Quetta to Khan Bela: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, to Khan Bela, a small town located in Rahim Yar Khan District of Punjab, involves a journey that crosses provincial boundaries and showcases a transition from the rugged terrains of Balochistan to the fertile plains of southern Punjab. Here's a detailed guide on the distance, travel options, and duration for this route by road, train, and plane.
Distance Between Quetta and Khan Bela
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By Road: Approximately 725 kilometers
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By Road in Miles: About 450 miles
Traveling from Quetta to Khan Bela by Road
Traveling by road offers a direct and scenic route with various options for personal travel, buses, or rented vehicles.
Route Description:
The most commonly used route is:
Quetta → Sibi → Dera Murad Jamali → Jacobabad → Kashmore → Rahim Yar Khan → Khan Bela
This route follows major national highways such as the N-65, N-55, and N-5, passing through multiple cities in Sindh and Punjab.
Road Conditions:
The roads are generally in fair condition, although some stretches between Quetta and Jacobabad may have uneven patches or limited services. National highways such as N-5 are better maintained in Punjab, especially nearing Khan Bela.
Travel Duration by Road:
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Estimated Time: 10 to 12 hours
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This may vary based on traffic, stops, road conditions, and weather.
Available Transport Options:
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Private Car or Taxi: Offers flexibility and comfort.
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Intercity Buses: Several private and government-operated buses (like Skyways, Daewoo Express, and local services) run from Quetta to Rahim Yar Khan. From there, a local vehicle can take you to Khan Bela.
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Shared Vans/Coasters: These operate in segments and are available in rural towns en route.
Traveling from Quetta to Khan Bela by Train
Pakistan Railways offers train services from Quetta to stations near Khan Bela, primarily Rahim Yar Khan, which is the closest major railway hub.
Train Route:
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Quetta → Jacobabad → Rohri → Rahim Yar Khan
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From Rahim Yar Khan, Khan Bela is roughly 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away and can be accessed via taxi or local transport.
Train Options:
Several long-haul express trains operate on this route, such as:
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Jaffar Express
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Akbar Express (if operational)
These trains stop at major junctions and take passengers across Balochistan and Sindh into Punjab.
Travel Duration by Train:
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Quetta to Rahim Yar Khan: Approximately 15 to 17 hours, depending on the train and stops.
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Rahim Yar Khan to Khan Bela: An additional 30 to 45 minutes by road.
Onward Connection:
Once in Rahim Yar Khan, passengers can hire a local rickshaw, car, or minibus to reach Khan Bela.
Traveling from Quetta to Khan Bela by Air
There is no direct airport in Khan Bela. However, air travel is still a viable option via the Shaikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan (RYK), the closest airport.
Flight Route:
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Quetta International Airport (UET) → Shaikh Zayed International Airport, Rahim Yar Khan (RYK)
Note: There may not be a direct commercial flight daily between Quetta and Rahim Yar Khan. Often, passengers need to transit through Karachi or Lahore depending on airline availability.
Travel Duration by Plane:
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Flight Time: Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours, including potential layovers.
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Airport Transfers and Check-in: Add 2 to 3 hours for check-in, security, and transit.
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Rahim Yar Khan to Khan Bela: Around 30 to 45 minutes by car.
Airlines Operating:
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PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) may offer intermittent flights depending on schedule and demand. Availability should be checked in advance.
Conclusion
A journey from Quetta to Khan Bela offers a blend of road, rail, and air options:
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Road travel is most flexible and relatively fast at 10–12 hours.
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Train travel is scenic and economical but takes longer, about 16–18 hours including transfers.
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Air travel can save time but may not always be direct or available daily.
Each mode provides its own advantages depending on your preferences for speed, comfort, and convenience.
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