Karachi to London by Road

[pwuser152746382316]

Assalam o Alaikum,
This is my first post here.

And the question is: Is it really doable to travel to London from Karachi by road? I know it's practically possible and the purpose of this post is to inquire ifs and buts and any detailed information from the experts.

I made a quick itinerary which is as follows (all distances and durations are estimated according to google map and may ofcourse differ from the actual route):

Day 1
Karachi to Gwadar
630 kms (9 hours)
Gwadar Beach tour
Rest

Day 2
Gwadar to Bam (Iran)
743 kms (11 hours)
Rest

Day 3
Bam (Iran) to Isfahan (Iran)
861 kms (10 hours)
Rest

Day 4
Isfahan to Tehran (Iran)
447 kms (5 hours)
Sightseeing in Tehran
Rest

Day 5
Tehran to Dogubeyazit (Turkey)
943 kms (11 hours)
Rest

Day 6
Dogubeyazit to Cappadocia (Turkey)
900 kms (11 hours)
Rest

Day 7
Cappadocia Tour
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Rest

Day 8
Cappadocia to Istanbul
735 kms (8 hours)
Istanbul night tour
Rest

Day 9
Istanbul City day tour
Rest

Day 10
Istanbul City day tour
Rest

Day 11
Istanbul to Sofia (Bulgaria)
551 kms (6 hours)
Sofia City tour
Rest

Day 12
Sofia to Belgrade (Serbia)
394 kms (5 hours)
Belgrade City tour
Rest

Day 13
Belgrade to Budapest (Hungary)
378 kms (4 hours)
Budapest city tour
Rest

Day 14
Budapest to Prague (Czech) via Vienna (Austria)
532 kms (6 hours) + 2 hours stop at Vienna
Prague City tour
Rest

Day 15
Prague City tour
Rest

(Now here enters a lot of choices of routes. (1) We can go to Italy and Switzerland, so we need to take Munich, Zurich and then Milan and Rome. OR we can go only to Italy and take Venice and then Rome. We may be able to touch Monaco on this route as well (2) We can skip Italy and Switzerland altogether and explore Germany and Netherlands. For now I am using Germany and Netherlands route)

Day 16
Prague to Hamburg (Germany) via Berlin (Germany)
634 kms (6 hours) + 3 hours stop at Berlin
Hamburg city tour
Rest

(Now here we again have a route which can lead us to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland but these countries are large by land area and will consume a lot of time, so we're sticking to the plan and going to I-AM-STERDAM)

Day 17
Hamburg to Amsterdam (Netherlands)
466 kms (5 hours)
Amsterdam city tour

Day 18
Amsterdam city tour
Rest

Day 19
Amsterdam city tour
Rest

Day 20
Amsterdam to Paris (France)
508 kms (5 hours)
Paris city tour

Day 21
Paris city tour
Rest

(Here we again have an opportunity. We may opt to go to Spain and Portugal but then we have to come back to France to cross English channel on our way to London, so, for now we aren't going to Spain and Portugal)

Day 22
Paris to Manchester (England)
797 kms (9 hours)
Rest
This route includes traveling on a Ferry or Tunnel train. Both can accommodate cars and SUV for a payment of about 100 pound sterling.

Day 23
Manchester and Liverpool city tour
Rest

Day 24
Manchester to Glasgow (Scotland)
330 kms (4 hours)
Glasgow city tour

Day 25
Glasgow and Edinburgh city tour
Rest

Day 26
Scottish countryside tour
Rest

Day 27
Glasgow to London (England)
650 kms (7 hours)
Rest

Day 28
London city tour
Rest

Day 29
London city tour
Rest

Day 30
London city tour
Rest

Day 31
London to Karachi via connecting flight (Our vehicle will be shipped through the container)
6348 kms (11 hours)
Post tour meetup

Questions:

We have Pakistani passports. Is it realistic to get visas for Iran, Turkey, Non-Schengen EU and Schengen EU and UK all at the same time?

We are 5 to 6 guys and will most probably use a Toyota Surf 2009, how much Carnet de Passage would cost?

If we can get international driving licenses made, are we eligible to drive on all places across out route? (PS: 2 of us have UAE driving licenses so they won't have any problem driving on our route)

What would be other challenges? Please feel free to comment anything you'd like.

PS: If anyone else looking forward for a similar tour by Mid of May 2019, we would be more than happy to go along.

Cheers!

[Aqeel1982]

Brother,
Best of luck.
I am not an expert but i think your first 6 days are unrealistic, as google maps times are much more conservative than you think in the areas which are not metropolitan. I have experienced this in southern punjab and Balochistan area.
Also being a young international traveler, its really hard to get EU visas on green passport specially for the guys who has not much international traveling history.
Regards,
Aqeel

[pwuser152746382316]

Thanks for your comment Aqeel.
Regarding the first 6 days, I think you are right, but we will need to improvise a little since we won't be having more than a month, so we might skip a city or two on journey ahead. As for the visas, I think I might be able to get one since I have been issued a Schengen before, paired with a good job here in PK and enrollment at a current Masters Degree Program might be enough to show ties to my country, though I'm not sure about my friends I hope they get it. We'll surely try.

