Gujranwala to Swat Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Gujranwala to Swat: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

The journey from Gujranwala to Swat offers a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Swat Valley, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Pakistan." Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat is famous for its lush green valleys, rivers, and historical sites. Here’s a detailed guide on the travel options, distances, and durations for this trip.

1. By Road:

Traveling by road from Gujranwala to Swat is one of the most common options, as it provides flexibility and direct access to the valley. The road distance is approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles).

Route Options:

• Via N-5 and Swat Motorway (M-16): The recommended route involves taking the Grand Trunk Road (N-5) from Gujranwala to Lahore and onward to Islamabad. From Islamabad, travelers can use the Swat Motorway (M-16), which provides a smooth and direct connection to Mingora, the central city in Swat.
• Via M-2 and Swat Motorway (M-16): Alternatively, you can use the M-2 Motorway from Lahore to Islamabad, then switch to the Swat Motorway. This route is slightly longer but offers a faster and more comfortable driving experience.

Travel Duration: The journey by road takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The roads are generally well-maintained, particularly on the motorways, but some parts of the route near Swat may have sharp turns and hilly terrain.

Tips for Road Travel:

• Take breaks at service areas on the motorways to rest and refresh.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey, especially for the hilly sections near Swat.

2. By Train:

There is no direct train service to Swat, but travelers can take a train from Gujranwala to Peshawar and then continue the journey to Swat by road.

Distance and Duration: The train journey to Peshawar covers approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles) and takes around 8 to 9 hours. From Peshawar, the road distance to Swat is around 170 kilometers (106 miles), which takes another 3 to 4 hours by car or bus.

Train Options:

• Pakistan Railways: The Green Line Express and Khyber Mail are popular options from Gujranwala to Peshawar. These trains offer both economy and business-class seats for passengers.
• Travel to Swat from Peshawar: After reaching Peshawar, travelers can hire a taxi or take a bus to Swat via the Swat Motorway.

Travel Experience: Train travel provides a relaxed journey with scenic views of the countryside, making it ideal for travelers who are not in a rush. However, the additional road travel from Peshawar to Swat adds to the total duration, making this option less time-efficient.

3. By Plane:

Flying is the fastest way to cover a significant portion of the journey, but it requires multiple transfers, as Swat does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airports are in Islamabad and Peshawar.

Distance and Duration:

• Flight from Lahore to Islamabad/Peshawar: The flight from Lahore to Islamabad or Peshawar covers about 250 kilometers (155 miles) and takes around 1 hour.
• Road Journey to Swat: From Islamabad, Swat is about 250 kilometers (155 miles), taking around 5 to 6 hours by road. From Peshawar, it’s a 3 to 4-hour drive.

Flight Options:

• Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights between Lahore and Islamabad or Peshawar. From these cities, travelers can continue by road to Swat.
• Travel to Lahore Airport: To catch the flight, travelers need to first drive from Gujranwala to Lahore, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Experience: While flying reduces travel time for the first leg of the journey, the road trip to Swat still requires several hours. This option is best for those who prefer to avoid long road journeys from Gujranwala and split the trip into shorter segments.

Conclusion:

The journey from Gujranwala to Swat is an exciting adventure, with several travel options available. Traveling by road is the most direct and flexible option, taking around 8 to 10 hours and offering beautiful views along the way, especially as you approach the Swat Valley. For those who prefer a slower, scenic experience, taking the train to Peshawar followed by a road trip to Swat is a good choice, though it takes longer overall. Flying, while the fastest for the initial segment, still requires significant road travel to reach Swat, making it a less convenient option for this particular route.

In conclusion, road travel is the most practical and popular choice for this journey, providing a balance of convenience, cost, and scenic beauty. Regardless of the mode of transportation, reaching Swat is well worth the effort, as it offers unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage for travelers to explore.