Cheap flights to Afghanistan

Flight time from the US to Afghanistan will vary significantly depending on several factors. First, the part of the US you leave from will have the largest impact, but the number of stopovers and where you land in Afghanistan will also play a role. For instance, a flight from Houston, Texas with a single stopover in Istanbul will take 23h 20m. A flight from San Francisco with a single stop in Istanbul will take 24h. A flight from New York City to Afghanistan with a stopover in Dubai will take 21h 55m. The most popular airports to fly out of to reach Afghanistan from the US include JFK International in New York City, as well as Los Angeles International in California. For international travelers, chances are good that you’ll land at Khwaja Rawash Airport in Kabul, as this is the main international airport.

Many cities in the US offer flights to Afghanistan, but none offer direct flights. All flights will require at least a single stopover. New York City and Los Angeles are the largest cities offering flights to Afghanistan, but there are many others, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Note that flights with two stopovers may take 32h or more. Some of the more common stopover points on this route include Istanbul, London, and New Delhi. However, the routes vary drastically due to the sheer size of the United States.

Travel within Afghanistan is difficult and dangerous due to the ongoing hostilities there. The only real option is to hire a taxi, although there is a bus system in Kabul. If you take a taxi, understand that haggling the rate is expected and they do not use meters. Travel overland is discouraged outside of major urban centers, although there are limited car hire facilities in the city of Kabul. If you do choose to rent a car, consider hiring a driver or a guide. Boat rentals that ply the inland waterways are also available. There is no train system here.

While much of Afghanistan is off-limits due to hostilities, there are many things to see and do here. One of those is to visit Band-e-Amir National Park. You can also see the stunning Blue Mosque, or visit Babur Tomb. Qargha Lake is always pretty, and you can also explore the Bamiyan Valley’s cultural landscape and archaeological remains. The Kabul Museum is informative, and Darul Aman Palace is worth visiting, as well.

Yes, US citizens will need a passport to enter Afghanistan. You will also need a visa with at least one blank page and that has at least six months of validity remaining. You are also limited to $20,000 maximum on entry and exit, and you must have your polio vaccine up to date. Note that Afghanistan is flagged as a level 4 nation and the State Department advises all Americans not to visit doe to a wide range of threats.