Islamabad to Kotli Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Kotli in Azad Kashmir offers a variety of options. Here is a comprehensive guide covering travel by road, train, and plane, including distances, routes, and travel durations.

By Road

Traveling by road is the most common and flexible way to get from Islamabad to Kotli.

Route 1: Islamabad to Kotli via Rawalpindi and Sihala

• Distance: Approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles)
• Route:
  1. Start from Islamabad and head south towards Rawalpindi on the Islamabad Expressway.
  2. Continue on the GT Road (N-5) from Rawalpindi.
  3. Turn onto the Sihala Road towards Kahuta.
  4. From Kahuta, take the Kahuta-Kotli Road leading directly to Kotli.
• Travel Duration: About 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route 2: Islamabad to Kotli via Murree

• Distance: Approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles)
• Route:
  1. Depart Islamabad on the Murree Road (N-75) towards Murree.
  2. Pass through Murree and continue towards Kohala.
  3. Cross the Kohala Bridge into Azad Kashmir.
  4. From Kohala, follow the road to Kotli.
• Travel Duration: Around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route 3: Islamabad to Kotli via Gujar Khan

• Distance: Approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles)
• Route:
  1. Start from Islamabad and head south on the Islamabad Expressway to Rawalpindi.
  2. Continue on the GT Road (N-5) to Gujar Khan.
  3. From Gujar Khan, take the Gujar Khan-Kotli Road.
• Travel Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By Train

There is no direct train service from Islamabad to Kotli. However, you can use a combination of train and road travel for your journey.

Option 1: Train to Rawalpindi, then Road to Kotli

• Distance:
  • Islamabad to Rawalpindi by train: Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles)
  • Rawalpindi to Kotli by road: Approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles)
• Route:
  1. Take a train from Islamabad to Rawalpindi.
  2. From Rawalpindi, take the road route via Sihala or Gujar Khan to Kotli.
• Travel Duration:
  • Train: About 30 minutes to 1 hour from Islamabad to Rawalpindi.
  • Road: 2-3 hours from Rawalpindi to Kotli.
  • Total Duration: 3-4 hours, including transfer times.

By Plane

There are no direct flights to Kotli, as it does not have an airport. However, you can fly to the nearest airport and then travel by road.

Option 1: Flight to Islamabad International Airport, then Road to Kotli

• Distance:
  • From Islamabad International Airport to Kotli by road: Approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles)
• Route:
  1. Fly into Islamabad International Airport.
  2. From the airport, take the road route via Rawalpindi and Sihala to Kotli.
• Travel Duration:
  • Flight duration to Islamabad International Airport varies based on departure location.
  • Road: Approximately 3-4 hours from the airport to Kotli.

Detailed Travel Information

Road Travel

Road travel is the most straightforward option, offering scenic views and a flexible schedule. The routes via Sihala and Gujar Khan are shorter and more commonly used. The Murree route, although slightly longer, offers a scenic journey through the hills and is popular among those who enjoy mountainous drives.

Train Travel

Using the train from Islamabad to Rawalpindi is a quick and convenient way to cover the initial part of the journey. Trains from Islamabad to Rawalpindi are frequent, with comfortable seating and reasonable fares. Once in Rawalpindi, the road journey to Kotli can be completed by bus, taxi, or private car.

Air Travel

While there are no direct flights to Kotli, flying to Islamabad and then continuing by road is an option for those coming from other cities or countries. Islamabad International Airport is well-connected with domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, rental cars, taxis, and buses are available for the road journey to Kotli.

Conclusion

Traveling from Islamabad to Kotli offers several options, each with its own advantages. Road travel provides flexibility and scenic routes, train travel offers comfort and a quick start, and air travel is ideal for those coming from afar. Depending on your preference, budget, and time constraints, you can choose the mode of travel that best suits your needs.

Regardless of the option you choose, always check for current road conditions, weather updates, and transportation schedules to ensure a smooth and safe journey.