Gharyan is about 90 kilometres south of Tripoli on the main road toward Ghadames. The drive from Tripoli takes roughly 90 minutes in normal conditions, with a good paved road that climbs steadily up the escarpment. Shared taxis and minibuses run from Tripoli's southern bus terminal to Gharyan throughout the day, departing when full.
There is no rail connection. If you're driving south toward Ghadames or the Fezzan, Gharyan makes a natural first stop for fuel, food, and a look at the troglodyte houses before the road enters more arid territory.