Quetta to Barkhan Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Traveling from Quetta to Barkhan, both located in the province of Balochistan, Pakistan, offers a unique journey through mountainous terrain, semi-arid plateaus, and remote valleys. While Barkhan is a smaller town compared to the provincial capital Quetta, it holds strategic importance in the region. Whether you're traveling for business, family, or adventure, it's essential to understand the distance, travel options, and estimated duration.
Distance Between Quetta and Barkhan
The distance between Quetta and Barkhan by road is approximately 370 kilometers (about 230 miles), depending on the specific route chosen. Since Barkhan is located northeast of Quetta, the journey mainly traverses through mountainous roads and rugged terrains typical of the region.
1. Travel from Quetta to Barkhan by Road
Route and Duration
Traveling by road is the most common and practical method to reach Barkhan from Quetta. The most commonly used route is:
Quetta → Kolpur → Mach → Sibi → Dera Ghazi Khan Road → Barkhan
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Distance: ~370 kilometers (230 miles)
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Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, and vehicle type.
Road Conditions
The road conditions vary along the route:
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The Quetta to Sibi section via Mach is a relatively busy road, especially due to coal transportation and freight vehicles.
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After Sibi, the route becomes more rural and less developed as you head toward Barkhan.
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Some parts of the route may be affected by seasonal landslides or floods, particularly near hilly terrain.
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Fuel stations and food stops are available, but they become sparse closer to Barkhan, so it's advisable to plan refueling and meals earlier.
Travel Tips
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Best to travel during daylight hours due to limited lighting and signage in remote areas.
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Use a reliable vehicle (preferably a 4x4 if weather is uncertain).
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Carry essential supplies such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit.
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Check with local authorities or highway police regarding current road safety and conditions before departure.
2. Travel from Quetta to Barkhan by Train
Train Connectivity
There is no direct train service from Quetta to Barkhan, as Barkhan does not have a railway station. However, you can take a train from Quetta to the nearest major railway junction, which is Sibi, and then proceed by road from Sibi to Barkhan.
Recommended Route
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Quetta → Sibi (by Train)
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Sibi → Barkhan (by Road)
Distance and Duration
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Quetta to Sibi by train: ~160 kilometers (100 miles)
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Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours (subject to delays)
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Sibi to Barkhan by road: ~210 kilometers (130 miles)
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Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours by car or bus
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Total Travel Time: Approximately 8 to 10 hours depending on train timings and road conditions.
Railway Services
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Pakistan Railways operates several passenger trains from Quetta to Sibi. These include express and mail trains, though schedules may vary.
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Trains often face delays, so travelers should confirm departure times and potential waiting times at Sibi.
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Once in Sibi, local transport such as buses, vans, or hired vehicles can be used to reach Barkhan.
Travel Tips
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Book train tickets in advance, especially during busy travel seasons.
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Ensure onward road transport from Sibi is available—public transport may not operate late at night.
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Be cautious with baggage and personal belongings while on public transport.
3. Travel from Quetta to Barkhan by Air
Flight Options
There is no airport in Barkhan, so direct flights are not possible. However, one can consider a connecting air route as part of a hybrid journey involving road travel.
Nearest Airports
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Departure: Quetta International Airport (UET)
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Arrival: Since Barkhan has no airport, Dera Ghazi Khan Airport (DEA) or Multan International Airport (MUX) are the nearest options, though not close. However, this detour significantly increases travel time and complexity.
Suggested (Not Recommended) Route
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Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan (by Plane, if operational)
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Dera Ghazi Khan → Barkhan (by Road)
Due to limited domestic flights to Dera Ghazi Khan and the long road distance afterward (~250 km or 155 miles), this option is not efficient nor commonly used.
Alternative
If flying is a must, one could fly to Multan, then travel by road to Barkhan via Dera Ghazi Khan. However, the total travel duration would exceed 12 to 15 hours, making it impractical.
Flight Duration
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Quetta to Multan: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
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Road from Multan to Barkhan: Around 8 to 10 hours depending on the route and stops
Most Preferred Travel Option
Considering availability, cost-effectiveness, and time, road travel is the most suitable and commonly used method to travel from Quetta to Barkhan. While rail may offer partial coverage up to Sibi, the remainder still requires road travel. Air travel is impractical for this route due to the lack of nearby airports and direct connectivity.
Comparison Summary
| Mode of Transport | Total Distance (km/miles) | Estimated Duration | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road | 370 km (230 miles) | 7–8 hours | Direct, flexible, commonly used |
| By Train + Road | 370 km (230 miles) | 8–10 hours | Train to Sibi, then road |
| By Plane + Road | 650+ km (400+ miles) | 12–15 hours | Not recommended due to complexity |
Conclusion
Traveling from Quetta to Barkhan is a journey through one of Pakistan’s most rugged yet culturally rich regions. Whether you're heading there for family visits, official assignments, or exploration, the journey will take you through a blend of arid landscapes, river valleys, and tribal settlements. Among the available options, traveling by road remains the most reliable and direct method, balancing both time and accessibility.
Train travel adds some comfort, especially between Quetta and Sibi, but requires careful coordination. Air travel is largely infeasible due to the absence of a nearby airport in Barkhan.
Before setting out, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, check weather and road updates, and carry all necessary travel documents and essentials. Safe travels!
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