Islamabad to Torkham Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Islamabad to Torkham — Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Torkham is a major border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, located in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It serves as a key trade and travel route and is surrounded by mountainous terrain rich in history and culture. For travelers heading to or from Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass, Torkham is an important gateway.

Distance Between Islamabad and Torkham

The distance varies slightly depending on the route you take, but a commonly used estimate is:

• Islamabad → Peshawar: ~185 km (115 miles)
• Peshawar → Torkham: ~60 km (37 miles)
• Total road distance: ≈ 245 km (~152 miles)

Travel from Islamabad to Torkham by Road

Road travel is the most direct and practical method to reach Torkham from Islamabad. The route takes you through the plains to Peshawar, and then into the famous Khyber Pass before reaching the border.

• Typical route: Islamabad → M1 Motorway → Peshawar → Jamrud → Landi Kotal → Torkham
• Estimated travel time: 4.5–6 hours depending on traffic, stops, and checkpoint clearance times
• Road conditions: Motorway to Peshawar is smooth and well-maintained; the road from Peshawar to Torkham winds through mountainous terrain and is subject to security checks

What to expect on the road:

• Multiple security checkpoints along the route, particularly after Peshawar
• Historic sites and scenic views along the Khyber Pass
• Traffic delays possible near the border due to customs and immigration processes

Travel from Islamabad to Torkham by Train

Currently, there is no direct train service from Islamabad to Torkham. The Pakistan Railways network does not extend to the border. However, historically there was a railway line from Peshawar to Landi Kotal passing through the Khyber Pass, which is no longer operational for passengers.

If you wish to incorporate rail travel, you could take a train from Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Peshawar and then continue by road to Torkham. This option is slower than going entirely by road and is used mainly by train enthusiasts or those with flexible schedules.

Travel from Islamabad to Torkham by Air

Torkham does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Peshawar (Bacha Khan International Airport). If you wish to shorten the road journey, you could:

• Fly from Islamabad to Peshawar (about 1 hour of flight time)
• Continue by road from Peshawar to Torkham (~60 km, 1.5–2.5 hours depending on security and road conditions)

This combination can reduce overall travel time, but given the short distance from Islamabad to Peshawar, many travelers find it easier to complete the trip entirely by road.

Practical Tips & Road Conditions

• Carry valid identification and travel documents, as security checks are frequent
• Foreign travelers usually require special permits to travel through the Khyber Pass
• Weather can be hot and dry in summer; carry water and sun protection
• Traffic near the border can be heavy due to commercial trucks and trade activities

Scenic & Cultural Highlights

• The legendary Khyber Pass with its dramatic mountain scenery
• Historic forts and watchtowers along the route
• Glances into Pashtun tribal culture and traditional architecture

Conclusion

The journey from Islamabad to Torkham is not just a border crossing but an experience through one of the most historically significant mountain passes in the world. By road, it’s about 245 km (152 miles) and takes 4.5–6 hours under normal conditions. While train services no longer extend to Torkham, combining a short flight to Peshawar with a road trip is an option. Travelers should prepare for security protocols, variable traffic conditions, and the rich cultural backdrop of the Khyber Pass region.