Quetta to Dina Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Dina Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Traveling from Quetta to Dina, a town in the Jhelum District of Punjab, Pakistan, can be an exciting journey across the country’s diverse landscapes. Located in Balochistan, Quetta is a major city known for its mountainous surroundings, while Dina lies in the Pothohar Plateau near the foothills of the Himalayas. There are several travel options available to cover the distance between these two cities, including road, train, and air travel. Each mode has its own route, time frame, and travel experience. This article outlines all available travel options, along with the distance and duration involved in each.

Total Distance from Quetta to Dina

The approximate distance from Quetta to Dina depends on the mode of travel:

• By road: ~980 kilometers (609 miles)

• By train: ~1,050 kilometers (652 miles)

• By air (direct flight and onward travel): ~815 kilometers (506 miles) (Quetta to Islamabad by air, then Islamabad to Dina by road)

Each of these travel methods has different transit times due to the nature of routes, road conditions, stopovers, and the availability of services.

1. Quetta to Dina by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Dina provides a chance to experience the changing geography of Pakistan, from Balochistan’s rugged terrain to Punjab’s cultivated plains.

Route Details:

The most commonly used road route is:

Quetta → Sukkur → Multan → Lahore → Dina, or alternatively:
Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Mianwali → Talagang → Chakwal → Dina

Depending on the route chosen and road conditions, both highways and smaller inter-city roads are part of the journey. The recommended route is via N-70, N-5, and M-2 motorways, which offer better roads and safer driving conditions.

Total Distance by Road:

• Approximately 980 kilometers

• Equivalent to about 609 miles

Estimated Travel Duration:

• 14 to 16 hours (without long stops)

• Travel time may vary due to:

  • Traffic congestion near major cities (Lahore, Multan)

  • Weather conditions (fog in Punjab, especially during winter)

  • Road quality and potential construction work

Vehicle Options:

• Personal car

• Intercity bus services (available but usually via major cities)

• Hired transport services

Experience:

A road trip offers the flexibility of stopping in cities along the way. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy road travel and sightseeing en route. However, it is important to prepare well due to the long duration and distances between service areas in Balochistan.

2. Quetta to Dina by Train

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly and culturally immersive option in Pakistan. Pakistan Railways operates services that connect Quetta to various cities, including Rawalpindi, which is the nearest major railway station to Dina.

Route Details:

There is no direct train from Quetta to Dina, but you can travel as follows:

Quetta → Rawalpindi by train
Rawalpindi → Dina by road (approximately 100 km or 62 miles)

Train Route Summary:

The train travels through major railway junctions:

• Quetta → Sukkur → Multan → Lahore → Rawalpindi

Some of the trains on this route include:

• Jaffar Express (Quetta to Rawalpindi)

• Akbar Express (limited service or may not be currently operational)

Total Distance by Train:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi: ~1,050 kilometers (652 miles)

• Rawalpindi to Dina by road: ~100 kilometers (62 miles)

Estimated Duration:

• Train travel: 24 to 28 hours (depending on the train and stops)

• Road travel (Rawalpindi to Dina): 1.5 to 2 hours

So, the total travel time by train and road is approximately:

• 25.5 to 30 hours

Experience:

Train travel is slower but provides a more relaxed journey. You can sleep on overnight trains, meet fellow travelers, and see much of the country from the comfort of your seat. However, delays are common, and reservations should be made in advance.

3. Quetta to Dina by Plane

Air travel is the fastest way to cover the majority of the distance from Quetta to Dina. Although there is no airport in Dina, the nearest airport is Islamabad International Airport, located about 125 kilometers (78 miles) from Dina.

Flight Route:

• Quetta to Islamabad (by air)

• Islamabad to Dina (by road)

Several domestic airlines offer daily flights between Quetta and Islamabad.

Distance by Air:

• Quetta to Islamabad: ~690 kilometers (429 miles)

• Islamabad to Dina by road: ~125 kilometers (78 miles)

Estimated Duration:

• Flight duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (nonstop)

• Check-in, security, boarding, and baggage: Add ~2 hours

• Road travel from Islamabad to Dina: 2 to 2.5 hours

Total travel time (including all transfers):
Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours

Travel Considerations:

• Flights are subject to weather and availability

• Advance booking is recommended

• The road journey from Islamabad to Dina is straightforward and uses the M-1 Motorway and GT Road

Experience:

Traveling by air drastically reduces the travel time and offers comfort. It is suitable for those with time constraints or looking for a convenient option. The only downside is the need for transport arrangements between Islamabad and Dina.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Dina can be completed through various means, each offering a unique experience. Whether you choose the freedom of a long road trip, the scenic and affordable train ride, or the quick and efficient air travel, each method has its pros and logistical considerations.

• By Road: ~980 km (~609 miles), 14–16 hours

• By Train: ~1,050 km (~652 miles) to Rawalpindi + 100 km road, 25.5–30 hours

• By Plane: ~690 km (~429 miles) by air + 125 km (~78 miles) road, 5.5–6.5 hours

Planning your journey depends on your budget, time availability, and comfort preferences. All routes offer a glimpse into Pakistan’s diverse topography and regional cultures, making the trip from Quetta to Dina a memorable one, no matter which option you choose.