Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Traveling from Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan, a town situated in Gujrat District, Punjab, offers a fascinating journey through the diverse landscapes of Pakistan. Whether you prefer traveling by road, train, or air, each route has its own distinct experience and set of conveniences. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the distance, estimated travel durations, and transport options available for travelers making this journey.

1. Overview of the Route

Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, lies in the southwestern region of Pakistan, while Kotla Arab Ali Khan is located in northeastern Punjab, near the border with Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The journey covers a significant portion of the country, crossing multiple provinces and terrain types—from dry mountains to fertile plains.

2. Distance Between Quetta and Kotla Arab Ali Khan

• By Road: The approximate driving distance between Quetta and Kotla Arab Ali Khan is around 1,040 kilometers (646 miles).

• By Train (via major junctions): The train route spans approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles), as it follows a more circuitous path through major railway junctions.

• By Air (with road extensions): The aerial distance from Quetta to Sialkot (the nearest airport to Kotla Arab Ali Khan) is about 850 kilometers (528 miles). Adding the road journey from Sialkot Airport to Kotla Arab Ali Khan (around 70 kilometers or 43 miles), the total travel distance becomes roughly 920 kilometers (571 miles).

3. Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan is a viable option for those seeking flexibility and scenic views. The route passes through multiple cities and towns, offering a closer look at the country’s cultural and geographical diversity.

Route Details:

The most common road route is:

• Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Lahore Bypass → Gujranwala → Kotla Arab Ali Khan

This route primarily follows National Highways such as N-70, N-5 (GT Road), and connecting regional roads. Travelers will pass through several major cities including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Gujranwala, making it possible to rest, refuel, and explore along the way.

Estimated Duration:

The journey by car or bus takes approximately 14 to 16 hours, depending on the road conditions, rest breaks, and traffic congestion.

Road Conditions:

While some segments of the route are well-developed highways, others—especially those in Balochistan—may include mountainous or underdeveloped stretches. Extra caution is required while driving, especially during nighttime or in adverse weather conditions.

4. Travel by Train

Traveling by train from Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan involves multiple transitions because Kotla Arab Ali Khan does not have a dedicated railway station. The nearest major station is Gujrat Railway Station, from where local transportation is available to reach Kotla Arab Ali Khan.

Route Details:

The general railway route is as follows:

• Quetta → Rohri → Multan → Lahore → Gujrat

From Gujrat Railway Station, Kotla Arab Ali Khan is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away by road.

Train Connectivity:

• Quetta Express and other major trains connect Quetta to Lahore and Rawalpindi, with stops at Multan and Rohri.

• From Lahore, you can transfer to a northbound train heading to Gujrat.

Depending on train schedules, you may need to wait for connecting trains at junctions such as Rohri or Lahore.

Estimated Duration:

• The total train journey can take around 24 to 30 hours, factoring in layovers, train speeds, and waiting times at connecting junctions.

• The final road segment from Gujrat to Kotla Arab Ali Khan takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Train Comfort:

Trains operated by Pakistan Railways offer various classes such as economy, AC sleeper, and business class. Though slower, trains can be more relaxed, especially for long-distance travel, offering sleeping berths and food service on select services.

5. Travel by Air

Air travel is the fastest way to cover most of the distance between Quetta and Kotla Arab Ali Khan, though it requires a combination of air and road transport.

Flight Route:

There is no direct flight to Kotla Arab Ali Khan, as the town lacks an airport. The nearest accessible airports are:

• Sialkot International Airport (approximately 70 km from Kotla Arab Ali Khan)

• Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (approximately 160 km away)

The most efficient air travel route is:

• Quetta Airport → Sialkot International Airport (via Islamabad or Karachi)

Connecting Flights:

As direct flights between Quetta and Sialkot are not always available, travelers may need to connect via Islamabad or Karachi depending on airline schedules.

Estimated Duration:

• Flight time (including stopovers): Around 4 to 6 hours (depending on connections)

• Road travel from Sialkot to Kotla Arab Ali Khan: Around 1.5 to 2 hours

Thus, the total travel time by air including airport transfers and road travel is approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Air Travel Tips:

• Advance booking is essential due to limited direct connectivity.

• Be mindful of baggage policies and weather-related delays, especially in winter months when fog is common in Punjab.

6. Best Travel Option Based on Purpose

• For time-sensitive travelers: Air travel is the fastest, though it involves multiple modes of transport.

• For comfortable sightseeing: Train travel is scenic and cost-effective, though slower.

• For flexible and exploratory travel: Traveling by road gives you the freedom to explore and stop at your own pace.

Each option caters to different priorities—speed, budget, convenience, or adventure.

7. Final Thoughts

The journey from Quetta to Kotla Arab Ali Khan offers more than just a physical transition—it connects two culturally rich and geographically distinct regions of Pakistan. Whether you drive through the rugged terrains of Balochistan, ride the train across the heart of Punjab, or fly over the country’s vast landscapes, the experience is bound to be memorable. Depending on your preferences for speed, comfort, and exploration, you can choose the mode of travel that suits you best.

Regardless of the route you take, ensure that you plan in advance, check travel advisories, and make necessary arrangements for food, accommodation, and safety—especially on the longer road or train routes.