Lahore to Shorkot – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Shorkot, a city in Jhang District of Punjab, Pakistan, is known for its historical significance, Sufi heritage, and military presence through PAF Base Rafiqui. Traveling from Lahore to Shorkot offers multiple options, primarily by road and train, as there is no direct commercial flight connectivity between the two cities. Here's a comprehensive guide to the distance and travel methods from Lahore to Shorkot.
Distance Between Lahore and Shorkot
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By Road: Approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles)
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By Train: Around 250 kilometers (155 miles) via the railway route
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By Air (indirect): No direct flights; the nearest airport is Faisalabad or Multan, followed by a road journey
Travel by Road
Route Details
Traveling by road from Lahore to Shorkot is a popular and convenient option. The journey mostly involves traveling on the M-3 Motorway, followed by local roads leading to Shorkot.
Main Route:
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Lahore → M-3 Motorway → Toba Tek Singh Interchange → Shorkot Cantt / Shorkot City
Alternative Route:
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Lahore → Sheikhupura → Jaranwala → Toba Tek Singh → Shorkot (slightly longer)
Travel Duration
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Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours
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Best Time to Travel: Early morning or late evening to avoid traffic on urban stretches
Road Conditions
The M-3 Motorway is in excellent condition and allows smooth travel. After exiting the motorway, the roads are narrower but still in reasonably good shape, especially the ones connecting Toba Tek Singh and Shorkot.
Travel by Train
Available Train Routes
Shorkot is well-connected by the Pakistan Railways network and features two stations:
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Shorkot Cantt Junction
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Shorkot City Station
There are several passenger trains that run between Lahore and Shorkot on a daily or weekly basis. These trains often stop at intermediate stations like Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, and Jhang.
Common Trains:
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Shalimar Express (partial route)
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Jaffar Express (connects to Multan and Quetta)
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Musa Pak Express (connects Multan and Lahore, passing near Shorkot)
Depending on the train, you may need to switch at an intermediate station like Faisalabad.
Travel Duration
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Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
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Frequency: Moderate, mostly once daily or alternate days
Train Facilities
Trains offer different classes from economy to air-conditioned business class. Cleanliness and punctuality can vary, so passengers should plan ahead and confirm timings from the official Pakistan Railways website or local stations.
Travel by Air
Direct Flights
There are no direct flights from Lahore to Shorkot since Shorkot has no commercial airport. The closest major airports are:
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Faisalabad International Airport (90 km / 56 mi)
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Multan International Airport (115 km / 71 mi)
Suggested Air Travel Route
If opting for air travel, you can take a flight from Lahore to Faisalabad or Multan, then hire a car or use local transport to reach Shorkot.
Example Route:
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Lahore to Faisalabad (Flight): ~40 minutes
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Faisalabad to Shorkot (By Road): ~2 hours
Travel Duration (Air + Road)
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Total Duration: Approximately 3 to 4.5 hours
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Flight: 40 minutes
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Road: 2 hours (plus airport wait/check-in time)
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This option may not be time-efficient compared to direct road or train travel, especially considering the time spent in transit, security checks, and transfers.
Summary
Shorkot is comfortably accessible from Lahore by road and train. The road route via M-3 Motorway is the most straightforward and time-saving option. Train travel offers an economical choice with moderate comfort. While air travel is theoretically possible via nearby cities like Faisalabad or Multan, it’s not practical unless you have specific reasons or connecting flights.
Whether you're traveling for historical exploration, spiritual visits to shrines, or military-related matters at PAF Base Rafiqui, the journey from Lahore to Shorkot is both convenient and scenic, especially through the heartland of Punjab.
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