Quetta to Akora Khattak – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Akora Khattak, located in the Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a historical town known for its religious seminaries and strategic location near the Kabul River. Traveling from Quetta to Akora Khattak involves navigating a considerable stretch across Pakistan, transitioning from the southwestern region of Balochistan to the northwestern frontier.
Distance Between Quetta and Akora Khattak
The road distance from Quetta to Akora Khattak is approximately 860 kilometers (534 miles). The aerial (straight-line) distance is roughly 640 kilometers (398 miles). Since Akora Khattak does not have its own airport or railway station, access is mainly via nearby cities such as Nowshera or Peshawar, using road links or partial train travel.
Travel by Road
Road travel is the most practical and direct way to reach Akora Khattak from Quetta. The recommended route traverses through several provinces and highway systems.
Common Route:
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Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ghazi Khan → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Peshawar Road (N-5) → Akora Khattak
The roads mostly follow N-70, N-55 (Indus Highway), and eventually merge into the N-5 (Grand Trunk Road) near Nowshera.
Travel Duration by Road:
A typical road journey from Quetta to Akora Khattak takes about 15 to 17 hours, depending on driving speed, rest stops, and traffic flow in urban zones like Kohat and Peshawar Road.
Private Car:
Driving is ideal for those who want flexibility. The route passes through hilly and rural regions, so a well-maintained vehicle, GPS navigation, and awareness of fuel stops are crucial.
Bus Services:
Intercity bus companies operate from Quetta to major hubs like Dera Ismail Khan and Kohat. From there, you can board another bus or local transport to Nowshera, followed by a short ride to Akora Khattak, which lies just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) east of Nowshera city.
Travel by Train
There is no railway station in Akora Khattak, but nearby Nowshera Junction provides the closest rail access. Passengers can use a combination of train and road travel to complete the journey.
Suggested Route:
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Quetta → Rawalpindi (by train)
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Rawalpindi → Nowshera (by train)
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Nowshera → Akora Khattak (by road or taxi)
Alternatively:
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Quetta → Peshawar (by train)
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Peshawar → Akora Khattak (by road via Nowshera)
Train Duration:
The full train journey from Quetta to Rawalpindi takes around 24 to 30 hours, depending on the train type and connections. The stretch from Rawalpindi to Nowshera by rail adds around 4 to 5 hours. The final leg, from Nowshera to Akora Khattak, is a 10–15 minute drive.
Railway Note:
Seats should be booked in advance for long-distance travel, and schedules must be checked as trains can be delayed or rerouted, especially during monsoon or winter.
Travel by Air
While Akora Khattak has no airport, the nearest airport is Peshawar International Airport, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. This proximity allows for a relatively seamless combination of air and road travel.
Air Route:
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Quetta → Peshawar (by air)
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Peshawar → Akora Khattak (by road)
Air Travel Duration:
The flight from Quetta to Peshawar usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. From Peshawar, travelers can drive or hire a taxi to Akora Khattak, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Air Travel Considerations:
Flights between Quetta and Peshawar are not daily, so it's advisable to confirm availability and book in advance. Air travel significantly reduces total journey time compared to the road-only option.
Summary
The journey from Quetta to Akora Khattak spans roughly 860 kilometers (534 miles) by road and involves multiple provincial highways. Although not directly served by an airport or railway station, Akora Khattak is easily accessible from nearby cities.
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By Road: The most direct method, taking about 15 to 17 hours.
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By Train: Possible with transfers at Rawalpindi or Peshawar, requiring 30+ hours including transitions.
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By Air: The quickest option combines a 1.5-hour flight to Peshawar with a 1–1.5 hour road journey.
Travelers should choose the method that best suits their schedule, comfort preference, and availability of transport services.
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