Kitwe is in the Copperbelt Province, about 330km north of Lusaka on the Great North Road. By bus the journey from Lusaka takes around four to five hours; shared taxis are faster. Several bus companies operate this route including Mazhandu Family Bus, and departures are frequent from Lusaka's Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Ndola — the Copperbelt's other major city — Kitwe is about 50km west on a good road, with frequent minibuses and taxis making the run throughout the day.
Kitwe does not have a commercial airport. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola serves the region and is the nearest air gateway, with flights to Lusaka and occasional international connections.