Lahore to Daraban – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Daraban (also spelled Daraban Kalan) is a small town located in the Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situated at the foothills of the Sulaiman Range. Known for its scenic mountain backdrop and tribal culture, Daraban is a significant stop for those traveling toward Waziristan or the western highlands. The journey from Lahore to Daraban passes through several diverse landscapes and regions.
Distance Between Lahore and Daraban
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By Road: Approximately 565 kilometers (351 miles)
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By Air (straight-line): Around 440 kilometers (273 miles)
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By Train (including road transfers): Roughly 600–620 kilometers (373–385 miles)
Traveling from Lahore to Daraban by Road
Road travel is the most practical and direct way to reach Daraban from Lahore. The route takes travelers through central and southern Punjab, ending in the rugged terrain of western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Total Distance: ~565 km (351 miles)
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Estimated Duration: 10 to 11 hours
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Recommended Route:
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Lahore → Multan via M3 and M4 Motorways
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Multan → Dera Ghazi Khan via N70
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Dera Ghazi Khan → Dera Ismail Khan via N55 (Indus Highway)
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Dera Ismail Khan → Daraban via Daraban Road (~40 km / 25 miles)
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Road Conditions:
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Motorways and highways up to Dera Ismail Khan are well-maintained.
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The final leg to Daraban involves narrower roads, but they are motorable and commonly used for intercity travel.
Traveling from Lahore to Daraban by Train
There is no direct rail line to Daraban. However, you can travel part of the journey by train and complete the remainder by road.
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Suggested Rail Route:
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Lahore → Darya Khan Junction or Kot Adu Junction
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Continue by road to Dera Ghazi Khan, then Dera Ismail Khan, and finally Daraban
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Train Segment (Lahore to Darya Khan): ~400 km (249 miles)
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Train Duration: 7 to 9 hours
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Road Segment (Darya Khan to Daraban via DI Khan): ~160–180 km (99–112 miles)
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Road Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Note: Check current train schedules and availability of onward transport before starting the journey.
Traveling from Lahore to Daraban by Plane
No direct flights go to Daraban, but the nearest airport is Dera Ismail Khan Airport (DSK). While flights to DSK are limited, it can be an option to shorten road travel.
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Flight Option 1:
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Lahore → Islamabad or Peshawar → Dera Ismail Khan (chartered/limited flights)
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Dera Ismail Khan → Daraban by road (~40 km / 25 miles)
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Flight Option 2:
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Lahore → Multan (1 hour)
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Multan → Daraban via road (~7 to 8 hours / ~450 km or 280 miles)
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Road Duration from DSK to Daraban: ~1 hour, depending on local traffic
Note: Confirm regional flight schedules and security updates before travel.
Summary
Daraban is accessible from Lahore primarily through road travel, which offers a scenic and immersive experience through Pakistan’s heartland and into the tribal foothills. Train travel can cover early segments of the route, but eventually transitions into road transport. Air travel is limited and only useful for partial routes, with Dera Ismail Khan acting as the closest air gateway. The overall journey offers both cultural richness and geographical diversity, ideal for travelers interested in Pakistan’s lesser-known destinations.

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