi is spoken by almost everyone.
Turbat also has an international airport, upgraded in 2023 so that larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 can use it. For many travellers a flight is a faster and more predictable way to reach the city than a long road journey.
Turbat is a working regional city. It has few facilities set up for visitors, so we would not suggest arriving without a local host or a confirmed place to stay.
Is the Gwadar to Turbat road safe?
The UK government advises against all travel to Balochistan. Kech district has seen violence, including a 2022 attack in the district, and local human-rights and news reports describe continued killings and kidnappings there in 2026. We could not find a reliable account of a specific incident on the Gwadar to Turbat road itself this year, but the area is classed as high risk.
- Pakistanis who travel it should keep to daylight, tell someone their route, and check local news the same morning.
- Foreign nationals should follow their own government's advice. Travelling against it can void insurance, and non-Pakistanis need permission to travel in much of the province.
- Read is Gwadar safe to visit and is Balochistan safe to travel first.
Options for getting there
- By air. Check which airlines currently serve Turbat. The airport is the simplest option if you are not making a local journey.
- By road with a local driver. If you must go by road, a local driver who knows the checkposts and any closures is better than driving yourself.
- By your own vehicle. Only if you know the road, and with full tanks and daylight margin.
Who should consider this trip?
It is for people with a reason to be in Kech: family, work, or an official visit. It is not a sensible add-on to a Gwadar holiday. If you are in Gwadar for the beaches and the port, spend your time there and around Ormara and Pasni, which are on the coast road.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gwadar from Turbat?
About 150 to 230 km by road, depending on the route. Online sources give different figures.
How long does it take to drive from Gwadar to Turbat?
Roughly two to three hours in good conditions. Allow longer for checkposts and any construction.
Which highway goes from Gwadar to Turbat?
The M-8 motorway, joined to the N-10 Makran Coastal Highway near Gwadar. The Gwadar to Hoshab section opened in February 2016.
Can I drive from Gwadar to Turbat at night?
No. A night travel ban from 6 pm to 6 am was notified on major Balochistan highways in March 2025. Check whether it still applies.
Is there an airport at Turbat?
Yes. It was upgraded in 2023 to take larger aircraft. Check with airlines for current services.