Lahore to Harrand Fort Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Lahore to Harrand Fort – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Harrand Fort, located in the Rajanpur District of southern Punjab, is a historical site that dates back to ancient times and holds deep cultural and archaeological significance. Also known locally as "Qila Harrand," the fort lies near the border of Balochistan and is believed to have been a stronghold during the time of Alexander the Great and later used in various Islamic and local military campaigns. If you are planning a journey from Lahore to Harrand Fort, here's a complete guide outlining the distance, travel options, and durations by road, rail, and air.

Distance from Lahore to Harrand Fort

• By Road: Approximately 655 kilometers

• In Miles: Around 407 miles

Travel by Road

Traveling from Lahore to Harrand Fort by road is the most feasible and flexible method. The drive takes you through the heart of Punjab into the arid and hilly southern belt, with a combination of highways and smaller roads leading to the fort site.

• Duration: Around 9 to 10 hours by car or bus, depending on road and weather conditions.

• Route:

  1. Start from Lahore on Multan Road (N-5) or Motorway M3.

  2. Pass through Sahiwal and Khanewal to reach Multan.

  3. Continue towards Dera Ghazi Khan via N-70.

  4. From D.G. Khan, follow the road to Rajanpur and then proceed west towards Harrand, via local roads.

The final stretch to Harrand Fort involves narrower and less developed roads, and depending on the season, some sections may require cautious driving due to desert terrain and possible flooding.

It’s advised to travel during daylight hours, preferably in a vehicle with good ground clearance, especially if you intend to explore the fort area itself. Fuel and food stops are available in major cities along the way such as Multan and D.G. Khan.

Travel by Train

There is no train station at Harrand Fort, but the closest railway access is via Rajanpur or Dera Ghazi Khan, from where you can continue by road.

• Nearest Railway Stations:

  • Rajanpur Railway Station – approx. 60 km (37 miles) from Harrand Fort

  • Dera Ghazi Khan Railway Station – approx. 100 km (62 miles) from the site

• Train Duration from Lahore: Roughly 11 to 13 hours

• Popular Trains:

  • Khushhal Khan Khattak Express (via D.G. Khan)

  • Trains heading toward Multan or Kot Addu with road transfer after

After arriving at one of the nearby stations, you can hire local transport or a private vehicle to complete the journey to Harrand Fort. Expect the road travel from Rajanpur to Harrand to take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.

Trains offer a cost-effective and restful way to cover long distances. Make sure to check schedules in advance, as service frequency to southern Punjab cities can vary.

Travel by Air

The closest airport to Harrand Fort is Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, which receives limited domestic flights from Lahore. While not directly connected to Harrand, flying can cut down travel time significantly.

• Flight Route: Lahore to Dera Ghazi Khan

• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

• Airlines: PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) may operate flights on this route, though not daily.

After landing at D.G. Khan, you will need to travel by road to Harrand Fort. The distance is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by car or jeep, depending on the road condition.

Due to the remote nature of Harrand Fort, flying only reduces part of the travel duration. Ground transportation remains essential to reach the fort, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended if you plan to visit the ruins.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Lahore to Harrand Fort spans approximately 655 kilometers (407 miles) and offers a unique blend of history and geography. The road journey provides direct access and the opportunity to explore the changing landscape from central Punjab to the edge of the Suleiman Mountain range. Rail travel gives an economical and comfortable alternative with a short final leg by road. Air travel is fastest to the region, but reaching the fort still requires a substantial road journey.

Harrand Fort is not just a destination—it’s an exploration into the ancient past of the subcontinent. The site’s ruins and surrounding areas reflect centuries of military, political, and cultural activity. Whether you're a history enthusiast, adventurer, or traveler seeking heritage, the journey from Lahore to Harrand Fort is a memorable route through the heart of Pakistan’s diverse terrain.