Erbent lies roughly 156 km north of Ashgabat across the Karakum desert, and there is no scheduled public transport. The standard approach is to hire a driver in Ashgabat — a straightforward negotiation at the main taxi stands near the bazaar, and most drivers are familiar with the route. The drive takes two to three hours depending on road conditions; the road is paved for much of the route but deteriorates closer to the oasis.
Visitors travelling independently should ensure they have a valid permit for the internal travel zone before departure. Foreign nationals in Turkmenistan are required to register their movements, and the desert regions require additional documentation that your hotel or a local travel agency can arrange. Arriving without the correct paperwork risks a fine or a forced return to Ashgabat.