Quetta to Nuttal Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Nuttal is a small town located in Barkhan District, Balochistan. Surrounded by mountains, dry valleys, and traditional Baloch settlements, it lies near the border of Punjab and Balochistan. Traveling from Quetta to Nuttal gives a fascinating glimpse into Pakistan’s transition from rugged mountainous terrain to semi-arid plateaus, and introduces visitors to Balochistan’s tribal culture and scenic isolation.

Distance Between Quetta and Nuttal

• By Road: Approximately 420 kilometers

• By Road (in miles): Around 261 miles

Due to the remote nature of the route and mountainous stretches, travel time may be longer than expected.

Travel by Road

The most practical and commonly used method of getting from Quetta to Nuttal is by road. The route moves through interior Balochistan with several small towns along the way.

Route Details:

• Main Route: Quetta → Ziarat Cross → Loralai → Barkhan → Nuttal

• Alternative Route: Quetta → Khanozai → Zhob → Barkhan → Nuttal

• Total Distance: ~420 km

• Estimated Travel Time: 9 to 10 hours

Vehicle Options:

• Private vehicle or SUV (best for flexibility and off-road patches)

• Long-distance vans or buses (to Loralai or Barkhan)

• Shared pickups or local transport from Barkhan to Nuttal

The road is partially paved with long stretches of uneven and gravel surfaces, especially near Barkhan and Nuttal. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, particularly during the rainy season. Fuel stations are limited in remote areas, so plan accordingly.

Travel by Train

There is no railway station in Nuttal or Barkhan District. The closest railway access point is Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, or Dera Murad Jamali, but none are practical for direct train-to-road transfer.

Suggested Rail Route (Not Recommended for Direct Access):

1. Train from Quetta to Dera Murad Jamali

2. Road journey via Gandawah and Barkhan to Nuttal (very long route, ~7+ hours)

Estimated Duration:

• Train: 8–10 hours (Quetta to DM Jamali)

• Road from DM Jamali to Nuttal: 7 to 9 hours (off-route and not direct)

Due to lack of direct railway connectivity, using train travel is not recommended unless combined with a multi-day regional itinerary.

Travel by Plane

Nuttal is not served by any airports, and the surrounding districts have no commercial airfields. However, those traveling from other provinces may consider flying to Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, located in Punjab, which is the nearest airport to Barkhan and Nuttal.

Air Travel Route Option:

1. Flight from Quetta to Dera Ghazi Khan (via Karachi or Lahore)

2. Road from Dera Ghazi Khan to Nuttal (~170 km)

3. Estimated Road Time: 4 to 5 hours

Flight Duration (with layovers):

• Total time can range from 5 to 8 hours, depending on connection times

Though air travel reduces the long Quetta road journey, it becomes time-consuming and costly due to indirect flight paths and the road leg from Punjab.

Final Thoughts

The journey from Quetta to Nuttal is best made by road for those looking for a rugged and direct experience into the remote heart of Balochistan. While there are no railway lines or airports near Nuttal, road travel provides an authentic and scenic route through mountains and tribal territories. Travelers should prepare for basic amenities, carry extra fuel and water, and check with locals or regional authorities regarding road safety, especially during winter or monsoon periods.