Quetta to Risalpur Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Risalpur is a cantonment town located in the Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It holds military importance due to the presence of the Pakistan Air Force Academy and other military training institutions. If you're planning a trip from Quetta to Risalpur, it’s important to understand the travel options available across this long inter-provincial route.

Distance Between Quetta and Risalpur

The road distance between Quetta and Risalpur is approximately 870 kilometers (541 miles). The aerial distance is shorter, around 645 kilometers (400 miles), but as Risalpur doesn’t have an airport or a direct railway station for public use, most travel is done via road or through nearby cities like Nowshera or Peshawar.

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most straightforward way to reach Risalpur from Quetta. The journey crosses through multiple provinces and requires traveling along major national highways.

Recommended Route:

• Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Nowshera → Risalpur

The drive primarily follows N-70, N-55 (Indus Highway), and finally connects to N-5 (Grand Trunk Road) near Nowshera.

Travel Duration by Road:
It usually takes about 15 to 17 hours to drive from Quetta to Risalpur, depending on the condition of roads, rest breaks, and traffic in urban areas like Kohat and Nowshera.

Private Car Option:
If you're traveling with family or in a group, using a private vehicle is convenient, especially for carrying luggage and taking breaks at your own pace. Ensure the vehicle is well-serviced and carry a spare tire and emergency kit due to the remoteness of some road stretches.

Bus Services:
Bus companies like Faisal Movers and Skyways offer services from Quetta to Dera Ismail Khan or Kohat. From there, travelers can switch to local transport or buses heading toward Nowshera. Risalpur is located between Nowshera and Mardan, just off the N-5 highway, making it accessible from either direction.

Travel by Train

Risalpur does not have a major railway station, but nearby Nowshera Junction serves as the best rail access point. Rail travel is possible with transfers and a combination of transport modes.

Suggested Train Route:

• Quetta → Rawalpindi (by train)

• Rawalpindi → Nowshera (by train)

• Nowshera → Risalpur (by taxi or local van)

Train Duration:
The journey from Quetta to Rawalpindi takes approximately 24 to 30 hours, followed by an additional 4 to 5 hours to reach Nowshera by train. The final stretch from Nowshera to Risalpur is short, requiring just 15 to 20 minutes by road.

Rail Travel Considerations:
This option may suit travelers looking for a cost-effective journey or those who enjoy long-distance train travel. However, it requires patience and flexibility due to potential delays and multiple segments.

Travel by Air

Although Risalpur has an air force base, it is not open to civilian flights. The nearest commercial airport is Peshawar International Airport, located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away.

Air Route:

• Quetta → Peshawar (by air)

• Peshawar → Risalpur (by road)

Air Travel Duration:
A flight from Quetta to Peshawar generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The onward road journey from Peshawar to Risalpur takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions along the N-5 route.

Air Travel Benefits:
This is the fastest and most comfortable option, especially for business or official travelers who wish to avoid long hours on the road. However, flight availability between Quetta and Peshawar may be limited, so booking in advance is advisable.

Summary

Traveling from Quetta to Risalpur covers a distance of about 870 kilometers (541 miles) by road and requires navigating through remote and urban parts of Pakistan. While no direct train or air links exist to Risalpur itself, nearby hubs make travel manageable:

• By Road: A long but direct journey of 15–17 hours, ideal for flexible travelers.

• By Train: An indirect journey involving transfers via Rawalpindi and Nowshera, totaling over 30 hours.

• By Air: The quickest route, combining a 1.5-hour flight to Peshawar with a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to Risalpur.

Choose your travel option based on time, comfort preferences, and transport availability.