There is no direct train from Karachi to the northern areas, because the rail network stops at Rawalpindi. Getting to Gilgit-Baltistan by train and bus means an overnight or day-long train journey from Karachi to Rawalpindi, then a separate onward bus or van on the Karakoram Highway, and the whole trip takes the better part of two or three days each way. It is by far the cheapest way to travel, and also by far the slowest, so it suits students, budget travellers and anyone who genuinely enjoys the journey more than families or anyone short on time.
This guide covers how the train-plus-bus combination works, roughly what each leg costs, and how it compares with flying.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Karachi to Rawalpindi by train | About 25 to 30 hours depending on the train |
| Rawalpindi to Gilgit by bus | A further 16 to 20 hours overnight, road conditions permitting |
| Total journey time | Roughly two full days of travel each way |
| Cheapest option overall | Train plus NATCO or private coaster |
| Fastest option | Flying Karachi to Islamabad, then on to Gilgit or Skardu, or onward by road |
The train leg: Karachi to Rawalpindi
Pakistan Railways runs several long-distance trains between Karachi Cantonment and Rawalpindi or Lahore, including the Pak Business Express and the Pakistan Express. Journey time on this leg runs to roughly 25 to 30 hours depending on the service and any delays, which is a full day and a night on board. Fares vary by class, from economy seating up to AC Business and sleeper berths, with the higher classes costing several times more than economy for a bed and air conditioning on the long run north. Check current fares and timings directly with Pakistan Railways or a booking site before you travel, since both change.
A sleeper or AC berth is worth the extra cost on a journey this long if you can get one, particularly if you plan to travel onward by road the same day you arrive.
The bus leg: Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan
From Rawalpindi's Pirwadhai terminal, NATCO and private coaster and Hiace services run north on the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit, with connections onward to Hunza, and separately to Skardu via the Skardu road. These buses typically run overnight, leaving Rawalpindi in the late afternoon or evening and arriving the following day, with the journey to Gilgit taking somewhere in the region of 16 to 20 hours depending on the road and any delays through Kohistan. Fares for the NATCO service to Gilgit or Skardu run to several thousand rupees, roughly in the PKR 5,000 to 6,500 range as of 2026, though prices do change and are worth confirming when booking.
Because this leg runs overnight through some of the most demanding driving on the route, our guide to why night driving on the KKH is discouraged is worth reading if you are choosing between a bus and driving yourself. Bus drivers know the road, but the leg still passes through Kohistan in darkness on the way north.
Putting the whole journey together
Realistically, allow two full days of travel each way if you take the train-and-bus route: a day and a night on the train to Rawalpindi, a short break to eat and rest, then a further overnight bus to Gilgit or Skardu. Add a buffer day either side for delays, since a late train or a landslide closure on the KKH can turn a tight connection into an extra night in Rawalpindi.
Our guide to public transport within the northern areas covers what happens once you arrive: shared vans and jeeps between Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu.
Cost versus flying
Flying is far faster and, once you weigh in the time saved, often not much more expensive once meals and any overnight stops on the overland route are counted. A one-way domestic flight from Karachi to Islamabad typically costs somewhere in the region of PKR 15,000 to 20,000 depending on how far ahead you book, and takes under two hours, against a day and a night by train covering the same ground. From Islamabad, our guide to the best airport for the northern areas and our northern areas trip cost by air guide cover onward flights and driving options in more detail.
For a family or anyone with limited holiday time, flying and covering the last stretch by road or a short domestic flight is usually the more practical choice. For a student or solo traveller with time to spare and a fixed budget, the train and bus combination is a real way to cut costs, provided you build in enough spare days.
Who this route suits
The train-and-bus route suits travellers who have more time than money: students on a break, backpackers, and anyone for whom the journey itself, watching Sindh give way to Punjab and then the mountains, is part of the trip. It does not suit families with young children, anyone with a fixed number of holiday days, or travellers who get uncomfortable on long overnight journeys in a bus seat rather than a bed.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Karachi to Gilgit or Skardu?
No. Pakistan's rail network ends at Rawalpindi. The rest of the journey to Gilgit-Baltistan has to be completed by road, usually by NATCO bus or a private coaster or Hiace.
How long does the whole journey from Karachi take by train and bus?
Realistically two full days of travel each way: roughly 25 to 30 hours by train to Rawalpindi, then a further 16 to 20 hours overnight by bus to Gilgit, plus time to rest and change terminals in between.
Is the train and bus combination cheaper than flying?
Yes, usually significantly cheaper in fare terms, though it costs two to three extra days of travel time each way compared with flying, which matters if your holiday is short.
Which train class is best for the Karachi to Rawalpindi leg?
An AC sleeper or AC Business class berth is worth the extra cost on a journey this long, since it means arriving in Rawalpindi rested enough to continue by bus the same day if needed.
Does the onward bus travel through Kohistan at night?
The overnight NATCO service to Gilgit typically passes through the Kohistan section of the KKH during the night hours of its journey. See our guide on driving at night on the KKH for why this stretch needs care, whether you are driving or travelling by bus.
