Reaching
Afghanistan
Easiest way to reach Kabul is to take a plane to for Kabul. You would land
in Kabul International Airport, which has now been reopened for civlian
traffic. One can also enter Afghanistan overland. Do remember that
Afghanistan has 30 minutes' time difference with its neighboring countries.
Some borders are closed on certain days, and you need to check it out before
approaching Afghan border.
Getting Around Afghanistan
Air
The country has five airports, namely Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar i Sharif,
Herat and Jalalabad. However air transport within the country is limited.
Kam Air operates twice-daily flights between Kabul and Herat. But you can't
be sure for going elsewhere via air. However the new government is trying
hard to improve things.
Road
Most roads in Afghanistan are in dilapidated state. However repair work is
being done on major roads with help from international community. Salang
Tunnel, an important passage between Kabul and Northern Afghanistan, has
been cleared for traffic. It has drastically reduced transport time from 72
hours to 10 hours. If driving yourself in the country, do remember that
traffic drives on the right and you would require an international driving
permit.
City dwellers in Afghanistan travel by bus or bicycle. In countryside,
where these means of transport are absent, people move from one place to the
other by foot, donkey, horse or camel.
Intra-Kabul Transport
Once, Kabul had good network of buses, trolleybuses and taxes. However, war
caused heavy destruction of infrastructure and vehicles. Some services have
been resumed, but they are not reliable. It would be better if you arrange
for your own transport for moving around.
Inland Waterway
Amu Darya River, flowing through the parts of Afghanistan's northern
border, serves as the inland waterway of the country. Main ports on the
river banks are Keleft, Shair Khan and Kheyrabad. The river can handle boat
traffic up to 500 metric tons.
Rail
Rail traffic in Afghanistan is non-existent.
