Atar is the end of the main paved road heading northeast from Nouakchott, roughly 450 kilometres away. The drive takes around six to eight hours by shared taxi or minibus, depending on stops and sand encroachment on the road. Shared taxis (Mercedes saloons packed to capacity) and long-distance minibuses both run this route from Nouakchott's garage routière; depart early to be sure of getting a place.
Atar International Airport (ATR) is about 7 kilometres north of the town centre. There are occasional domestic flights from Nouakchott, and in the past charter flights from France have operated during the tourist season — but service is irregular. Check before counting on it.