Quetta to Matta Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, to Matta, a town located in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), involves traversing the varied terrains of Pakistan. Whether you're planning to travel for leisure, work, or family visits, understanding the available travel routes and the time required by each mode of transportation—road, train, or air—can help you plan efficiently.

Total Distance from Quetta to Matta

The approximate distance between Quetta and Matta is:

• By Road: 850 to 900 kilometers (528 to 560 miles), depending on the specific route taken.

There is no direct train or flight route to Matta, but a combination of transport methods can get you there effectively.

1. Traveling from Quetta to Matta by Road

Road travel is the most straightforward way to reach Matta from Quetta. Although it's a long journey, it gives you the flexibility to explore diverse landscapes, pass through multiple cities, and control your travel schedule.

Route Overview

The most commonly used route from Quetta to Matta goes through the following major cities and highways:

• Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ismail Khan → Tank → Mingora (Swat) → Matta

You’ll travel via N-70, N-50, and N-95 highways, moving from Balochistan into southern and central KPK, eventually reaching Swat Valley where Matta is located.

Estimated Distance and Duration

• Total Distance: Approximately 870 kilometers (around 541 miles)

• Estimated Travel Time by Car/Bus: 15 to 17 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, traffic, and rest stops.

Road Conditions

• The road from Quetta to Loralai and then to D.I. Khan is mostly paved but can be narrow and mountainous.

• From D.I. Khan onward, the road improves as you get closer to Mingora and Matta, especially within Swat.

• Driving at night is not recommended due to winding roads, especially through mountainous stretches.

Bus Travel

There are no direct buses from Quetta to Matta, but you can take a long-route bus to Mingora or Saidu Sharif, and then use a local van or taxi to reach Matta, which is about 20–25 km from Mingora.

2. Traveling from Quetta to Matta by Train

There is no direct railway connection to Matta since Swat Valley lacks a railway network. However, you can partially complete the journey by train and cover the remaining part by road.

Step-by-Step Train-Road Journey

Phase 1: Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train

• You can take Jaffar Express or another available train from Quetta Railway Station to Rawalpindi.

• This journey crosses key stations such as Multan, Lahore, and Attock depending on the train and route.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,230 kilometers (764 miles)

  • Travel Time: Around 24 to 26 hours, depending on the train and stops.

Phase 2: Rawalpindi to Matta by Road

• From Rawalpindi, hire a car or take a bus to Mingora/Matta.

• You’ll travel via the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway (M-1) and then the Swat Expressway, eventually reaching Mingora and finally Matta.

  • Distance: Approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles)

  • Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours by road

Combined Distance and Duration

• Total Distance: Around 1,530 kilometers (950 miles)

• Estimated Total Duration: 30 to 33 hours

Notes for Train Travelers

• Booking in advance is essential due to limited train options and high demand.

• A layover in Rawalpindi or Islamabad may be necessary depending on train arrival times and road connections to Swat.

3. Traveling from Quetta to Matta by Plane

While there is no airport in Matta, air travel can still reduce your travel time significantly if combined with road transport.

Phase 1: Quetta to Islamabad by Plane

You can take a direct flight from Quetta International Airport (UET) to Islamabad International Airport (ISB).

• Flight Distance: Around 625 kilometers (388 miles)

• Flight Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Check-in & Waiting Time: Add an additional 2 to 3 hours

Phase 2: Islamabad to Matta by Road

From Islamabad, travel by road to Swat Valley and Matta:

• Distance: Around 300 kilometers (186 miles)

• Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours

Combined Distance and Duration

• Total Distance: Roughly 925 kilometers (574 miles)

• Estimated Travel Time: 9 to 11 hours (including airport and road travel time)

Notes for Air Travelers

• Flights operate regularly between Quetta and Islamabad.

• Booking ahead is advised, especially in peak tourist seasons in Swat (spring and summer).

• Car rentals or ride-sharing services from Islamabad Airport are available to reach Swat.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the convenience of air travel, the affordability of bus/train combos, or the flexibility of driving yourself, each travel option from Quetta to Matta offers a unique experience. Road travel gives you a direct route through scenic landscapes and multiple cultural regions, while air and rail can reduce your journey time if combined strategically.

Summary at a Glance (No Tables)

• By Road: ~870 km / 541 miles | 15–17 hours

• By Train + Road: ~1,530 km / 950 miles | 30–33 hours

• By Plane + Road: ~925 km / 574 miles | 9–11 hours

Traveling from Quetta to Matta takes you from the arid, mountainous ranges of Balochistan to the lush green valleys of Swat—a journey that’s not just about distance, but also about the transformation in culture, climate, and terrain.