A Flight Of Endurance: Traversing The Skies From Colorado To Afghanistan

The flight time from Colorado to Afghanistan varies depending on the departure and arrival airports, as well as the number of stopovers. On average, a non-stop flight from the United States to Afghanistan takes around 30 hours and 34 minutes, covering a distance of 7,162 miles. However, the average flight time from Washington, D.C. to Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, is 17 hours and 30 minutes.

It's important to note that there are no direct flights from Colorado or any other airport in the United States to Afghanistan. Travelers from Colorado would need to include at least one layover in their travel plans. The duration of the flight will also depend on the number of stopovers and the specific airports.

Flight prices and how to find cheap flights

The price of flights from Colorado to Afghanistan varies depending on the date of departure and the airline. The lowest price for a one-way flight found by KAYAK users in the last 72 hours was $921, whereas Cheapflights.com users found one-way flights for as low as $563. The cheapest ticket to Afghanistan from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $691.

To find cheap flights, it is recommended to use a travel search engine such as KAYAK, Skyscanner, or Cheapflights.com, which compare prices from multiple travel sites. These platforms also offer features such as price alerts, which notify users when prices drop, and flexible date searches, which can help find cheaper alternatives within a few days of your preferred travel dates.

It is also worth noting that flight prices are usually cheaper during off-peak seasons and can increase during holidays and festivals.

Airports in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has four international airports: Kabul International Airport (Khwaja Rawash Airport), Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport, Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport, and Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport. The country also has about 16 regional domestic airports that serve smaller, more remote areas.

Kabul International Airport

Kabul International Airport is the main airport for international travel to Afghanistan. It serves the population of Kabul and the surrounding areas. The airport does not offer transportation from the airport, but private taxi services are available.

Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport

The Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport serves northern Afghanistan.

Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport

The Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in Kandahar serves the southern parts of Afghanistan. It is the second-largest international airport in the country and is located about 10 miles outside the city.

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport

The Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport in Herat serves the population of western Afghanistan. It is the fourth-largest commercial airport in Afghanistan and is located about seven miles southeast of the city.

Other Airports

In addition to the four international airports, flights from the US also land at the following airports in Afghanistan:

• Mawlānā Jalāl ad-Din Muhammad Balkhī International Airport in Mazar-i-Sharif
• Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport in Herat
• Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in Kandahar

Getting to Kabul city centre from the airport

Kabul International Airport (KBL) is located in the northern part of Kabul, Afghanistan. It is one of the country's main international airports, capable of housing over a hundred military and civilian aircraft. The airport is located 3km from the city centre.

By Public Transport

There is no public transport service from the airport to the city centre.

By Taxi

You can get to the city centre by taxi, which operate from area C of the airport between 07:00 and 18:00. As the taxis do not have meters, you will need to negotiate the price. The average cost of a taxi from the airport to the city centre is 200–250 afghani.

By Car

There is a four-lane highway connecting the airport to Kabul. Car rental companies Avis and Budget operate from the airport.

Afghanistan travel advisories

Summary

As of December 2023, the US Department of State advises US citizens not to travel to Afghanistan due to terrorism, the risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime. The country is rated as a Level 4: Do Not Travel. The Canadian government similarly advises its citizens to avoid all travel to Afghanistan.

Security and Crime

The security situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and dangerous, with frequent terrorist attacks and an ongoing armed conflict. Multiple terrorist groups are active in the country, and foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries are targets for kidnappings and violence. The Taliban, who took over the country in 2021, have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention are often unclear. The Taliban do not regularly permit the US to conduct welfare checks on detained US citizens.

Criminals are taking advantage of the unstable security situation to commit violent attacks, including armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual and gender-based violence. The risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals is extreme, with criminals kidnapping and sometimes killing Westerners.

Women's Safety

Women are not allowed to travel by themselves and often face difficulties at checkpoints. They must abide by strict rules and behaviours, including always travelling with a male guardian and covering themselves from head to toe. Women who do not cover themselves appropriately are likely to be arrested and face jail sentences.

Travel and Transport

Travelling throughout the country is extremely dangerous, including in Kabul. There are checkpoints on all roads and throughout cities. Some borders are closed or may close without notice, and border crossing is risky due to criminal groups and smugglers. Overland travel is extremely dangerous, and military and police forces are inadequate. Basic infrastructure services such as electricity and telephones are minimal, even in urban areas.

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and are aggressive and reckless. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Health and Medical Services

Medical services and facilities are inadequate and may be completely unavailable. If available, health care facilities are not appropriately sanitized, and patients requiring medical treatment for wounds run a significant risk of infection. Prescription medications are not available, so bring a sufficient supply for your trip. Medical evacuation is very expensive and rarely possible due to a lack of companies willing to service Afghanistan.

Things to do in Afghanistan

Although it is currently recommended to avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and serious safety risks, there are still several things to do and see in the country. Here is a list of things to do when it is safe to travel to Afghanistan:

• Visit the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley, where you will find the remains of two Buddhas carved into the cliffs, dating back to the 6th century.
• Explore Band-e-Amir National Park, a series of six blue-green lakes surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, created by volcanic activity.
• Discover the Panjshir Mountains, known for their natural beauty, hospitality, and history.
• Visit the Khwaja Abd Allah Ansari Shrine, one of Afghanistan's holiest sites, dedicated to the 11th-century saint and poet Khoja Abdullah Ansari.
• Explore the Darul Aman Palace, the former location of the King of Afghanistan.
• Learn about Afghanistan's history at the National Museum of Afghanistan.
• Visit the Gawhar Shad Madrasa and Mausoleum, a beautiful example of old Persian architecture.
• Explore Shahr-e-Zahak (Red City), the ruins of a city sacked by Genghis Khan.
• Check out the Blue Mosque, a magnificent blue mosque surrounded by thousands of white doves.
• Take a trip to the Kabul Museum, once one of the greatest museums in the world, with exhibits ranging from Hellenistic gold coins to Buddhist statuary.
• See the Minaret of Jam, a lonely sentinel that reaches a dizzying height of 65m.
• Discover the Bala Hissar, the old seat of royal power, with a fortress that has stood since at least the 5th century AD.
• Visit Herat's Friday Mosque, Afghanistan's finest Islamic building and one of the greatest in Central Asia.
• Explore the Herat Citadel, a towering ruin that has watched over Herat for centuries.
• Stroll through the Babur Gardens, laid out by the Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century, and the site of his tomb.
• Visit the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, with its iconic twin blue domes.
• Step back in time as you wander through Herat's Old City, the most complete traditional medieval city in Afghanistan.
• Admire the Musalla Complex and Minarets, commissioned by Gowhar Shad, a great patron of the arts and one of the most remarkable women in Afghanistan's history.
• See the ruins of Shahr-e Zohak, guarding the entrance to the Bamiyan Valley.
• For something a little different, visit the Kabul Zoo, a popular place for recreation.

Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, offering everything from historic cities and stunning landscapes to ancient ruins and unique local cultures.

Frequently asked questions