A layover in Faizabad is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Fayzabad Airport sits just 50 minutes from the city center by local transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Before You Step Outside FBD
A few things to sort out before you leave FBD:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Afghanistan. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Faizabad takes about 50 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is AFN. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some AFN in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Fayzabad Airport to Downtown
From FBD, the local transport gets you to Faizabad in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Exploring Faizabad on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Faizabad:
Start with Faizabad Central Bazaar. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights. Then, if time allows, make your way to Kokcha River Bank Stroll. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at FBD, check out Fayzabad Airport Waiting Area or Airfield Observation Point to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Faizabad Kabob & Rice House and Chai Khana (Tea House) Gulistan are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Faizabad.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe & Snacks and Local Fare Eatery (Airport) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Faizabad:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $3 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $18 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at FBD can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Faizabad for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at FBD, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Faizabad itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Afghanistan that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at FBD include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Afghanistan also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Faizabad genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.