Quetta to Lachi Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Lachi, a small town in the Kohat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offers an insightful experience through the diverse landscapes of Pakistan. Whether you're planning a journey for work, family, or tourism, understanding your transportation options is essential.

Distance Between Quetta and Lachi

The distance between Quetta and Lachi is approximately 790 kilometers (491 miles) by road. The straight-line aerial distance is less, around 600 kilometers (373 miles), but there are no direct air connections to Lachi since it lacks a commercial airport. Therefore, travelers primarily rely on road and partial rail options, with the possibility of combining air travel through nearby major cities.

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most direct way to reach Lachi from Quetta. The route typically follows:

• Quetta → Sibi → Dera Ghazi Khan → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Lachi

This route passes through several major towns and highways such as the N-70, N-55 (Indus Highway), and N-80, eventually connecting to Kohat and onward to Lachi.

Travel Duration by Road:
Traveling by car or bus takes around 14 to 16 hours, depending on weather, traffic conditions, and stopovers. The roads are generally in reasonable condition, though sections passing through hilly and mountainous terrain may slow the pace, especially in Dera Ghazi Khan and Kohat regions.

Private Car or Rental Option:
Driving yourself provides flexibility, especially for those who enjoy scenic travel. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and fueled, as long stretches between fuel stations can occur in rural Balochistan and South Punjab.

Bus Services:
Several bus companies, including Daewoo Express and Faisal Movers, operate from Quetta to Kohat or nearby cities like Dera Ismail Khan. From Kohat, you can take local transport (vans or minibusses) to Lachi, which is approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) away.

Travel by Train

There is no direct train service from Quetta to Lachi, as Lachi does not have a railway station. However, travelers can utilize partial rail travel for segments of the journey.

Suggested Route:

• Quetta → Multan or Rawalpindi (by train)

• Multan or Rawalpindi → Kohat (by bus or van)

• Kohat → Lachi (by local transport)

Train Duration:
The Quetta to Rawalpindi route takes about 24 to 30 hours due to multiple stops and longer travel time. If you choose the Quetta to Multan segment, it typically takes 18 to 20 hours. From these cities, you need to switch to road transport for the remainder of the journey.

Train Considerations:
While cost-effective, train travel may not be the best choice for those who prioritize speed or direct routes. However, it can be suitable for those looking for a budget option or wanting to experience train travel in Pakistan.

Travel by Air

Lachi does not have an airport. The closest airport to Lachi is Bannu Airport, which is not currently operating regular commercial flights. The next viable option is Peshawar International Airport, located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Lachi.

Air Travel Route Suggestion:

• Quetta → Peshawar (by air)

• Peshawar → Lachi (by road)

Air Travel Duration:
The flight from Quetta to Peshawar typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, including boarding and taxi time.

From Peshawar to Lachi, the journey by road takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, via the M-1 and Indus Highway (N-55), passing through Nowshera and Kohat. The roads are mostly well-maintained, and various transportation options are available, including buses, private cars, or app-based ride services in major cities.

Air Travel Note:
Since Quetta and Peshawar are both provincial capitals, there are limited but available direct flights between the two. However, always check with airlines in advance as schedules may vary.

Summary

The journey from Quetta to Lachi covers almost 790 kilometers (491 miles) by road, offering a blend of urban, rural, and mountainous scenery. While Lachi does not support direct train or flight connections, travelers can creatively combine transport methods:

• Road Travel offers the most direct and flexible route, taking approximately 14–16 hours.

• Train Travel is viable only partially, requiring a mix of rail and road segments.

• Air Travel, though indirect, can reduce travel fatigue by flying to Peshawar and continuing by road to Lachi.

Whether you prefer long scenic drives, economical rail journeys, or a swift combination of air and road, planning your trip in advance will ensure a smoother experience.