Quetta to Banda Daud Shah Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Banda Daud Shah: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, to Banda Daud Shah in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers a route filled with rugged terrain, rich culture, and the historical significance of Pakistan’s northwestern belt. Whether you are planning a business trip, a family visit, or a personal journey, understanding the available travel methods—by road, train, and air—is essential for making an informed travel decision.

Total Distance Between Quetta and Banda Daud Shah

• By Road: Approximately 715 kilometers (444 miles)

• By Air (Indirect, with further ground travel): Approximately 570 kilometers (354 miles) in straight-line flight, but longer including airport transfers and road travel to Banda Daud Shah

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Banda Daud Shah offers flexibility and direct access to the region. However, this journey covers challenging terrain and passes through various security-sensitive zones, requiring careful planning.

Route Overview:

Route 1 (Most Direct):

• Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ismail Khan → Lakki Marwat → Karak → Banda Daud Shah

Key Highways Used:

• N-50 (Quetta to D.I. Khan)

• N-55 (Indus Highway from D.I. Khan toward Karak and onward)

Travel Duration:

• Estimated time: 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and security checkpoints.

Road Conditions:

• Portions of the highway are well-maintained, especially the N-55 (Indus Highway).

• Mountainous areas and security checkpoints can cause delays.

• Travelers should confirm safety conditions, especially when passing through border areas or tribal zones.

Recommended Vehicle:

• A 4x4 SUV or a durable sedan is ideal for this journey, especially due to terrain variability.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled and in good condition before departure.

Travel by Train

There is no direct railway line connecting Quetta to Banda Daud Shah. However, travelers can use the Pakistan Railways network for a significant part of the journey and continue by road.

Route Option:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Board the Jaffar Express or Akbar Express.

   • Duration: Around 24 to 26 hours.

   • Stops include Rohri, Multan, Lahore, and finally Rawalpindi.

2. Rawalpindi to Kohat or Karak by Road:

   • From Rawalpindi, take a bus, taxi, or private car.

   • Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and destination.

3. Karak to Banda Daud Shah:

   • Banda Daud Shah lies west of Karak.

   • Duration: About 1 to 1.5 hours by local road.

Total Estimated Duration (Train + Road):

• 30 to 33 hours, including transit and stopovers.

Considerations:

• The train journey is long and may not suit travelers on a tight schedule.

• Overnight travel by train requires prior seat or berth booking and proper travel essentials.

Travel by Air

Although Banda Daud Shah does not have its own airport, the nearest airport that can facilitate a flight from Quetta is in Peshawar (Bacha Khan International Airport) or Islamabad International Airport. From there, travelers can continue their journey by road.

Route Option:

1. Quetta to Peshawar by Air:

   • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other domestic carriers occasionally offer flights from Quetta to Peshawar with possible stopovers in Islamabad.

   • Flight Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours (including layovers).

2. Peshawar to Banda Daud Shah by Road:

   • Travel via Peshawar → Kohat → Karak → Banda Daud Shah

   • Approximate distance: 180 km (112 miles)

   • Travel time: About 4 to 5 hours

OR

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air:

   • Direct flights from Quetta to Islamabad available daily.

   • Flight Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes

2. Islamabad to Banda Daud Shah by Road:

   • Islamabad → Kohat → Karak → Banda Daud Shah

   • Approximate road distance: 250 km (155 miles)

   • Travel time: Around 6 to 7 hours

Total Estimated Duration (Air + Road):

• 7 to 10 hours, depending on the chosen airport and road traffic.

Recommended Travel Method

• For Time Efficiency: Air travel followed by a private car or taxi from Peshawar or Islamabad is the quickest and most comfortable option.

• For Cost-Effective Travel: The train combined with a road trip from Rawalpindi offers affordability but takes significantly longer.

• For Scenic and Flexible Travel: Traveling entirely by road gives you the freedom to explore various towns and regions en route but requires excellent planning and awareness of regional security.

Important Tips for Travelers

• Security Checks: Both Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are sensitive areas. Check with local authorities or media for safety updates before traveling.

• Documents: Carry your CNIC or passport for identification at checkpoints.

• Weather: The region can be hot in summer and extremely cold in winter, especially in the mountains. Pack accordingly.

• Mobile Connectivity: Coverage may be limited in remote areas, so inform someone about your travel plans.

Traveling from Quetta to Banda Daud Shah is an adventurous and culturally enriching experience, provided one prepares well and remains informed. Whether by road, rail, or air, the journey introduces you to the diverse landscapes and communities of Pakistan's western regions.