[LAHORE1950]

Assalam o Alaikum,
Ammar Hasan Saheb,

I have traveled on that route(Europe to Pakistan by road) last year in June/July .So i have all the information i will glad to share with you.Let's start with your journey from Karachi you can not cross the Iranian border from Gwadar you have to cross Pakistan/Iran border via Quetta/Taftan and it will take you at least 20 hours or more to get in to the Iran (depending on road condition , custom.immigration,security procedure)Quetta-Taftan road is not in an ideal condition.Please do not take risk to travel on this road in night time.I don't know how many persons are travelling with you but by looking at your itinerary your trip could cost you at least $20.000 to$25,000(carnet de passage.shipping cost of your car from Uk to Pakistan.air ticket,petrol,car repair and maintenance,hotel.food etc) oh i forgot to mention you also need to buy third party liability or full coverage car and medical insurance.Let's talk about you journey from Karachi to London is possible? my answer will be "YES" but it is not so easy.I can give you all other information in detail you can contact me on whatsapp . 001+346-400-7355
Goood luck and have a safe journey.

[pwuser152746382316]

Thank you so much for the vauable information sir. I have heard that we can get into Iran via Gwadar, but lets just say that this is the least of our concerns as my father is a high ranking customs officer and mostly posted in Taftan and Chaman, so we will gladly pass through Quetta in an escort.

We are 5 to 6 guys (all men), with a budget of 2500 to 3000 USD each. We also look forward to do camping on atleast 4 to 5 nights during our journey to save some money and enjoy camping ofcourse.

My biggest concern would be getting visas and driving on our route. It seems difficult to get visas of Schengen states and the UK since we all our between 24 and 30 yo with very less travel history (UAE, Saudia only).

As for driving, we can arrange an LHD but then it would be difficult to get Carnet as the owner of the vehicle must be among the drivers which won't be a case. On the other hand we have an RHD 4x4, but I don't know if its allowed/feasible to drive on the right side of the road with an RHD vehicle (I clearly lack knowledge in this part). Any advice would be helpful.

Do you have any idea about carnet calculation?
Thanks

[waqas.sultan]

U can get calculation online.
I once calculated it was around 3 times of car value. In case you are returning your car through ship, not sure how will you register your car on border while returning to get your Carnet money back from Iran.
Things r quite complex.

[LAHORE1950]

I am sorry i didn't reply you during week days because i was so busy.Like i said it before all your answers need a lot of details so please feel free to call me on Whatsapp during 9:00am to 11:00pm CT (US central time).
1+346-400-7355

[capsat]

you need to be realistic

assuming that you get export to re-import for a vehicle registered in Pakistan crossing going through Iran into turkey / iraq you shall have schengen visa from the country where you plan to enter into europe. Then a UK visa to enter into Great Britain.

work out visas & paper work for road travel. it takes over 120 days to sort out nick-nacks and by then the weather will start to change.

it is doable however need careful planning and complete documentation for swift border crossings through the route, Good Luck

[mehran]

I would suggest that you first do a trial trip till Turkey only. Visit Iran and Turkey by road and return. This seems more doable than a first attempt till UK.

[pakscout]

Ammar Hasan
Asalaam Alaikum

Am 70 Maj Shamshad,retd in 1984, am planning to go by road from Karachi to London Apr 19 and return Aug 19 in my single owner well maintained and travelled TOYOTA COROLLA 85 LHD Petrol only, already visited Kashgar China and frequent visitor to Gwadar.

Have already experience in driving to Pakistan from Germany in 1963 & 1970 and to & back from Turkey. plus have a strong network of contacts enroute.Your plan is attractive and should your plan match with mine will be wonderful to pool & optimise resources, as am trying to obtain SPONSORSHIP for my travel.

Have a valid 2 year UK Visa and in summers go to London where my son has his business www.mbeborehamwood.co.uk and in winters come to Karachi and attend my MBA Bi Majors in Aviation +Education Management.

My son is planning a road move in 2020 in a Toyota Landcruiser. It would be wonderful to connect via 03138607090 whatsapp EMAIL askiet.president@gmail.com

Taalib e Duaa

[pakscout]

My Toyota is a LHD Saudi Model

[pwuser152746382316]

Assalam o Alaikum Major sb,

Sorry for replying this much late. Things have not been the same lately, as I had planned on to go to Germany later last year for my Masters in Electrical Engineering, but even though after getting the visa, I soon after declined the study opportunity in lieu of a very good Job opportunity in UAE. Currently, I am residing in Dubai and working as a Project Manager in a large conglomerate. Unfortunately, the plan couldn't be materialized due to my engagement here in Dubai.

