Ambalavao sits on the RN7 between Fianarantsoa and Ihosy. Taxi-brousse services run along this route, but schedules are flexible in the usual Malagasy way: vehicles leave when full, and journey times depend on road conditions, stops, and patience.
Private drivers usually treat Ambalavao as a natural overnight or lunch stop on the classic highland-to-Isalo route. If you are visiting Anja Community Reserve, arrange transport onward rather than assuming you can easily flag something at the roadside after the walk.