Quetta to Lakki Marwat Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Lakki Marwat Distance: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Lakki Marwat, a notable district in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a journey that blends the rugged terrains of southwestern Pakistan with the cultural diversity of the northwestern region. Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or exploring the natural beauty of Pakistan, it's important to understand the distance, transportation options, and travel durations involved.

In this article, we’ll discuss the total distance between Quetta and Lakki Marwat, as well as the available travel options by road, train, and air, including duration and route details. Prices are not included, focusing instead on logistics and convenience.

1. Distance Between Quetta and Lakki Marwat

The approximate distance from Quetta to Lakki Marwat is:

• By Road: 540 kilometers (approximately 336 miles) via the most commonly used routes through Zhob and D.I. Khan.

• By Rail (combined road and rail): Varies depending on route changes and railway connectivity. It is not a direct connection, so the road travel to and from rail stations adds to the total distance.

• By Air: The aerial distance (straight line) is about 410 kilometers (approximately 255 miles). However, due to the lack of a direct flight route, travel time is based on connecting flights via Islamabad or Peshawar.

2. Travel Option 1: By Road

Traveling by road is the most direct and commonly used method to reach Lakki Marwat from Quetta.

Route Options

There are two primary road routes:

Route 1 (Most Preferred):

• Quetta → Qila Saifullah → Zhob → Drazanda (Dera Ismail Khan) → Lakki Marwat

• Total Distance: ~540 km (336 miles)

• Road Type: National Highway (N-50 and N-55), mostly paved, with some mountainous terrain near Zhob.

Travel Duration

• Duration: Around 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, and the number of stops.

• Vehicle Type: Private car, public bus, or van.

Travel Experience

This journey is scenic but can be challenging, especially in areas like Zhob, which have winding roads and hilly stretches. Security checkpoints are present throughout Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, so carrying identification is essential. Public transport like intercity buses operates daily, although schedules may vary.

3. Travel Option 2: By Train

There is no direct train route from Quetta to Lakki Marwat because Lakki Marwat does not have a functional major railway station. However, you can still travel part of the journey by train using a combination of train and road transport.

Suggested Rail-Route:

• Quetta to Multan or Dera Ismail Khan (if available) via Pakistan Railways

• Then, continue by road to Lakki Marwat

Since Dera Ismail Khan does not currently have regular passenger train service, travelers often opt to go via Multan or Rawalpindi.

Option 1 (Via Multan):

• Train: Quetta → Multan (Approx. 16 to 18 hours)

• Road: Multan → Lakki Marwat (Approx. 6 to 7 hours, ~375 km)

Option 2 (Via Rawalpindi):

• Train: Quetta → Rawalpindi (Approx. 20 to 22 hours)

• Road: Rawalpindi → Lakki Marwat (Approx. 6 to 7 hours, ~310 km)

Travel Duration

• Total Duration: 22 to 30 hours (depending on layovers, train schedules, and road transport availability)

Travel Experience

Traveling via train offers a more relaxed option for longer segments, especially for those who wish to avoid the fatigue of long road trips. However, the journey is considerably longer due to indirect routes, multiple stops, and layovers. Moreover, coordination between train arrival and road departure can be difficult, particularly with fluctuating train schedules.

4. Travel Option 3: By Air

Lakki Marwat does not have its own airport. However, you can fly part of the way by using nearby airports, primarily:

• Quetta International Airport (Departure)

• Bannu Airport (limited services, currently not operational for commercial flights)

• Dera Ismail Khan Airport (limited services)

• Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar (commonly used)

• Islamabad International Airport (alternative option)

Recommended Air Route:

• Flight: Quetta → Islamabad or Peshawar (Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours)

• Road Travel:

  • From Islamabad: ~300 km (186 miles) to Lakki Marwat via Motorway M-1 and N-55 (approx. 5 to 6 hours)

  • From Peshawar: ~210 km (130 miles) to Lakki Marwat via N-55 (approx. 4 to 5 hours)

Travel Duration

• Total Duration (including airport time, layovers, and road journey): 7 to 10 hours

Travel Experience

This is the fastest option in terms of comfort and time, particularly if you can get early morning flights and quick road transfer. However, this option can be less economical and requires advanced planning, especially since direct flights are not available between Quetta and any airport close to Lakki Marwat.

5. Comparison Table: Travel from Quetta to Lakki Marwat

Mode of Transport	Distance	Duration	Route Summary
Road	540 km (336 mi)	10–12 hours	Via Qila Saifullah → Zhob → D.I. Khan
Train + Road	~950–1000 km	22–30 hours	Via Multan or Rawalpindi, then road travel
Plane + Road	~700 km (435 mi)	7–10 hours	Flight to Islamabad/Peshawar, then road to Lakki Marwat

6. Final Thoughts

Traveling from Quetta to Lakki Marwat offers multiple options, each with its own advantages and trade-offs:

• By road is the most direct and flexible option for most travelers, particularly those with personal vehicles or limited time.

• By train may be suitable for long-distance travelers who prefer rest during overnight journeys but must combine road transport for the final stretch.

• By air offers a more comfortable journey over long distances, reducing fatigue and time, though it requires navigating through connecting cities like Islamabad or Peshawar.

When planning your journey, consider factors such as comfort, travel time, safety, security conditions, and weather, especially during monsoon or winter months when certain routes can become challenging.

While none of the routes provide a one-size-fits-all solution, the road journey remains the most straightforward for most travelers, whereas air travel can save time for those with tight schedules.

Note: Always check for the latest road and security advisories, especially when traveling through Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as conditions may change based on regional factors.