Gujranwala to Swabi Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Swabi

Swabi, a scenic district located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Hazara region. Whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or to explore the local culture, Gujranwala to Swabi is a manageable journey with various transport options. This article outlines the available travel choices including road, train, and air travel, as well as the distance, routes, and expected travel durations.

By Road
The distance from Gujranwala to Swabi is approximately 300 km (186 miles).

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Islamabad → Swabi.
Duration: The journey by road usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route.
Tips: Traveling by car or taxi is the most convenient option as it allows flexibility in terms of route and stops. The major highways connecting Gujranwala to Swabi are the M-2 Motorway and the M-1 Motorway, both of which are well-maintained and offer a smooth ride. A road trip allows travelers to stop at rest areas and enjoy refreshments along the way.
For those relying on public transport, buses and vans are available, though they may take longer due to stops and possible delays. Private cars are ideal for a quicker and more comfortable journey.

By Train
Train travel is another option to reach Swabi, though the journey duration might be slightly longer compared to road travel. There are no direct trains from Gujranwala to Swabi, but you can take a train from Gujranwala to Islamabad and then continue by road.

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Islamabad → Swabi (train to Islamabad, road to Swabi).
Duration: The train ride from Gujranwala to Islamabad typically takes about 4 to 5 hours. From Islamabad, the road journey to Swabi takes another 1.5 to 2 hours, making the total travel time 5.5 to 7 hours.
Cost: The train fare from Gujranwala to Islamabad ranges between PKR 300 to 800 depending on the class. The road transport from Islamabad to Swabi will cost approximately PKR 1,500 to 2,500 for a taxi or private car.
Tips: While trains provide a relaxed travel experience, this journey requires a transfer from train to road travel at Islamabad. This may add to the overall duration of the trip. The frequency of trains between Gujranwala and Islamabad is generally high, making it a reliable option for those comfortable with transfers.

By Air
Swabi does not have its own airport, and the nearest commercial airport is Islamabad International Airport, located about 80 km (50 miles) from Swabi. Therefore, the most common air travel route involves flying to Islamabad first, and then traveling by road to Swabi.

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Swabi (by road).
Duration: The flight from Lahore to Islamabad takes about 1 hour, while the road journey from Islamabad to Swabi takes an additional 1.5 to 2 hours. Including airport procedures, the total travel time can be around 4 to 5 hours.
Cost: Flights from Lahore to Islamabad range from PKR 6,000 to 12,000, depending on the airline and class. The road journey from Islamabad to Swabi will cost an additional PKR 1,500 to 3,000 for a taxi or private car.
Tips: While flying is quicker than driving the entire distance, the need to take a taxi or other transport from Islamabad to Swabi makes this option less time-efficient for most travelers. It is ideal for those who are already flying into Islamabad or have specific flight preferences.

Conclusion
The journey from Gujranwala to Swabi can be conveniently covered by road, as the 300 km (186 miles) distance is easily navigable in around 5 to 6 hours by car. Road travel provides the flexibility to stop at rest areas and adjust the travel pace according to personal preference. Train travel, which involves a transfer at Islamabad, may take a bit longer, taking approximately 5.5 to 7 hours. Air travel is less practical due to the lack of direct flights to Swabi, requiring a transfer from Islamabad, and it may not save significant time over road travel. Ultimately, for most travelers, road travel remains the most efficient and comfortable option to reach Swabi from Gujranwala.