Quetta to Saidu Sharif Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Saidu Sharif: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Saidu Sharif, the administrative capital of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), is known for its serene beauty, historical significance, and close proximity to the famous city of Mingora. It is home to the Swat Museum, archaeological sites from the Gandhara civilization, and green valleys that attract tourists year-round. For travelers planning to journey from Quetta to Saidu Sharif, this article explores the distance, available travel options by road, train, and plane, and the time each method takes.

Distance Between Quetta and Saidu Sharif

• By Road: Approximately 1,030 kilometers (640 miles)

• By Air (Direct/Aerial Distance): Around 610 kilometers (379 miles)

Saidu Sharif does not have regular commercial flight operations at its small airport, so travelers typically fly to nearby airports such as Peshawar or Islamabad and continue by road.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Saidu Sharif is the most direct option and offers an adventurous experience through a mix of plains, deserts, and mountains.

Main Route:

• Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Faisalabad → Islamabad → Mardan → Malakand Pass → Mingora → Saidu Sharif

Alternate Route:

• Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Peshawar → Chakdara → Mingora → Saidu Sharif

Travel Duration:

• Estimated Time: 19 to 23 hours (non-stop)

• Recommended Stopovers: Multan, Islamabad, Mardan, or Mingora for overnight rest and refreshment

Road Conditions:

• Highways up to Islamabad or Peshawar are generally smooth

• Roads through Malakand Pass and Chakdara are paved but include steep climbs and winding turns

• The final approach to Saidu Sharif is comfortable, especially via Mingora

Scenic Features:

• Beautiful valley views as you approach Swat

• River crossings and mountainous terrain

• Historic towns and forts along the Malakand route

Travel by Train

Although Saidu Sharif has no railway station, train travel is feasible by first reaching a major city and then continuing via road.

Recommended Route:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Service: Long-distance trains such as Jaffar Express

   • Duration: Around 24 to 26 hours

2. Rawalpindi to Saidu Sharif by Road:

   • Via Islamabad → Mardan → Malakand Pass → Mingora → Saidu Sharif

   • Distance: About 290 kilometers (180 miles)

   • Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours

Total Travel Duration (Train + Road):
Approximately 31 to 34 hours

Benefits:

• More economical than flying

• Allows for rest during the train journey

• Public and private transport is widely available from Rawalpindi and Islamabad to Swat

Limitations:

• Time-consuming

• Requires switching modes of transportation

Travel by Plane

Saidu Sharif does have a small domestic airport, but it has very limited and irregular flight services. Therefore, travelers usually fly to Islamabad or Peshawar and complete the journey by road.

Route via Islamabad:

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air:

   • Flight Time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes

2. Islamabad to Saidu Sharif by Road:

   • Route: Via Mardan → Malakand → Mingora

   • Distance: Around 290 kilometers (180 miles)

   • Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Route via Peshawar:

1. Quetta to Peshawar by Air: Approximately 1.5 hours

2. Peshawar to Saidu Sharif by Road:

   • Route: Via Chakdara → Mingora

   • Distance: About 260 kilometers (162 miles)

   • Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
Around 7 to 9 hours

Advantages:

• Quickest and most comfortable

• Ideal for tourists or professionals on tight schedules

Travel Tips

1. Weather Check: Saidu Sharif can receive snowfall in winter and rainfall in summer. Plan travel according to seasonal conditions.

2. Vehicle Recommendation: Any car can reach Saidu Sharif via paved roads. However, during winter, a vehicle with good traction is ideal.

3. Daylight Travel: It is safer to navigate through mountain passes and rural roads during daylight.

4. Fuel & Food Stops: Major towns like Mardan, Chakdara, and Mingora offer fuel stations, restaurants, and rest areas.

5. Local Transportation: Once in Saidu Sharif, rickshaws and taxis are available for local movement. Public vans also connect nearby towns like Mingora and Fizagat.

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Saidu Sharif opens the door to exploring one of Pakistan's most enchanting valleys. Whether you take the road to immerse yourself in the geography, fly for convenience, or choose the budget-friendly train option, the destination is worth every effort. Saidu Sharif offers a blend of history, culture, and nature that makes it a unique destination in the northern part of Pakistan.