Lahore to Garh Maharaja Town – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Garh Maharaja is a small but culturally significant town in the Jhang District of Punjab, Pakistan. It is known for the revered shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bahu, a famous Sufi saint, making it a popular destination for spiritual travelers. This guide provides comprehensive information on how to travel from Lahore to Garh Maharaja by road, train, and air.
Distance Between Lahore and Garh Maharaja
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By Road: Approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles)
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By Train: Around 290 kilometers (180 miles) depending on the train route
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By Air (indirect): No direct flights; nearest airport is Faisalabad, followed by road travel
Travel by Road
Route Details
The most common and direct way to reach Garh Maharaja from Lahore is by road. The journey passes through major urban and rural areas of Punjab, offering scenic views of fields and rivers.
Main Route:
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Lahore → M-3 Motorway → Shorkot Interchange → Shorkot Cantonment → Garh Maharaja
Alternative Route:
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Lahore → Jaranwala → Toba Tek Singh → Shorkot → Garh Maharaja (longer and with more rural roads)
Travel Duration
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Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours
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Best Time to Travel: Early morning or evening to avoid midday heat and traffic near city exits
Road Conditions
The M-3 Motorway offers a smooth drive until Shorkot. After that, the roads become narrower and may pass through small towns and villages. Drivers should be cautious on the last stretch toward Garh Maharaja, especially in the rainy season when local roads may become slippery or flooded.
Travel by Train
Nearby Stations
Garh Maharaja does not have its own railway station, but it is accessible via nearby stations:
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Shorkot Cantt Junction (nearest major station)
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Ahmadpur Sial Station (limited train service)
You can board a train from Lahore Railway Station to Shorkot Cantt, then take a local taxi or rickshaw to Garh Maharaja, which is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from there.
Common Train Routes
Several trains operate on the Lahore to Shorkot route, such as:
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Khyber Mail
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Musa Pak Express
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Allama Iqbal Express
Travel Duration
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Duration: 5 to 7 hours (including road transfer from Shorkot to Garh Maharaja)
Facilities
Trains generally offer economy, AC standard, and AC business classes. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for trains with limited daily runs.
Travel by Air
Nearest Airport
There is no direct flight to Garh Maharaja. The nearest airport is:
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Faisalabad International Airport (about 120 kilometers / 75 miles away)
You can fly from Lahore to Faisalabad, then take a road journey to Garh Maharaja via Jhang or Shorkot.
Suggested Air Travel Route
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Lahore to Faisalabad (Flight): ~40 minutes
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Faisalabad to Garh Maharaja (By Road): ~2.5 hours
Travel Duration (Air + Road)
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Total Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours, accounting for flight time, check-in, and the road journey
Due to the added steps and transfers, this method is generally less efficient than direct road or rail travel unless connecting flights are part of your travel plan.
Summary
Garh Maharaja Town is best accessed via road from Lahore, offering a relatively straightforward and scenic journey through Punjab. Train travel is another viable option, especially to Shorkot Cantt, from where you can take a local transfer to the town. Air travel is less practical for this destination due to the absence of nearby commercial airports and the need for significant road travel afterward.
Whether you're visiting for spiritual reasons, family ties, or exploring rural Punjab, the journey from Lahore to Garh Maharaja is accessible, and with proper planning, it can be comfortable and rewarding.
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