Quetta to Makhad: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Traveling from Quetta to Makhad takes you on a cross-provincial journey from the rugged terrain of Balochistan to the historically rich and culturally significant town of Makhad Sharif, located along the banks of the Indus River in the Attock District of Punjab. Makhad is known for its spiritual heritage, especially as the site of Sufi shrines, and its proximity to the Potohar region. This article provides the travel distance from Quetta to Makhad in kilometers and miles, and outlines all major travel options—by road, train, and air—with estimated durations.
Distance from Quetta to Makhad
The approximate distance between Quetta and Makhad is:
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By road: Around 935 kilometers (approximately 581 miles)
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By air (straight line): Roughly 705 kilometers (approximately 438 miles)
As there is no direct airport or railway station in Makhad, travelers will need to use a combination of travel methods to complete the journey.
Travel by Road
Traveling by road from Quetta to Makhad is the most direct and practical method. The drive takes you through southern Punjab and gradually transitions to the northern plateau of the Potohar region.
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Total distance: Approximately 935 km (581 miles)
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Estimated travel time: 13 to 15 hours, depending on stops, road conditions, and weather
Recommended Route:
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Route: Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Layyah → Mianwali → Isa Khel → Kalabagh → Makhad
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Highways Used: N-70, N-55 (Indus Highway), and regional link roads along the Indus River
This scenic route includes a mix of highway and rural driving, especially near Makhad. Public transportation options are limited in the final leg, so private cars or hired vehicles are preferred.
Travel by Train
There is no train station in Makhad. However, you can take a train to the nearest cities like Mianwali or Kundian, and then continue by road to Makhad.
Option 1: Via Mianwali
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Train Route: Quetta → Multan → Khanewal → Kundian → Mianwali
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Train Duration: Around 20 to 23 hours
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Road Distance from Mianwali to Makhad: About 70 km (43 miles)
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Road Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Mianwali and Kundian are the nearest railway hubs for this journey. From there, you’ll need a private car or local van to reach Makhad.
Travel by Air
The nearest airport to Makhad is Islamabad International Airport (ISB). Flying from Quetta to Islamabad and then traveling by road to Makhad is the fastest option for long-distance travelers.
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Flight Duration (Quetta to Islamabad): Around 1 hour 30 minutes
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Road Distance (Islamabad to Makhad): Approximately 140 km (87 miles)
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Estimated Road Travel Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours
After landing in Islamabad, the most common route is via Fateh Jang and Jand, eventually connecting to smaller roads leading to Makhad.
Summary
Here are your main options for traveling from Quetta to Makhad:
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By Road: 935 km; 13–15 hours of flexible and direct travel
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By Train: Reach Mianwali or Kundian in 20–23 hours, then drive 1.5–2 hours to Makhad
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By Plane: Flight to Islamabad in 1.5 hours, followed by a 3.5–4 hour drive
Whether you are visiting for spiritual purposes, family connections, or exploration, the journey to Makhad offers a meaningful transition from the highlands of Balochistan to the serene banks of the Indus in Punjab.
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