Bolgatanga is about 780 km north of Accra — a long way. The overnight bus from Accra takes around 12 hours; several companies run direct services including VIP Bus and OA Travel. The journey is long but the buses are generally air-conditioned and reliable for the main routes. Flying to Tamale and connecting by road (about 170 km north) is a faster option if you can find a convenient flight.
From Tamale, shared taxis and tro-tros run north to Bolgatanga regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about three hours. From Bolgatanga, the border crossing to Burkina Faso is at Paga (50 km north) — a straightforward crossing if your paperwork is in order.
Bolgatanga is a useful hub for the entire Upper East Region. Shared taxis cover the local routes to Paga, the Tongo Hills, and surrounding villages.