Sukkur Express Train: Karachi to Jacobabad Schedule and Classes

The Sukkur Express is a daily Pakistan Railways night train from Karachi City to Jacobabad, calling at Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri and Sukkur on the way. Train 145 Up leaves Karachi City at about 11 pm and reaches the Sukkur area in the morning, with Jacobabad as the last stop around midday. Train 146 Down runs the other way, leaving Jacobabad in the early evening and arriving in Karachi the next morning.

It suits travellers who would rather sleep through the long run up the Indus than drive it. This guide covers the timetable as listed by booking sites in 2026, the classes and fares, how to book, and the practical points that matter on an overnight journey in northern Sindh.

What is the Sukkur Express timetable?

Booking and timetable sites in 2026 agree on the main times, with small differences of a few minutes either way:

• 145 Up, Karachi City to Jacobabad: departs Karachi City at about 23:00 and arrives at Jacobabad between about 11:55 and 12:05.
• 146 Down, Jacobabad to Karachi City: departs Jacobabad at about 18:15 and arrives in Karachi City between about 07:55 and 08:00. One booking site lists a noon arrival, which looks like an error, but it is a reminder to check the live timetable.

The train is listed with roughly 20 to 23 stops depending on the source. The ones most travellers care about are Hyderabad Junction, Nawabshah Junction, Rohri Junction and Sukkur. Stop-by-stop times vary by source, so check them for your boarding station on the Pakistan Railways website or app, or ask at the station, rather than relying on a number from a blog.

Journey time is quoted as anything from about 12 hours to 13 hours 15 minutes. Wikipedia gives a shorter figure than the booking sites. Expect delays, particularly in fog from December to January and during monsoon floods, and do not plan a tight connection at the other end.

Which classes does it have?

Sources list Economy, AC Lower and AC Sleeper, and some also list AC Standard. The coaches are not identical on every run, so what you can book on a given date depends on what the railway has put on the train.

• Economy is an open coach with no air conditioning. It is the cheapest option and also the one most affected by heat in summer and cold in winter.
• AC Standard and AC Lower are air-conditioned seated or lower-berth accommodation. One booking site describes AC Standard coaches with tinted windows and charging points.
• AC Sleeper has berths for lying down, which makes the biggest difference on an all-night journey.

On a train that leaves at 11 pm and runs through the night, a berth is worth paying for if you want to arrive able to function. Seats are fine for a short hop such as Hyderabad to Nawabshah.

How much does the Sukkur Express cost?

Booking sites in 2026 list the full Karachi to Jacobabad fares at roughly:

Treat these as a guide, not a quote. Pakistan Railways raised economy fares by about 5 per cent and air-conditioned fares by about 10 per cent in March 2026 after a fuel-price increase, and fares for shorter distances, such as Karachi to Sukkur, are lower than the full-route figures. The price shown when you book is the one that counts. One booking site states that children under 10 pay half fare and that senior citizens and disabled passengers get a discount, but confirm the current concession when you buy.

How do I book a ticket?

Tickets can be bought on the Pakistan Railways website and app, at station booking offices, and through third-party booking platforms that charge a small extra fee. Online booking opens in advance of the travel date, and berths sell out around Eid, summer holidays and long weekends, so book as early as your plans allow.

A few practical points:

• Carry your CNIC, and use the same name on the ticket as on your ID.
• Print or save the ticket on your phone before leaving for the station.
• Arrive at Karachi City station at least an hour before an 11 pm departure.
• If you are boarding at Hyderabad, Nawabshah or Rohri, check the exact departure time for that station, since it is later than the Karachi time.

Is it a good way to get to Sukkur?

For many travellers it is. You leave Karachi at night, sleep, and arrive in Sukkur in the morning with the whole day ahead, without driving the highway through the interior in the dark. It is also a good choice for solo travellers and anyone who prefers not to take a long road trip through northern Sindh. For the road alternative, our guide to driving from Karachi to Sukkur covers the route and timings.

Against that:

• It is slow. The journey takes about as long as a bus or a drive, with a lot less control over delays.
• Facilities are basic. There is no dining car, and toilets and cleanliness vary. Bring water, snacks and a light blanket, since air-conditioned coaches can be cold.
• Delays happen. Pakistan Railways has had a difficult few years. In May 2026 it suspended eight trains to save fuel; the Sukkur Express was not among them, but it is worth checking that your train is running before you buy.
• Timings are awkward in one direction. The Jacobabad to Karachi service leaves in the early evening, so Sukkur or Rohri passengers heading south board it in the night.

Is it safe to travel by train to northern Sindh?

Sukkur and Rohri are in Sindh north of Nawabshah. The UK government advises against all but essential travel to that part of Sindh, and the Sukkur Express runs through it. Pakistani travellers use the train every day, but you should check current news and railway notices before travelling. Foreign-passport holders should read their own government's advice, because travelling against it can void travel insurance.

Keep your valuables close at night, avoid showing phones and cash, and stay with your bags. Security staff are visible at major stations. Police ran large operations against dacoits in the riverine katcha areas around Sukkur in early 2026, and robbers have been reported looting buses on the highway there. Do not step off at small stations at night.

Where to go once you arrive

Morning arrival in Sukkur leaves a full day. The Lansdowne and Ayub bridges, the barrage and the old bazaar are all within a short drive of the station, and our guide to places to visit in Sukkur has a route. If you need a bed first, see hotels in Sukkur. For broader trip planning across Pakistan, start with our travel guide.

Frequently asked questions