Balkh is reached from Mazar-i-Sharif, the regional capital, which lies about 20 kilometres to the east. The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes by shared taxi or private vehicle on a decent paved road. Most visitors are based in Mazar-i-Sharif and come to Balkh as a half-day trip.
Mazar-i-Sharif has an international airport with flights to Kabul and, historically, to Dubai and other regional cities. The security situation in northern Afghanistan has fluctuated significantly over the years, and visitors should check current conditions carefully before planning any trip. At the time of writing, independent travel in this part of Afghanistan is not advisable for most foreign visitors. The only practical way to visit safely, if conditions permit, is with an experienced local guide or as part of an organized group.
The road north from Kabul through the Salang Tunnel is a historic route but a difficult and sometimes dangerous journey of eight hours or more. If you are coming overland from Uzbekistan, the Friendship Bridge at Hairatan crosses into Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif and can be used by travellers with the appropriate visas.