Lahore to Babri Banda Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Lahore to Babri Banda: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Babri Banda is a small but historically significant town in the Kohat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Nestled among low hills and rural settlements, it holds importance due to its tribal associations and proximity to regional routes connecting southern KP with major cities. While not a mainstream tourist destination, Babri Banda serves as a waypoint or point of interest for travelers seeking to explore the Kohat region or nearby tribal belts. For those planning a trip from Lahore, here is a detailed guide on how to reach Babri Banda by road, train, or air, including distance and estimated travel times.

Distance Between Lahore and Babri Banda

• By Road: Approximately 530 kilometers (329 miles)

• By Train (to Kohat + Road to Babri Banda): Approximately 535 kilometers (332 miles)

• By Air (to Peshawar Airport + Road to Babri Banda): Approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles)

Traveling by Road

The most straightforward and widely used travel method to reach Babri Banda from Lahore is by road. The route utilizes Pakistan’s national motorway system, with a final approach through local roads in the Kohat district.

• Suggested Route:
  Lahore → M-2 Motorway → Islamabad → M-1 Motorway → Indus Highway (N-55) → Kohat → Babri Banda

• Estimated Duration:
  8.5 to 9.5 hours, depending on weather, traffic, and the number of stops.

• Road Conditions:

  • The majority of the route is well-paved and passes through the national motorway network.

  • The final stretch from Kohat to Babri Banda is made up of smaller regional roads, which may have narrower lanes and more local traffic.

• Bus Services:
  Buses like Faisal Movers, Skyways, and Daewoo operate daily services from Lahore to Kohat. Upon reaching Kohat, taxis or local vans can be used to reach Babri Banda, which is roughly a 30-minute drive.

Traveling by Train

Though Babri Banda lacks a direct railway station, travelers can access the area by disembarking at Kohat Railway Station, the nearest major stop, followed by a short road trip.

• Train Route:
  Lahore Junction → Rawalpindi → Kohat Railway Station

• Rail Distance:
  Approximately 470 kilometers (292 miles)

• Train Duration:
  10 to 12 hours, including possible waiting times and stopovers.

• Road Distance from Kohat to Babri Banda:
  About 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), taking 30 to 40 minutes by road.

• Train Facilities:
  Pakistan Railways provides Economy, AC Standard, and AC Sleeper services. Kohat trains may have limited frequency, so confirm schedules before planning.

Traveling by Air

Though Babri Banda does not have an airport, the nearest commercial airport is Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. After arriving in Peshawar, travelers must complete the remainder of the trip by road.

• Flight Route:
  Lahore (Allama Iqbal International Airport) → Peshawar (Bacha Khan International Airport)

• Air Distance:
  Approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles)

• Flight Duration:
  Roughly 1 hour

• Post-Flight Road Journey to Babri Banda:
  Peshawar to Babri Banda is about 70 kilometers (43 miles), which takes 2 to 2.5 hours via Kohat Road.

• Airlines Operating the Route:
  Flights are available through PIA, Airblue, and AirSial.

Travel Considerations

• Security & Checkpoints:
  Kohat and its surrounding areas are generally stable, but security checkposts are present along the route, especially near tribal belt borders. Keep your CNIC or passport available for inspection.

• Driving Tips:

  • Avoid night travel if unfamiliar with the terrain.

  • Be mindful of livestock and local traffic on regional roads.

• Vehicle Type:
  Any standard car can manage the journey. Roads beyond Kohat are mostly paved but may have occasional potholes or narrow passages.

Mobile Coverage and Connectivity

• Mobile Networks:
  Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone provide good coverage along most of the route. However, network signals might weaken in some rural pockets near Babri Banda.

• Internet Access:
  3G/4G data coverage is generally available but may fluctuate in the final leg near smaller settlements.

Local Features of Babri Banda

• Cultural Landscape:
  The town is primarily inhabited by Pashtun tribes with strong local traditions and customs.

• Natural Surroundings:
  The area features small hills, open plains, and local farmlands—a stark contrast to the urban sprawl of Lahore.

• Nearby Points of Interest:

  • Kohat City: Known for its colonial structures, bazaars, and spiritual shrines.

  • Kohat Tunnel: A modern engineering feat used en route to reach Babri Banda.

Travel Timing and Best Seasons

• Ideal Time to Travel:
  Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer moderate temperatures and more pleasant travel conditions.

• Winter Conditions:
  Babri Banda does not experience heavy snowfall, but Kohat’s higher elevations may be cooler.

• Summer Precaution:
  Hot and dry climate; carry water and stay hydrated if traveling by road.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lahore to Babri Banda introduces you to the deeper, lesser-known regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where tribal heritage, hilly landscapes, and rural charm converge. Whether you choose to journey by road for flexibility, train for comfort, or air for speed, the trip is manageable in a day and offers a unique contrast to life in Punjab. With basic planning and awareness of regional protocols, Babri Banda can be a fascinating stop on your travel map.