How to Get to Mazar-e Sharif. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Air travel serves as the main and most advisable method for international visitors.

Information

Mazar-e Sharif International Airport (MZR) is the main airport.
Afghan carriers like Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air operate flights.
Flights connect MZR to Kabul, and regionally to Dubai, Istanbul, and Islamabad.

Flight Logistics

International travel requires careful planning due to limited direct options.

Travel Notes

No direct flights from major global hubs. Connections via regional hubs are necessary.
Flight schedules are erratic and susceptible to change. Book with flexible policies using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
Airport facilities are basic. Anticipate enhanced security checks.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are the main transport. Pre-arranged transfers or private security vehicle pick-ups are strongly advisable for international visitors.

Negotiate Fares

If using an unarranged taxi, negotiate the fare in advance to avoid disputes upon arrival.

Patience

Anticipate enhanced security checks and potential delays at the airport for both arrival and departure.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Departure taxes may be included in air ticket price or paid separately.
Arrive at MZR at least 3 hours before international flights due to security.
Expect check-in, bag check, security screening, and immigration.
Airport facilities for departing travelers are basic; duty-free is minimal or non-existent.

Flight Booking

Use platforms like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
Skyscanner has wide-ranging flight comparisons.
Always check flight status directly with the airline.
Factor in security situation when choosing flight times.

Land Transportation

Extreme Risks

Inter-city or cross-border land travel carries extreme and unacceptable risks for international visitors. Most foreign governments strongly advise against any such travel. Do not attempt self-driving or long-distance buses.

Border Crossings

The Hairatan border with Uzbekistan is mainly for cargo. Security on the Afghan side is highly volatile. Border crossings are unpredictable, subject to sudden closures, and extremely dangerous for foreigners.

Road Conditions

Roads can be different greatly. Safety is severely compromised by IEDs, ambushes, checkpoints, banditry, reckless driving, and UXO. Night travel is extremely dangerous and strictly advised against.

Sea/River Arrivals

Landlocked Country

Afghanistan is a landlocked country. It has no sea or river ports relevant for international passenger travel.

No Water Routes

Ferry services are not applicable.
River transit choices are not applicable.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable.

Not Applicable

All sections related to sea or river travel for passenger arrivals are not relevant for Mazar-e Sharif.

No Connections

There are no connections to land transportation from sea/river ports.
This section is left largely blank due to irrelevance.
Focus solely on air and extremely cautious land travel.

Land Transportation Risks

Inter-City Bus Travel

Long-distance bus services operate between major Afghan cities. However, journey by inter-city bus is extremely dangerous for foreigners.

Bus Travel Dangers

Risks include roadside bombs.
Risks include ambushes.
Risks include kidnapping.

Train Services

A railway line connects Hairatan (on the Uzbek border) to Mazar-e Sharif. This line mainly serves cargo transport.

Passenger Limitations

Passenger services are extremely limited or non-existent for international travelers.
Train travel is not a viable or safe option.
The line primarily serves cargo.

Car Rental & Driving

No Self-Driving

Self-driving for foreigners is not recommended or feasible due to extreme security risks, poor road conditions, and complex local driving customs. Consider DiscoverCars.com for safer regions.

Road Safety

Road safety is severely compromised. Expect poorly maintained roads, reckless drivers, and minimal traffic enforcement.

Night Travel

Night travel is extremely dangerous and strictly advised against for all foreigners. Plan all movements during daylight hours.

Land Travel is Risky

Land transportation, notably inter-city or cross-border travel, carries extreme and unacceptable risks for international visitors to Afghanistan. Most foreign governments strongly advise against any such travel.

How to Get to Mazar-e Sharif