The M-5 is a six-lane, 392-kilometre motorway between Multan and Sukkur, with a speed limit of 120 km/h. It opened in November 2019, and the drive that took around 11 hours on the old national highway is now about four hours in a car. Since 10 July 2026 the toll for a car over the full length is Rs 1,500, up from Rs 1,200 (NHA revision, reported by PakWheels).
This guide covers the exits in order, what the toll means for a budget, when the road closes for fog, and the safety advice you should read before heading into upper Sindh.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Length | 392 km, Multan to Sukkur |
| Speed limit | 120 km/h |
| Typical drive | About 4 hours without long stops |
| Toll for a car, full length | Rs 1,500 (from 10 July 2026) |
| Interchanges | 11 to 12, depending on how the terminal ones are counted |
| Service and rest areas | 12 service areas and 10 rest areas, per Wikipedia |
| Main risk | Dense fog, December to January |
Where does the M-5 run?
The motorway starts at the Shershah interchange on the southern side of Multan, where it meets the M-4 coming from Faisalabad. It then runs south-west across the flat cotton and mango country of south Punjab, passing Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif, Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad. It crosses into Sindh near Ubauro and ends at Sukkur near Rohri.
For most drivers it is the middle leg of a Lahore to Karachi run: the M-3 and M-4 bring you to Multan, and the M-5 carries you on to Sukkur. Our guide to Lahore to Multan by road covers the leg before it.
Interchanges in order
Sources differ slightly in naming and in whether the toll plaza and the end points are counted, so treat this as a working list rather than an official schedule. From north to south:
- Shershah, the start, with the link to Bahawalpur Road.
- Shujaabad, for Lodhran Road.
- Jalalpur Pirwala, also for Lodhran Road.
- Jhangra, for Bahawalpur and the N-5.
- Uch Sharif, for the historic shrines and tombs of Uch.
- Tarinda, for Tarinda Muhammad Panah Road.
- Zahir Pir, for Chachran Sharif Road.
- Rahim Yar Khan, where the toll plaza sits.
- Guddu, Ghotki and Pano Aqil in Sindh.
- Sukkur (Rohri), the end.
Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif and Rahim Yar Khan are the useful exits for visitors. Sukkur is the gateway to the barrage and the road to Mohenjo Daro, and our Sukkur guide covers what to see there.
What does the toll cost?
For a car the full-length toll is Rs 1,500 (2026). Toll rates rise with vehicle class, and the NHA has revised them more than once in recent years, so confirm the rate at the plaza or on the NHA site. You pay by M-Tag or cash depending on the lane. Our M-Tag guide explains how the tag works, and the toll page for the northern routes puts these charges in the context of a longer trip.
If you leave at an intermediate interchange you pay a part of the full fare. The exact split is posted at the entry booth. We have not found a reliable published table for every section, so do not budget it to the rupee.
Timing: when to drive it
At legal speeds the whole road takes a little under four hours. Add time for prayer, a meal and fuel, and plan on about five hours door to door between Multan and Sukkur.
The time of day matters more than the traffic here. The road is quiet, and the danger is fog. In December and January, dense fog regularly closes sections of the M-5, including the Uch Sharif to Zahir Pir stretch. The safest window is roughly 10 am to 6 pm, when visibility is better. Our note on motorway fog closures explains how to check before leaving.
Other practical points:
- Fuel at the service areas rather than waiting for the last one. Distances between them are long and the road is empty in places.
- Heat in June and July is severe; check tyre pressure before you set off.
- Breakdowns: the NHMP helpline is 130. Save it before you leave.
Is the M-5 safe?
The road itself is a modern, controlled-access motorway. The area it ends in needs more thought. The UK government's Pakistan advice advises against all but essential travel to Sindh north of Nawabshah, which includes Sukkur, Ghotki and the southern end of this road. Pakistani families do travel it, and most trips are uneventful, but check local news and current police advice before setting out.
Overseas visitors should read their own government's advice first, because travelling against it can void travel insurance. A day-time drive, a full tank and someone at the other end who knows your arrival time are sensible basics.
Who is it for?
The M-5 suits anyone driving between Punjab and Sindh who wants to skip the old N-5, which is slow and crowded with trucks. It is not a scenic road: expect flat farmland and long straight lines. Its value is the time it saves.
If you are building a longer trip, our tours page shows the routes we run in the north, which start from a very different kind of road.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Multan to Sukkur motorway?
392 kilometres. At the 120 km/h limit it takes about four hours in a car, plus stops.
How much is the toll on the M-5?
Rs 1,500 for a car over the full length from 10 July 2026, according to the NHA revision. Rates change, so check at the booth.
Is the M-5 open at night?
Yes in principle, but fog can close it, mainly in December and January. Driving between about 10 am and 6 pm is safest in winter.
Does the M-5 go all the way to Karachi?
No. It ends at Sukkur near Rohri. From there you continue on other roads towards Hyderabad and Karachi.
What is the speed limit?
120 km/h for cars. Heavier vehicles have lower limits, which are posted on the road.
