Quetta to Katlang Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Katlang is a town in the Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for its agricultural importance and proximity to historic and cultural sites like Takht Bhai. A journey from Quetta to Katlang involves interprovincial travel through the heart of Pakistan, offering a range of travel experiences. While Katlang lacks its own airport or railway station, it is well-connected via nearby towns and roads.

Distance Between Quetta and Katlang

The road distance from Quetta to Katlang is approximately 890 kilometers (553 miles). The straight-line (aerial) distance is about 660 kilometers (410 miles). Given that Katlang is a smaller town without direct train or air service, the majority of travel is conducted via road, with possible connections through nearby cities like Mardan or Peshawar.

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most straightforward method to reach Katlang from Quetta. The journey covers highways across Balochistan, South Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Recommended Route:

• Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Nowshera → Mardan → Katlang

Key roads include the N-70, N-55 (Indus Highway), and N-5 (Grand Trunk Road). From Mardan, Katlang is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) to the northeast and can be reached via local link roads.

Travel Duration by Road:
The journey typically takes 15 to 18 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, traffic, and the number of stops.

Private Car Option:
Using a personal or rental vehicle offers comfort and freedom to explore areas en route. However, be prepared for long hours of driving and occasional rough patches, especially between D.G. Khan and D.I. Khan.

Bus Option:
You can board an intercity bus from Quetta to major cities like Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, or Nowshera. From there, you can connect to Mardan via another bus or van. Once in Mardan, reaching Katlang is easy through local transport like vans, minibuses, or hired taxis.

Travel by Train

Katlang is not served by a railway station. The nearest major stations are in Mardan, Nowshera, and Peshawar, though Mardan's rail services are very limited. Most train travelers rely on Nowshera or Peshawar.

Suggested Route:

• Quetta → Rawalpindi (by train)

• Rawalpindi → Nowshera (by train)

• Nowshera → Mardan (by road)

• Mardan → Katlang (by road)

Train Duration:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi: 24 to 30 hours

• Rawalpindi to Nowshera: 4 to 5 hours

• Nowshera to Katlang (via Mardan): about 2 to 3 hours by road.

Train Notes:
Train travel is slower but affordable. It requires several transfers and coordination with road transport, especially from Nowshera to Katlang.

Travel by Air

Katlang does not have an airport. The nearest commercial airport is Peshawar International Airport, which serves flights from major cities including Quetta.

Suggested Air Route:

• Quetta → Peshawar (by air)

• Peshawar → Mardan (by road)

• Mardan → Katlang (by road)

Air Travel Duration:

• Flight from Quetta to Peshawar: 1.5 to 2 hours

• Peshawar to Mardan by road: 1.5 to 2 hours

• Mardan to Katlang: 30 to 45 minutes

Air Travel Considerations:
Flights from Quetta to Peshawar are limited and may not operate daily. Always check the flight schedule in advance and arrange ground transport from the airport accordingly.

Summary

Traveling from Quetta to Katlang spans about 890 kilometers (553 miles) by road. Though Katlang lacks direct rail or air connectivity, nearby cities provide convenient access points:

• By Road: The most efficient and direct option, requiring 15 to 18 hours of travel time.

• By Train: Involves travel through Rawalpindi and Nowshera, followed by road connections, taking 30+ hours overall.

• By Air: Combines a 1.5-hour flight to Peshawar with 2.5–3 hours of road travel to Katlang.

Each travel method has its pros and cons based on time, comfort, and budget. Planning ahead and understanding the route structure ensures a smoother and more enjoyable journey.