Quetta to Surab Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Introduction
Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and administrative activity. Situated amidst mountainous terrain, it serves as a gateway to many regions in the province. Surab, a town in Kalat Division, lies to the south of Quetta and is increasingly gaining attention due to its strategic location on the National Highway (N-25). Whether you're traveling for business, family, or exploration, understanding the travel options from Quetta to Surab can help you plan your journey better. In this article, we’ll cover the distance between the two cities, as well as the available travel methods by road, train, and air—with approximate travel times and distance in both kilometers and miles.
Quetta to Surab Distance
The road distance from Quetta to Surab is approximately 210 kilometers, which is equivalent to 130 miles. The journey winds through the picturesque terrains of Balochistan along the N-25 (RCD Highway), which connects Quetta to Karachi via Surab, Kalat, Khuzdar, and other towns.
As of now, there is no direct train or commercial flight between Quetta and Surab, but alternative arrangements involving nearby cities or connecting routes can still be considered for those exploring air or rail travel.
1. Travel from Quetta to Surab by Road
Distance:
-
210 kilometers
-
130 miles
Travel Duration:
-
4 to 5 hours (by car or bus)
Traveling by road is the most common and convenient method to get from Quetta to Surab. The route is well-traveled and follows the N-25 highway, which is also known as the RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development) Highway. This road is vital as it connects major cities in Balochistan and continues onward to Karachi.
The condition of the road varies along the route. While some sections are smooth and recently maintained, others can be rough with potholes, particularly during or after monsoon rains. Travelers should be prepared for occasional military checkpoints due to security concerns in the region. However, the journey remains mostly safe during daylight hours.
Private Car:
Driving a personal vehicle offers flexibility and comfort. The estimated travel time is around 4 hours, depending on the condition of the road and stops along the way.
Bus Services:
Several local and intercity bus services operate on this route. Though these buses may take slightly longer than private vehicles, they are a reliable and affordable option for many. Travel time is typically between 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.
Key Route Highlights:
-
Quetta → Mastung → Kalat → Surab
-
Scenic mountainous views and local bazaars along the way
2. Travel from Quetta to Surab by Train
Distance (Approximate Rail Network Proximity):
-
No direct railway line to Surab
-
Closest railway service terminates at Kalat or Mastung (via Quetta)
Travel Duration:
-
No direct train route available
-
Connecting train and road travel could take 6 to 8 hours
As of now, there is no direct train route from Quetta to Surab. The Pakistan Railways network does not extend into Surab. However, for those interested in a rail experience, a partial journey is possible via Quetta to Mastung or Quetta to Kalat, depending on train schedules.
From either of those towns, travelers would need to continue their journey by road. Mastung is approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Quetta, and Kalat is around 145 kilometers (90 miles) from Surab.
This combination—train followed by road—makes the total travel time significantly longer than direct road travel, possibly taking 6 to 8 hours including waiting and transfers.
Rail to Road Travel Steps (Alternative):
-
Take a train from Quetta to Mastung or Kalat
-
Hire a local taxi or use public transport to Surab
Due to limited rail connectivity and time inefficiency, this method is not commonly used by travelers going to Surab, unless necessary.
3. Travel from Quetta to Surab by Plane
Distance (Airline Route):
-
No direct flight to Surab
-
Quetta to Khuzdar (closest airfield, but not commercial)
Travel Duration:
-
Not applicable for direct travel
-
Air + road combined travel time: 6 to 10 hours (based on routing)
Currently, Surab does not have an airport, and there are no commercial flights operating between Quetta and Surab. The closest city with potential air connectivity is Khuzdar, but even Khuzdar doesn’t have regular commercial flights. Most travelers looking to fly from Quetta to southern Balochistan consider flying to Karachi and then taking a road trip north to Surab via Khuzdar and Kalat, which is an inefficient route for such a short distance.
This makes air travel impractical for those solely traveling between Quetta and Surab. Moreover, the total combined journey (flight to another city + road) might extend up to 8 to 10 hours depending on layovers and road conditions.
Thus, air travel is not recommended for this specific route unless you're combining it with a longer trip involving Karachi or another major city.
Comparison Table
| Travel Mode | Distance (KM / Miles) | Duration (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road | 210 km / 130 miles | 4–5 hours | Most practical and direct |
| By Train | Indirect, partial rail | 6–8 hours (with road) | No direct route; requires transfer |
| By Plane | Not available | 8–10 hours (combined) | No flights; involves complex routing |
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Quetta to Surab is most efficiently done by road, either using a personal vehicle or a bus. The road infrastructure, though not perfect, is reliable enough for intercity travel, and the scenic route through the hills of Balochistan offers a memorable experience.
Train travel is limited and not recommended unless you're combining it with other destinations on the rail network. Air travel is not feasible, as Surab lacks an airport and nearby regions don't offer sufficient commercial flight options.
If you're planning a trip, it’s always wise to check the latest road conditions, weather updates, and security advisories. Daytime travel is recommended for safety and better visibility on winding highways.
Surab, with its emerging significance in regional connectivity and trade, makes for an important destination in Balochistan—and getting there from Quetta by road is the most logical and time-effective option.
0 Comments