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Kabul Hamid Karzai Layover Guide (KBL)

What are you looking for in KBL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kabul Airport (KBL) is an international airport located in Kabul, Afghanistan. It’s situated about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Kabul. The airport was originally built in the 1960s. Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, serving as the country’s political and economic hub. The city is known for its rich history, bustling markets, and mountainous surroundings, offering visitors a unique cultural experience and scenic views.

Can you leave Kabul Airport (KBL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Kabul International Airport has no sterile transit zone; all non-Afghan passengers wishing to exit the terminal during a layover must obtain an Afghan transit visa in advance from a diplomatic mission. Visas on arrival are not issued at KBL for general transit passengers. Transit visas cannot be purchased upon landing. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Babur Gardens (Bagh-e Babur) Babur Gardens, founded in 1528, features terraced lawns, reflecting pools and historic mausoleum ruins. Stroll lush pathways, enjoy panoramic city views and soak in Mughal-era tranquility. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi from Hamid Karzai International Airport)
• National Museum of Afghanistan Discover ancient artifacts including Bactrian treasures, Gandhara sculptures and Islamic manuscripts. Interactive exhibits highlight millennia of regional history and culture in a climate-controlled setting. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi or shared van)
• Darul Aman Palace Iconic neoclassical palace undergoing restoration. Admire its grand façade, ornate interiors and learn about Afghanistan’s 20th-century reform era amid extensive landscaping and photo opportunities. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi)
• Chicken Street Bazaar Shop for authentic Afghan handicrafts, carpets, precious gemstones and local souvenirs. Engage with vendors, sample street-side kebabs and experience Kabul’s vibrant market atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi)
• Pul-e Khishti Mosque Visit Kabul’s largest mosque, notable for its striking blue dome and intricate tile work. Respectful attire required; observe local worshippers and enjoy serene courtyard ambiance. (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi)
• Kabul City Center Mall Browse international brands, local boutiques and enjoy a quick coffee or pastry at the food court. Modern shopping complex with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or rideshare)
• Paghman Gardens Lush hillside gardens featuring fountains, pavilions and shaded walkways. Escape urban bustle with scenic mountain views and traditional Afghan tea houses. (Time required: 2–2.5 hours / Airport to here: 60-minute taxi)
• Kabul TV Tower Viewpoint Drive up to the TV tower for sweeping panoramic views of Kabul valley at sunset. Great photo spot with light refreshments available. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Kabul Airport (KBL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Hamid Karzai International has no public pay-in lounges. A small VIP lounge exists for diplomats and business class travelers by invitation only. Seating areas are basic, with limited charging points. Coffee kiosks and snack vendors are available landside. Relaxation options inside the terminal remain minimal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site hotel at Kabul Airport. The nearest accommodations are 10–15 km away in Wazir Akbar Khan or Karte Parwan districts. Several 3–5 star options offer airport shuttles and 24-hour front desk services. Booking in advance is recommended due to security and traffic considerations. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The airport terminal provides benches and rows of seats without dedicated rest zones. Overnight stays are tolerated but can be noisy. Bring earplugs and a travel pillow. A few cafés remain open late, offering seating and refreshments. Security patrols may ask sleeping passengers to relocate occasionally.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is intermittently available throughout the arrivals and departures halls but often requires SMS verification with local numbers. Connection speeds are slow and unreliable. Several cafés and vendor kiosks offer paid hotspot access via prepaid vouchers. Roaming data remains the most stable alternative.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple local telecom counters operate landside, selling Afghan telecom SIM cards (Roshan, Etisalat, MTN) for about 250–300 AFN with data bundles. National ID or passport photocopy is required. eSIM options are limited, so physical SIMs are recommended. Top-up vouchers are sold at kiosks in the terminal. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Kabul Airport (KBL) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Authorized airport taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. Fares to central Kabul range from 400–600 AFN; negotiate or ensure the meter runs. Ride-hailing apps function sporadically; cash payment only. Always use marked airport taxis for vetted drivers. Driving times vary widely due to security checkpoints and traffic.

Train: There is currently no rail link to Hamid Karzai International. Afghanistan’s rail network remains under development, with no public passenger train services connecting the airport. Travelers must rely on road transport only.

Bus: No dedicated public bus routes serve KBL directly. Shared minibuses (“memos”) depart from nearby arterial roads toward city center for 20–30 AFN. They stop at fixed junctions only. Due to security checks, boarding may require additional time. Confirm routes with local staff before departure.

Shuttle: Several city hotels provide complimentary airport shuttle services upon booking. All transfers must be pre-arranged and coordinated with the hotel’s front desk. Shuttle vans pick up passengers outside the arrivals terminal; drivers display hotel logos. Availability is limited after midnight; verify schedule at reservation.

Car rentals: International car hire firms are not present; local rental agencies operate small fleets of sedans and SUVs. Rates start around 4,000 AFN per day, excluding fuel and insurance. Most rentals include a driver due to security regulations. Pre-booking through your hotel or travel agent is essential. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking areas lie adjacent to the terminal. Parking fees are approximately 50 AFN per hour or 300 AFN per day. Spaces are unshaded and unsecured. Valet service is not offered. Exercise caution leaving valuables in vehicles, as surveillance is limited beyond main roads.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage or locker facility at Kabul Airport. Travelers must keep baggage with them. Some local vendors offer informal paid holding services landside, but these are neither regulated nor secure. For safe storage, consider arranging hotel day-use early check-in. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kabul Airport (KBL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks