Burao is around 165 km east of Hargeisa on a paved road that is generally in reasonable condition. Shared minibuses (called Hiace by the type of Toyota van used) leave Hargeisa for Burao throughout the day and take three to four hours. Private taxis can be arranged through guesthouses in Hargeisa.
Burao Airport has occasional flights from Hargeisa and Berbera, mostly small-scale services aimed at local traders. Most visitors arrive by road.
Foreign travellers need a Somaliland visa (issued at Hargeisa airport or the Somaliland mission in Addis Ababa) and a special permit to travel beyond Hargeisa — get the permit at the tourism office in the capital before heading east. Security conditions can change; check before travelling and avoid the area east of Burao toward the Sool region unless you have current local advice.