Quetta to Karak Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Karak, the district headquarters of Karak District in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is known for its arid landscape, oil and gas reserves, and Pashtun heritage. Located between Kohat and Bannu, Karak is well connected via national highways and is a popular stopover for travelers going to northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If you're traveling from Quetta to Karak, you can choose between road, rail (partially), and air (with road connections). Here’s a complete guide with distances in kilometers and miles, and estimated durations by each method.

Total Distance

• By Road: Approximately 660 kilometers

• In Miles: About 410 miles

Travel by Road

Road travel from Quetta to Karak is the most direct and commonly used method. This journey spans the deserts and plateaus of Balochistan before entering the plains and hills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

• Total Distance: 660 km (410 miles)

• Estimated Duration: 11 to 13 hours, depending on vehicle type and road conditions

Route Overview:

1. Leave Quetta via N-50 or N-70.

2. Pass through Loralai and Dera Ghazi Khan.

3. Join N-55 (Indus Highway) from D.G. Khan to Dera Ismail Khan.

4. Continue north on N-55, passing Tank, Bannu, and Karak.

Karak lies directly on the N-55 Indus Highway, which makes it easily accessible once you're on the main national route.

Road Conditions & Safety:
The national highways—especially N-55—are mostly in good condition. Fuel pumps and rest areas are available, especially near major towns. It’s advisable to begin the journey early in the day, carry essentials, and follow local travel advisories, especially near tribal borders.

Travel by Train

There are no direct train services to Karak. The closest major railway stations are in Rawalpindi, Kohat, or Dera Ismail Khan, and from there, the journey must continue by road.

Suggested Route (Train + Road):

• Step 1: Take the Jaffar Express or another train from Quetta to Rawalpindi

• Step 2: Travel by road to Karak

Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

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

Rawalpindi to Karak (by road):

• Distance: About 260 km (162 miles)

• Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Alternatively:

• Quetta to D.I. Khan (by road/train hybrid or bus)

• D.I. Khan to Karak: Approx. 170 km (106 miles), 3 to 4 hours by road

Total Estimated Duration (Train + Road):
29 to 36 hours, depending on connections and waiting times

While the journey is long, train travel is an economical option, though less convenient due to the lack of direct railway links to Karak.

Travel by Plane

Karak does not have a commercial airport. The nearest accessible airports are in Peshawar, Islamabad, or Bannu (Bannu Airport is usually non-operational for commercial use). The most practical air routes include flying into Peshawar or Islamabad, followed by road travel.

Option A: Quetta to Peshawar

• Flight Duration: Around 1 hour

• Peshawar to Karak (by road):

  • Distance: Around 170 km (106 miles)

  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Option B: Quetta to Islamabad

• Flight Duration: Around 1.5 hours

• Islamabad to Karak (by road):

  • Distance: Around 260 km (162 miles)

  • Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Total Estimated Duration (Flight + Road):
5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the arrival city and traffic conditions

Air travel significantly reduces total journey time, making it the fastest option if time is a priority. However, flight schedules may vary, and road arrangements must be made in advance.

Summary

• Total Distance: 660 km (410 miles)

• Road Travel Duration: 11–13 hours

• Train + Road Duration: 29–36 hours

• Plane + Road Duration: 5–7.5 hours

Final Notes

Karak is well-connected by road, especially via the Indus Highway (N-55), which serves as a key north-south corridor in Pakistan. Travelers can enjoy a relatively smooth journey if they follow standard precautions such as vehicle checks, day travel, and route planning. For long-distance travelers, combining a short flight with a road leg is the quickest way to reach Karak from Quetta. Whether you are traveling for business, research, or exploration, Karak offers a glimpse into a less-traveled yet culturally rich part of Pakistan.