Lahore to Rukanpur Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Rukanpur is a small town located in the Rahim Yar Khan District of Punjab, Pakistan. Situated near the border of Punjab and Sindh, it holds strategic agricultural and commercial importance for the surrounding rural belt. Traveling from Lahore to Rukanpur offers multiple options, and each has its own experience and duration. Here's a comprehensive guide covering the distance and modes of travel from Lahore to Rukanpur, including road, rail, and air.

Distance from Lahore to Rukanpur

• By Road: Approximately 626 kilometers

• In Miles: Around 389 miles

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Lahore to Rukanpur is the most flexible option, giving you the liberty to stop en route and explore various cities and towns along the way. This journey mostly follows the National Highway N-5, the Grand Trunk Road, which is well-maintained and heavily used.

• Duration: The road journey typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stopovers.

• Route:

  1. Depart from Lahore via Multan Road or Motorway M3.

  2. Travel south towards Khanewal and then take the N-5 highway through Multan.

  3. From Multan, continue towards Rahim Yar Khan.

  4. Near Zahir Pir or Kot Samaba, divert east toward Rukanpur via local roads.

The route is generally scenic with glimpses of Punjab’s agricultural belt. Popular stopovers include Sahiwal, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan, where you can find food, fuel, and rest facilities.

Travel by Train

Pakistan Railways offers reliable train services connecting Lahore to towns and stations close to Rukanpur. Though Rukanpur itself may not have a major railway station, the nearest accessible station is Rahim Yar Khan or Liaquatpur, both of which are within close driving distance to Rukanpur.

• Nearest Major Railway Station: Rahim Yar Khan Railway Station

• Duration: Trains from Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan take about 10 to 12 hours, depending on the type of train and number of stops.

• Train Options:
  Some of the popular trains running this route include:

  • Karakoram Express

  • Shalimar Express

  • Awam Express

  • Jaffar Express

From Rahim Yar Khan, you can take a local bus, rickshaw, or private car to reach Rukanpur, which is approximately 35 km (22 miles) and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Train travel offers a more relaxed environment and is ideal for those looking to avoid the long hours of driving. Sleeper and AC compartments are available on most long-distance trains.

Travel by Air

There is no direct airport in Rukanpur, but the nearest airport is Shaikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan. While there are no direct flights to Rukanpur, this option is suitable for travelers who prefer to cut down travel time and avoid long-distance road or train travel.

• Flight Route: Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan

• Flight Duration: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) occasionally operates flights between these two cities, though availability can be limited and seasonal.

Once you land at Shaikh Zayed International Airport, you can easily get a taxi or local transport to Rukanpur, which is about 30 to 35 minutes away by road.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Lahore to Rukanpur presents multiple options tailored to different needs. Whether you’re seeking a scenic road trip, a budget-friendly train ride, or a quick flight to nearby Rahim Yar Khan, each mode provides its own convenience and experience. The distance of 626 km (389 miles) may seem long, but the availability of travel infrastructure ensures a smooth journey for all travelers.

The road is the most direct and offers the greatest flexibility, whereas the train provides comfort for overnight journeys. Flying is the fastest option, though it's often dependent on flight availability. Regardless of the method you choose, the route from Lahore to Rukanpur highlights the rich and diverse geography of southern Punjab.