Quetta to Bannu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Quetta to Bannu – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Bannu, located in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a vibrant city with a rich Pashtun heritage and a strategic location near the former tribal areas. Traveling from Quetta to Bannu allows a journey from the heart of Balochistan to one of KP’s key cities, combining vast deserts with green plains. This guide explores all major travel options—by road, train, and air—along with the distance and expected duration.

Total Distance

• By Road: Approximately 700 kilometers

• In Miles: About 435 miles

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most direct and widely used method to reach Bannu from Quetta. The journey offers a mixture of scenic valleys, arid plateaus, and urban centers. With a private vehicle or intercity bus service, this route is manageable in a single day.

• Total Distance: 700 km (435 miles)

• Estimated Duration: 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions

Route Overview:

1. Begin on the N-50 or N-70 highway from Quetta.

2. Pass through Loralai, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Dera Ismail Khan.

3. From D.I. Khan, continue north towards Bannu via Tank.

This route involves traveling through both Balochistan and southern KP. The roads are mostly paved, and fuel stations and food stops are available along the way.

Road Conditions & Safety:
While the main highways are in good condition, some rural segments may have potholes or narrow stretches. Travel during daylight hours is advised. Travelers should check for local law enforcement advisories and ensure their vehicle is in good condition.

Travel by Train

There is no direct railway line to Bannu, but train travel can cover a large part of the journey. The final leg into Bannu must be done by road.

Step-by-Step Route:

• Step 1: Take a train from Quetta to Rawalpindi.

• Step 2: Travel by road from Rawalpindi to Bannu.

Train: Quetta to Rawalpindi

• Train Name: Jaffar Express

• Duration: Around 24 to 30 hours, depending on the schedule and stops

Rawalpindi to Bannu by Road:

• Distance: About 270 km (168 miles)

• Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours

Total Estimated Duration (Train + Road):
30 to 36 hours, including stopovers and transfers

Travelers may also consider reaching Kohat or D.I. Khan via road or train and continuing to Bannu by local transport. However, direct public transport from railway points to Bannu is limited and often requires private booking.

Travel by Plane

There is no commercial airport in Bannu, so flight travel only covers part of the journey. The nearest major airports are in Peshawar and Islamabad, from where road travel is required to reach Bannu.

Option A: Quetta to Islamabad

• Flight Duration: About 1.5 hours

• Islamabad to Bannu (by road):

  • Distance: Around 270 km (168 miles)

  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Option B: Quetta to Peshawar

• Flight Duration: Around 1 hour

• Peshawar to Bannu (by road):

  • Distance: Around 270 km (168 miles)

  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Total Duration (Flight + Road):
6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on airport wait times and road traffic

Though flight saves significant time over long-distance driving, the lack of a direct airport in Bannu means some road travel is inevitable. Renting a car or using intercity bus services from Peshawar or Islamabad is a common option.

Summary

• Total Distance: 700 km (435 miles)

• Road Travel Duration: 12–14 hours

• Train + Road Duration: 30–36 hours

• Plane + Road Duration: 6.5–7.5 hours

Final Notes

Bannu serves as a gateway to the former FATA region and offers a culturally rich and welcoming environment. Before planning your trip, especially via road, ensure your route is clear in terms of weather, security, and fuel availability. With its lush green surroundings and historical importance, Bannu makes for an insightful stop when journeying from the Baloch capital of Quetta.