Islamabad to Saidu Sharif Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Saidu Sharif, located in the scenic Swat Valley of Pakistan, offers multiple modes of transportation, each providing a unique experience of the region's landscape. Here's a comprehensive guide detailing all possible ways to travel this route, including distances, travel durations, and routes.

Distance

• Distance by road: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles).

Modes of Transportation

1. By Car
2. By Bus
3. By Air
4. By Train (Partial) and Road

1. By Car

Traveling by car is one of the most popular options due to the flexibility it offers. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Route:

• Islamabad to Mardan: Take the M1 Motorway from Islamabad to Mardan.
• Mardan to Malakand: Continue on the N45, passing through Takht Bhai and Dargai.
• Malakand to Saidu Sharif: Proceed on the N95 through Chakdara, Mingora, and finally to Saidu Sharif.

Travel Duration:

• Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Scenic Stops:

• Takht Bhai: Famous for its Buddhist monastic complex.
• Malakand Pass: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Mingora: The largest city in Swat Valley, known for its vibrant bazaars and historical sites.

2. By Bus

Bus services are available for those who prefer not to drive. Various bus companies operate on this route, providing comfortable and economical travel options.

Route:

• Islamabad to Mingora: Most buses take the same route as cars via Mardan and Malakand.
• Mingora to Saidu Sharif: A short drive from Mingora to Saidu Sharif, often included in the bus journey.

Travel Duration:

• Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops.

Bus Services:

• Daewoo Express: Known for its reliable and comfortable services.
• Faisal Movers: Another reputable company offering a comfortable ride.

3. By Air

Flying is the fastest but often the most expensive way to travel from Islamabad to Saidu Sharif. However, this option is limited due to the frequency of flights.

Route:

• Islamabad to Saidu Sharif Airport: Direct flights are available, although infrequent.

Travel Duration:

• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Additional Travel Time: Include travel time to and from the airports.

Airlines:

• PIA (Pakistan International Airlines): Occasionally operates flights between Islamabad and Saidu Sharif.

4. By Train (Partial) and Road

Although there is no direct train service to Saidu Sharif, you can travel part of the journey by train and then switch to road transport.

Route:

• Islamabad to Mardan: Take a train to Mardan. The train journey offers a scenic route through the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Mardan to Saidu Sharif: Continue the journey by bus or car.

Travel Duration:

• Train Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours to Mardan.
• Road Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours from Mardan to Saidu Sharif.

Detailed Travel Itinerary

By Car

1. Start from Islamabad: Begin your journey on the M1 Motorway.
2. Reach Mardan: Continue for about 131 kilometers (81 miles).
3. Head towards Malakand: Take the N45 from Mardan to Malakand, a 63-kilometer (39-mile) drive.
4. Proceed to Chakdara: Continue on N45 through the Malakand Pass to Chakdara, covering around 45 kilometers (28 miles).
5. Final Stretch to Saidu Sharif: Drive through Mingora to Saidu Sharif, a distance of about 20 kilometers (12 miles).

By Bus

1. Departure from Islamabad: Board a bus from a major terminal.
2. Route via Mardan and Malakand: The bus follows the M1 Motorway and N45.
3. Arrival at Mingora: The bus usually stops here for a break.
4. Final Leg to Saidu Sharif: Continue to Saidu Sharif, typically a short drive included in the bus fare.

By Air

1. Depart from Islamabad International Airport: Board your flight to Saidu Sharif.
2. Arrive at Saidu Sharif Airport: The flight takes about an hour.
3. Travel to City Center: A short taxi ride from the airport to Saidu Sharif.

By Train and Road

1. Train to Mardan: Catch a train from Islamabad to Mardan.
2. Switch to Road Transport: Hire a taxi or catch a bus from Mardan.
3. Continue to Saidu Sharif: Follow the route via Malakand and Mingora.

Conclusion

Traveling from Islamabad to Saidu Sharif offers diverse experiences depending on your mode of transport. Whether you prefer the independence of driving, the comfort of a bus, the speed of flying, or the scenic train route combined with a road trip, each option provides a unique perspective of the beautiful landscapes of Pakistan. The distance of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) can be covered in a few hours, making Saidu Sharif a convenient and attractive destination for travelers seeking the charm of Swat Valley.