How to get to Kandahar

When planning a trip to Kandahar, you are setting off to one of the oldest cities in Afghanistan, located in the southern part of the country. To decide how to reach Kandahar, it is worth exploring the available routes, as this major historical centre receives flights via its airport and is connected to neighbouring regions by a network of roads. A journey to this city will allow you to touch centuries of history and witness an important cultural crossroads of Asia.

The primary way to reach the city by air is by flying into Kandahar Airport (KDH), which serves as the main air gateway for this southern region. The aviation hub receives regular flights and ensures stable connections with other major centres, serving hundreds of thousands of passengers annually.

When planning complex routes, travellers sometimes consider nearby cities with airports, such as Quetta or Herat; however, it is worth noting that they are located at a significant distance. Upon arrival at the local terminal, tourists can easily reach the centre of Kandahar, as the airport has transport links to the city limits.

There is no direct railway connection to the city, so it is impossible to get here exclusively by train. Kandahar is not yet integrated into the international railway network, and there is no passenger station here. Lovers of rail travel should plan a complex multi-leg route with a transfer to alternative transport in neighbouring regions.

The nearest major point that can be reached by rail is Quetta, located at a distance of about 200 kilometres. Railway infrastructure is also developing in the area of Herat city, but it is located significantly further away. Travellers will have to cover the remaining part of the journey to the south of Afghanistan by car or bus in any case, which requires careful preparation for the road.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring Pakistan, and one of the key transit points is the route from Quetta. The distance between the cities is about 230 kilometres, and the travel time varies from 5 to 8 hours depending on the speed of border control and traffic conditions.

Long journeys await those heading from the west of the country, for example, from Herat, from where transport covers more than 550 kilometres in approximately 10–12 hours along the main highway. There are also services from the eastern city of Khost, but this trip can take the entire daylight hours due to the difficult terrain and the significant length of the route.

A car journey to Kandahar offers views of the region's picturesque landscapes and allows you to feel the scale of the distances. The fastest international route runs from the Pakistani city of Quetta: drivers usually cover the distance of 238 kilometres in about 4.5 hours. The path from the west of the country, from the historical centre of Herat, is significantly longer — about 570 kilometres, which will require around 8.5 hours on the road along the main highway.

An alternative option for those driving from the east is the route from the city of Khost, where a trip covering 543 kilometres will take more than 9 hours. For such long journeys, travellers often use intercity taxi services or hire experienced drivers with their own vehicles; it is customary to negotiate the price of the trip in advance, as there are usually no fixed meters for such distances.

A trip to Kandahar requires careful preparation and respect for local traditions. To ensure your journey to this historical region of Afghanistan is as comfortable and organised as possible, we have compiled some useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Appearance. Given the strict cultural norms, choose modest and covering clothing that fully conceals arms and legs. A headscarf is necessary for women. Since the climate here is hot and arid, prefer loose-fitting items made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton.
2. Transport. Public transport in the city is poorly developed and may be unfamiliar to a tourist. For getting around, it is more convenient and reliable to hire a taxi or a car with a local driver. Be sure to agree on the cost of the trip in advance, before getting into the car.
3. Finances. Bank cards are rarely accepted, so always carry a sufficient supply of cash in the local currency (Afghani). It is better to exchange currency at official banks or specialised points, avoiding street money changers.
4. Health and Hygiene. Due to the hot climate, there is a high risk of dehydration, so drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. It is recommended to pack a first aid kit with essential medicines and strictly use sunscreen and a head covering.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Pashto, and Dari is also widely spoken. English is not known by everyone, so having an offline translator on your phone or knowing a few basic polite phrases will significantly facilitate communication.
6. Local Etiquette. Greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake (among men) and a gesture of the right hand to the heart. You may only photograph local residents, especially women, after obtaining their explicit consent to avoid violating privacy norms.
7. What to Avoid. Refrain from public displays of affection and the consumption of alcohol, which is strictly prohibited. It is also considered impolite to pass money, food, or items with the left hand.
8. Time Planning. Remember that Friday is the official day off (Jumu'ah), when most markets, shops, and government institutions are closed. Plan your shopping and visits to important places for other days of the week.

Observing these simple rules will help you show respect for the city's culture and avoid awkward situations. By preparing in advance, you will be able to focus on exploring the atmosphere and character of this ancient city.