Lahore to Gumbat Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Traveling from Lahore to Gumbat, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat District, offers an intriguing journey through varied terrain and cultures of Pakistan. Gumbat lies southwest of Kohat city and is known for its rural atmosphere and tribal heritage. Whether you are traveling for personal, professional, or exploratory reasons, understanding the logistics of the journey is essential. Below is a detailed guide covering distance, travel options, and travel time by road, train, and air.

Distance from Lahore to Gumbat

• By Road: Approximately 450 kilometers (about 280 miles) depending on the exact route taken.

• By Air (to nearest airport + road): Lahore to Peshawar Airport is about 380 km (236 miles), followed by an overland journey of roughly 110 km (68 miles) to Gumbat.

• By Train (to Kohat + road): Lahore to Kohat is approximately 440 km (273 miles) by rail and road combined.

Traveling from Lahore to Gumbat by Road

The road journey from Lahore to Gumbat is straightforward but lengthy, typically taking 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and weather. Travelers generally take the M-2 Motorway from Lahore to Islamabad, followed by the M-1 Motorway toward Peshawar, and then branch off at the Indus Highway (N-55) near Kohat. From there, you continue south toward Gumbat via Kohat Road.

Route Overview:

• Lahore → Islamabad via M-2

• Islamabad → Peshawar via M-1

• Peshawar → Kohat via Indus Highway (N-55)

• Kohat → Gumbat via local roads

The route provides scenic views of the Pothohar Plateau, the Salt Range, and the transition into Kohat’s arid terrain. Make sure to refuel and take breaks at service areas along the motorways.

Duration by Road: Approximately 9 hours

Traveling from Lahore to Gumbat by Train

There is no direct train from Lahore to Gumbat, but you can reach the nearby Kohat Railway Station via a combination of routes. Pakistan Railways operates trains from Lahore to Rawalpindi and onwards to Peshawar, but to get to Kohat, travelers must disembark at Jand or Basal Junction and take a bus or van to Kohat. From Kohat, Gumbat is reachable by road.

There is also a small gauge railway line connecting Rawalpindi to Kohat through some older infrastructure, but it operates infrequently and is not the most reliable option for time-sensitive travel.

Route Overview:

• Lahore → Rawalpindi (Train)

• Rawalpindi → Kohat (Van/Bus)

• Kohat → Gumbat (Local transport)

Duration by Train and Road Combined: Around 12 to 13 hours, depending on connections and waiting times.

Traveling from Lahore to Gumbat by Air

The nearest airport to Gumbat is Bannu Airport, but it does not operate regular commercial flights. The most feasible air travel option is to fly from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport, followed by a road journey to Gumbat.

Flights from Lahore to Peshawar are frequent and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Peshawar Airport, you can hire a car or take public transport to Kohat, then continue on local roads to Gumbat. The road segment is about 110 kilometers (68 miles), taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Air Route Summary:

• Flight: Lahore → Peshawar (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Road: Peshawar → Kohat → Gumbat (2.5 to 3 hours)

Total Duration by Air and Road: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, excluding airport wait times.

Summary of Travel Durations

Mode of Transport	Duration (Approx.)
By Road	8 to 10 hours
By Train	12 to 13 hours
By Plane	4 to 5 hours

Travel Tips

• Road travelers should start early in the morning to avoid nighttime travel through mountainous or rural areas.

• Train travel is best for those who prefer a cost-effective option and are flexible with time.

• Air travel is the quickest, though you'll need to coordinate ground transport from Peshawar to Gumbat.

• Security checkpoints may be present near Kohat and along the tribal routes; carry your identification documents.

• Weather conditions vary seasonally—winters can be cold and foggy on the plains, while summers are hot and dry.

Points of Interest Along the Way

• Islamabad: A convenient stopover for meals or rest if traveling by road.

• Kohat Tunnel: A major engineering feat on the way from Peshawar to Kohat, offering a faster route through the mountains.

• Indus River Views: Seen during parts of the drive on N-55, especially near the Kohat region.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lahore to Gumbat is a long yet manageable journey, offering options for both budget-conscious and time-sensitive travelers. The road trip reveals much of Pakistan’s diverse geography, while air travel provides speed and efficiency. Train travel remains an option for those valuing cost and cultural exposure. Whichever method you choose, preparation is key to a smooth journey to Gumbat.