Quetta to Attock: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Attock, a historic city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. The city is an important administrative and cultural hub, and traveling from Quetta to Attock can be done via road, train, or air, each with distinct advantages and travel times.
By Road
The distance between Quetta and Attock is approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles). The road journey provides an opportunity to witness Pakistan’s diverse landscapes as you pass through various towns and cities.
Route:
- Begin your journey from Quetta, heading northeast toward Sibi via the N-65.
- From Sibi, follow the N-50 to reach Dera Ismail Khan.
- Continue from Dera Ismail Khan towards Attock, passing through towns like Mianwali along the way.
The road to Attock offers a mix of highway and rural road conditions. Some stretches of the road may be narrow and winding, especially as you approach the central Punjab area. However, the journey provides an immersive experience of Pakistan’s interior regions.
Travel Duration: The drive from Quetta to Attock typically takes around 9 to 12 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way. The duration may vary, especially during winter when weather conditions can impact travel time.
By Train
Train travel from Quetta to Attock involves a combination of routes, as there is no direct train service connecting the two cities.
Train Journey:
- From Quetta Railway Station, take a train heading towards Rawalpindi or Islamabad. This part of the journey takes around 14 to 16 hours and covers a distance of approximately 800 kilometers.
- Once in Rawalpindi or Islamabad, you can take a local train or road transport to Attock, which is about 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on the mode of transport you choose.
Total Travel Time: The total time for train travel from Quetta to Attock, combining both train and road transport, is generally around 16 to 20 hours, depending on waiting times and train schedules.
By Plane
Flying from Quetta to Attock is the fastest option, although there are no direct flights between the two cities. However, you can fly through Islamabad, which offers a connection to Attock’s nearby areas.
Flight Route:
- Take a flight from Quetta International Airport to Islamabad International Airport, which typically takes about 1.5 hours.
- From Islamabad, travel by road to Attock, which takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Travel Duration: Flying, including the road journey from Islamabad to Attock, takes about 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the layover times and road conditions. This is the quickest travel option compared to road or train journeys.
Conclusion
The journey from Quetta to Attock offers several viable travel options. Road travel is the most direct way to reach Attock, offering a scenic route with a longer travel time. Train travel is an indirect route that combines rail and road options, taking much longer but offering a more leisurely and scenic experience. Flying remains the quickest and most convenient method, though it involves a layover in Islamabad. Depending on your priorities—whether it's speed, comfort, or the scenic experience—each mode of transport has its own benefits for those traveling from Quetta to Attock.
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