A long layover in Kabul is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Bagram Air Base for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 180 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside OAI
A few things to sort out before you leave OAI:
- 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 Kabul takes about 180 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. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Kabul
You have two main options for getting from Bagram Air Base into town:
- local transport: About 180 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 200 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Storing Your Luggage at Bagram Air Base
Specific locker facilities at OAI aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Kabul itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Kabul might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Exploring Kabul on a Layover
For a layover visit to Kabul, we’d suggest Bagh-e Babur (Babur’s Gardens) and National Museum of Afghanistan. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OAI, you can spend time at Bagram Air Base Post Exchange (PX) or try Bagram Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Center. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Kabul: Gandam Restaurant and Kabul Star Hotel Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Dining Facility (DFAC) or Green Beans Coffee. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and OAI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Kabul and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, OAI has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Kabul is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Kabul.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.