Quetta to Zhob Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Traveling from Quetta to Zhob offers a scenic journey through the rugged and mountainous terrain of northern Balochistan. Zhob is an important town located in the northeastern part of the province, and it's well connected to Quetta through road networks. Here’s a detailed overview of the travel options available including distances and travel durations by road, train, and air.

Distance Between Quetta and Zhob

• By Road: Approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles)

• By Air (straight-line): Approximately 245 kilometers (152 miles)

• By Train: No direct train line currently operates between Quetta and Zhob.

Travel from Quetta to Zhob by Road

Road travel is the most practical and commonly used mode of transport between Quetta and Zhob. The journey is typically done via the Quetta-Zhob National Highway (N-50), which passes through various remote and mountainous regions, offering travelers a glimpse of Balochistan’s unique topography.

• Route: Quetta → Kuchlak → Muslim Bagh → Killa Saifullah → Zhob

• Total Distance: Around 330 km (205 miles)

• Travel Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on vehicle type, road conditions, and weather.

Key Points:

• The road passes through hilly terrain and requires careful driving.

• Fuel stations and small rest stops are available along the way, but not frequently.

• Public buses and vans regularly operate from Quetta Bus Terminal to Zhob.

Travel from Quetta to Zhob by Train

As of now, there is no direct train service between Quetta and Zhob. Pakistan Railways does not offer any route that connects these two cities directly. However, there were historical discussions about reviving the Zhob Valley Railway, which was a narrow-gauge railway line connecting Bostan (near Quetta) to Zhob. That service has long been discontinued.

Travelers seeking rail options can only reach nearby areas by train and then transfer to road transport. But for a direct journey, the road remains the only viable choice.

Travel from Quetta to Zhob by Air

There are no direct commercial flights operating between Quetta and Zhob as of now. The distance between the two cities is not significant enough to justify regular flights, and there is no major airport in Zhob equipped for routine commercial airline operations.

However, the Zhob Airport does exist and has been used for limited domestic operations in the past, mainly by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Service to this airport is infrequent and dependent on government scheduling, weather, and security conditions.

• Air Distance: Approx. 245 km (152 miles)

• Flight Duration (if operational): Around 45 minutes

• Airport Availability: Limited or not operational for commercial use at present.

For those who require air travel, the best route would be to fly from Quetta to Islamabad and then use road transport to reach Zhob, though this is not a practical option given the time and cost.

Recommended Travel Mode

Given the current infrastructure and transportation availability, traveling by road is the most reliable and accessible way to reach Zhob from Quetta. The route offers a rustic charm, with views of mountains, valleys, and traditional Pashtun settlements.

If the Pakistani government reactivates flights to Zhob or revives the old railway lines in the future, these could become valuable options, but for now, road travel is the primary and recommended choice.