
Lahore to Daharki — Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Daharki (ڈھارکی) is a busy town in Ghotki District, Sindh, situated on the N-5 national highway and known for agriculture and industry. Travelling from Lahore to Daharki crosses the breadth of Punjab into northern Sindh and can be done by road, by rail, or — partly — by air (via the nearest airports). Below is a practical, travel-focused guide that covers distances (km & miles), typical durations, common routes, and useful tips for each mode of transport. (Sources for distances and timings are linked at relevant sections.)
At a glance — distances & rough durations
- Road distance: ≈ 655–665 km (≈ 407–414 miles). Typical driving/bus duration: ~8–9 hours (depending on stops, traffic, and route). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Railway (service route): rail routes connect Lahore → Daharki via major junctions; typical rail journey time is commonly in the range of ~11–13 hours depending on service and stops. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Air (closest airports): there is no airport in Daharki — the nearest commercial airport is Sukkur (SKZ) ~90–100 km away; Lahore → Sukkur is an aerial distance of ~687 km (≈ 427 miles), then a road transfer to Daharki. Total travel time (flight + transfer) typically 4–6 hours depending on flight connections. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Traveling by road (car / bus)
Common route: Lahore → (M-3 / M-4 / M-5 motorways) → Multan → Bahawalpur → Rahim Yar Khan → Sadiqabad / Rohri → Daharki (via N-5). This route stays largely on high-quality motorways and the N-5 national highway for the Sindh segment.
Distance & duration: Most mapping and travel services list the driving distance between Lahore and Daharki at roughly 655–665 km (≈ 407–414 miles). With sustained motorway speeds and only short rests, drivers and express buses commonly complete the trip in about 8–9 hours; slower driving, more stops, or heavy traffic will push this higher. For scheduled intercity buses the advertised durations are similar (8–9 hours). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why choose road? Road travel is flexible — you can depart at your preferred time, stop for food or sight-seeing, and bring larger luggage. Modern motorways (M-4 / M-5) make much of the route comfortable and fast.
Practical tips:
- Use the motorways (M-3/M-4/M-5) as far as possible for a smoother drive and better fuel efficiency.
- Plan fuel and prayer/refreshment stops — Multan and Bahawalpur are natural mid-route hubs.
- Check traffic reports before leaving Lahore (city exits can slow you down during peak hours).
- If you prefer a bus, check schedules of reputable operators (many run daily services between Lahore and Sindh cities that stop close to Daharki). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Traveling by train
Route & services: Pakistan Railways operates trains that pass through or stop at Daharki. Typical long-distance trains (e.g., trains on the Karachi–Peshawar corridor that stop at intermediate junctions) provide one-seat connectivity from Lahore to Daharki with scheduled stops at major stations en route. Popular named trains that call en route include long-distance expresses; check the current Pakistan Railways timetable for exact stops and timings. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Distance & duration: Rail distance follows the main trunk line and, because of stops and lower average speeds than motorways, the journey time is usually longer than a non-stop drive. For Lahore → Daharki, travelers typically expect around 11–13 hours on express services (actual time depends on the train you choose and the scheduled halts). Check the up-to-date train timetable when planning. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Why choose train? Trains are comfortable for overnight travel (sleeping berths on certain services), allow you to move about, and remove the stress of driving. They’re well suited for travellers who prefer a relaxed journey and want to enjoy the scenery.
Practical tips:
- Book in advance for AC berths during peak seasons and holidays.
- Confirm the specific train’s schedule — some expresses take longer because of more stops, while a few make fewer stops and are faster.
- Arrive at the station early; expect longer boarding times for long-distance trains.
Traveling by air (partial: fly to nearby airport + road transfer)
Daharki has no commercial airport. The practical air option is to fly to the nearest airport (Sukkur / sometimes Nawabshah or even Multan depending on routing) and complete the journey by road.
Nearest commercial airport: Sukkur Airport (SKZ) is the closest major airport to Daharki — roughly 90–100 km by road. The aerial distance Lahore → Sukkur is about 687 km (≈ 427 miles), so a direct flight (when available) plus the highway transfer to Daharki generally reduces fatigue and can be the fastest overall option if flight connections are convenient. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Typical total time: If you fly, allow time for airport check-in, the flight (usually about 1–1.5 hours of airtime for Lahore → Sukkur), and the road transfer (~1.5–2.0 hours from Sukkur to Daharki). Overall door-to-door time is commonly in the 4–6 hour range depending on connections and waiting times. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Why choose this hybrid option? Flying can dramatically reduce fatigue and is sensible for urgent travel or when you prefer to avoid a full day on the road. It’s most practical when flight schedules align neatly with your itinerary.
Local arrival & onward — short notes
Once in Daharki, the town is directly connected to the N-5, so road transfers from Sukkur, Rohri, Mirpur Mathelo, or Ghotki are straightforward. Local taxi services, shuttle buses, and private cars are commonly used for last-mile travel.
Checklist — before you travel
- Double-check the route, real-time traffic, or rail timetable the day before departure. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- If driving, ensure vehicle maintenance (tyres, oil, coolant) and keep emergency numbers handy.
- For trains, book ahead for preferred berths; for flights, check baggage rules and transfer times.
- Carry water and snacks for the trip, and a portable charger for devices.
- Keep photocopies or digital photos of ID and travel documents when using intercity services.
Final words
Whether you choose road, rail, or a flight + transfer, Lahore → Daharki is a well-traveled corridor across Pakistan’s heartland. Road travel (≈655–665 km) is practical and flexible; trains provide a relaxed, scenic option with scheduled services to Daharki; and flying into Sukkur plus a short drive offers the quickest, least-tiring door-to-door experience when flight timings work for you. For exact departure times and the most current schedules, consult the bus operator, Pakistan Railways timetable, or airlines before you travel. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
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