A long layover in Sharona is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sharana Airstrip for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave OAS:
- 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 Sharona takes about 30 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.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Sharona, we’d suggest Sharana Central Market (Restricted Access) and Provincial Governor’s Compound (View from Distance). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights. The views are worth the trip if you have time.
If you’d rather stay inside OAS — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Passenger Waiting Area
- Base Exchange (BX) / Convenience Store
How to Get Into Sharona
You have two main options for getting from Sharana Airstrip into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 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.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Sharona: Local Chai Khana (Restricted Access) and Sharana Kabob Stall (Limited Access). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Dining Facility (DFAC) or Coffee & Snack Bar. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Sharona might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at OAS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sharona 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 Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at OAS aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sharona itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Sleep & Lounge Options at OAS
Long overnight layover? Your options at OAS 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Sharona count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave OAS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.