Getting around Burkina Faso is slow but straightforward if you stick to the main routes. The road network radiates from Ouagadougou, and nearly everything passes through the capital.
Buses are the main way to travel between cities. Several private companies — Rakieta, TCV, TSR, and STAF — run large, reasonably comfortable coaches on the major routes. The Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso run (365 km, roughly 5-6 hours on a good day) is the most frequent. Buses also connect to Banfora, Fada N'Gourma, and border towns for onward travel to Ghana, Mali, and Ivory Coast. Buy tickets at the bus stations (gares routieres) the day before or early morning of travel. Departures are usually early — 6 or 7 AM.
Bush taxis and minibuses fill the gaps between the bus routes. They are cheaper and more flexible but less comfortable — packed tight, and they do not leave until full. For shorter hops between towns, they are often the only option.
Within cities, SOTRACO runs public buses in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. The fleet has been expanding and the main routes are useful, but most locals get around by motorcycle or moped. Taxis are available in both cities — agree on a price before getting in. Increasingly, ride-hailing apps are available in Ouagadougou.
The train between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso — part of the old Abidjan-Ouagadougou line built in the colonial era — has been intermittent in recent years. When running, it is slow but scenic. Check locally whether services are operating.
Driving yourself is possible but demanding. The main paved highways (Ouaga-Bobo, Ouaga-Koudougou, Ouaga-Po toward Ghana) are in decent shape. Secondary roads are unpaved and range from fine in the dry season to impassable in the rains. A 4x4 is essential for anything off the main routes. Fuel is available in all towns but can be scarce in remote areas.
Domestic flights between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso exist but are infrequent and not much faster than the bus once you account for airport time. For most travelers, the bus is the practical choice.