We are now alternatively planning to start our trip in mid 2020 from Turkey, instead of Pakistan. We'll be renting out a light-weight insured SUV from Turkey for as low as 70 to 100 Euros per day (reduces the hurdle of carnet and other liabilities) and will commence our Journey from Istanbul. My friends will be flying from Karachi to Istanbul. Three of the 5 guys now have UAE licenses valid on every country along our journey (except for the UK where international driving license would also be needed).

Our journey will be reduced by approximately 6 days. Due to our new job commitments, unfortunately the plan couldn't be realized as scheduled.

[faizan.kalim]

Hi Ammar. Seems like I just searched for something and it’s right there.. Congrats on the job in DXB.

My quest to embark on KHI-LHR road trip started today. I picked up my phone to search and after checking some sites I realized it is doable. I have the following available;

-Pakistani Passport with UAE Residency
-Valid USA Visa
-Valid Schengen Visa
-Dubai Driving license and International driving license
-Can drive both RHD and LHD
- Already insured medically by the company with global coverage

My questions are below. I am sure that you will be able to help as you must have researched more than me at least

• Do we need special document to take a Pakistan registered car all the way to Europe. If Yes.. then do we need one document that covers all countries or we need separate documents for each country.
• Is there is problem in taking RHD car all the way.
• I know the car should be insured but does it needs to be insured at every country border or a blanket coverage in Pakistan is OK from an internationally acclaimed and accepted insurance company
• Is there a special pass for such travels across different countries or a simple visa works. I know in Europe it should not be a problem other than nonschengen and UK.
• Have you checked on the fuel availability and solution in case of mechanical failure of car like tires, engine heat up, suspension..etc.
• Since I would like to come back in the same car.. How much lump sum cost do you think it would be.. we are two people (husband & wife)

We plan to take the trip during July-September 2020 and hence checking everything in advance.

I am 42 years now and am a corporate professional from Dubai and KHI (Just to give a profile reference)

Cheers and Look forward to your reply.
fazan.kalim@hotmail.com

[pwuser152746382316]

Apologies Faizan sb.,

I haven't been much active on PW for so long. I am also seeking answers to most of your questions, but as far as the document you need for your car, yes, its called Carnet de Passage and its like a Passport for your car. What I have heard that its like a book issued within the country where the car is registered. You have to submit very large amount as deposits (not sure exactly how much), but at least equivalent to car's NPV. Then, as you pass from different countries, the border agencies will take a fee and stamp your Carnet book. Carnet fee although is not much high (maybe 200$ when you enter Iran).

Fuel availability I think won't be a problem along this route. As for the mechanical failures, its always advisable to use a newer car (SUVs are even better as they are more durable). Keep extra tyre, tool kit, extra fuses, spark plugs, jump starter, twisted shock cables, rope, electric air pump, coolant, a can of extra fuel, a good navigation system with GPS antenna, old-fashioned printed maps, local simcards, camping equipment, first aid kit, SOS flare, high-beam flash light, dry food items like protein bars, binoculars, etc. Also, its better to learn some basic tweaking of your car.

We have experience travelling within Pakistan, but haven't really gone long distances abroad except for some 500kms within UAE. Your concerns are genuine but again all we can do is prepare.

I ll try to get answers for rest of your questions. Feel free to call me any time on 054-308-7817 if you are in UAE.

W'assalam

[citywheelz]

So did the trip happened guys?

[mehran]

I doubt it. So far not heard nor read of any Pakistan registered vehicle ever leaving the borders of Pakistan. Long ago during Cricket World Cup held jointly in India Pakistan and Sri Lanka, people from Pakistan drove to Indian cities to watch the world cup. Otherwise never heard anyone leaving Pakistan in a Pakistan registered vehicle.

[faizan.kalim]

Gentlemen. The plan is a yes. I am still to get hold of the right SUV for this trip. The dates are July 2020. Spoke to Hussain who gave me detailed overview. I have watched certain YouTube videos on. People trio by road to Lahore and man oh man.. I have to do it..

[pakscout]

Due to COVID have deferred road move KHI-LON-KHI till Mid 2021 -- Am Located in Karachi Gulshane Iqbal block 10 next to NIPA bridge, reachable via 03138607090 and professors.shamshad@gmail.com Please feel free to contact me to further share. Allah Hafiz

[naheedmir]

Hi Ammar Hassan,
It is possible to travel from Karachi to London by road. It will be a great chance to travel and visit many of the places coming along the way. However, it will be highly challenging. Before beginning your journey make sure to have full info about the routes, time table, health and medical facilities, temperature range, security etc. and you guys must do preparation accordingly.
Have safe journey. Must share pics and experiences of your adventure.
All the best

[pwuser156067591133]

The answer for all your questions is No.
It was only allowed till 2006 for a green passport holder to go by road in his car to Europe. Things changed, if anyone of you is having a US or UK passport, only he can go from khi to Paris in his car. Foreign passport holders can travel. You cant travel in your car on a Paki passport