Flying in
Kabul airport stayed open through the strikes of 2026. Routes reported in 2026:
- flydubai from Dubai, and Air Arabia from Sharjah
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, several times a week
- Ariana Afghan Airlines from Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah and Delhi, among others
- Kam Air from Dubai, Jeddah and Doha, and Kuwait from August 2026
Flights to and from Pakistan, and over Iran, have been disrupted by the wars of 2026. Check with the airline the week you fly. The e-visa is valid only at Kabul airport.
Land borders
As reported in mid-2026:
- Pakistan (Torkham, Chaman and Spin Boldak): closed to travellers since late February 2026. Pakistan announced a reopening in August; it has not been confirmed.
- Iran (Islam Qala to Herat, and Milak to Zaranj): open in daylight, but travel through Iran is unwise during its war, and closures come without warning.
- Turkmenistan (Torghundi): open.
- Uzbekistan (Hairatan to Termez): open; some nationalities are refused.
- Tajikistan: Shir Khan Bandar is open and the only border with a visa on arrival. Other Tajik crossings, including Ishkashim, are closed to foreigners.
- China (Wakhjir): closed.
Inside the country
Domestic flights with Kam Air and Ariana link Kabul with Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar. Fares reported in 2026: Kabul to Herat about 6,650 afghanis, to Mazar about 5,250, to Kandahar about 5,300. There are no scheduled flights to Bamyan.
By road, typical driving times:
- Kabul to Ghazni: 2 hours
- Kabul to Bamyan: 4 to 5 hours
- Bamyan to Band-e-Amir: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif, over the Salang Pass: 8 to 10 hours
- Kabul to Herat: 12 to 14 hours
See distances between cities and roads and passes for the rest, and which passes close in winter.
Taxis, buses and drivers
- Shared taxis and buses between cities cost about 200 to 400 afghanis; a "VIP" bus from Herat to Kandahar about 800.
- There are no ride-hailing apps. Agree the fare before you get in, or ask your hotel to call a driver.
- A taxi from Kabul airport into the city costs about 500 afghanis.
- Most visitors hire a car with a driver and guide by the day, through a hotel or a local tour company.
On the road
- Most roads are unpaved and serious crashes are common, including on intercity buses: choose a careful driver and do not travel at night.
- You will pass checkpoints. Keep your passport, visa and permits to hand, answer politely, and never photograph the checkpoint.
- Do not be out late at night. A traveller was held for three days in Kandahar in 2025 for being out at 2 in the morning.