Kabul Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

By plane Kabul Airport (KBL), 9251-61001, is a short drive east of the city. Airport facilities include banking, buffet-bar, car park, post office and restaurant (all very basic). Do not expect a modern international standard airport - this is possibly the dirtiest airport in the world. Taxis are available to the city centre, but it is safer to be met by someone who is known to you. By car The road from Kandahar has been rebuilt, but is very dangerous through Zabol. The road from Mazar-e Sharif and the North via the Salang Pass is open, although care is needed during winter months. The road from Jalalabad is being rebuilt and is sporadically closed, with a difficult diversion in place. From Bamiyan it is currently advisable to take the longer northern route, as the southern route is of questionable safety. By bus Private operators serve most destinations in fairly comfortable Mercedes buses. Safety can be a problem with frequent accidents. On 19th August 2005, 20 people died on the Kabul - Kandahar road when two buses collided. It is debateably safer to take slightly more expensive shared taxis (Toyota Corollas) or private hire vehicles.