Transport in Kyrgyzstan

Air

There are only a few internal commercial flight schedules within Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz air companies "Kyrgyzstan Aba Joldoru", "Altyn Air" frequently fly to Osh and Jalalabat on a regular basis. During the summer, airlines fly to Almaty (Kazakhstan), Cholpon-Ata and Tamchy (Issyk-Kul region).

Tickets can be bought in city offices ("Aviakassy"), in many other ticket agencies and at the departure terminal of the airport. Tickets can be paid, for in national currency, US dollars, Euros ond-frequently by credit card.

Access to the Central Tien-Shan region and the Inylchek Valley including for ski touring is possible via helicopter.

"Manas" International Airport
Tel.: (+996 312) 90 31 84, inquiry service
Tel.: (+996 312) 60 31 09
www.airport.kg

Rail

Kyrgyzstan holds only one main railway line which runs from Bishkek to Balykchy at thу western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. Osh city, in the south of the country, can be reached by rail via Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Passengers should store luggage under the bed or seat where there is a special space for it and should not leave their compartment unattended. Passengers should bring their own food and drinks. Tickets can be bought at the train station and also from on board conductor.

Bus

There are regular bus connections to all parts of Kyrgyzstan. Buses (as well as shared taxis) can be overcrowded but they are currently the cheapest, careful and most reliable form of internal travel in Kyrgyzstan.

Western bus terminal ("Zapadny avtovokzal")
near Osh market
Tel.: (+996 312) 65 65 75, 25 34 41

Urban transport

Bishkek is served by taxis, buses and trolleybuses. Public transport is cheap and generally reliable. Bishkek is an easy, inexpensive city to get around it. It is on a grid and relatively small capital city, so navigating on foot or by car is easy. The mountains to the south are nearly always in view.

Bishkek is wide and flat, and it's "center" is regarded as most interesting large percentage of the overall city, usually including the area of Sovietskaya to Manas several blocks on either side of Chui. Public transportation (mini-buses and trolleybuses) usually runs from 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning till 9:00 or 9:30 at night. Taxis can be found in all major towns. They are readily available and cheap.

Travelers must agree a far in advance, and not share taxis with strangers. As many of the street names have changed sine independence, it is also advisable to ascerupn both the old and the new street names wne asking directions. It is best to give a landmark that is close to your destination, and when going to restaurants, mentioning the intersection of two streets (like Chui-furusbekova) is better than saying "The Metro Pub". Car hire is not available.

Cars with a driver can be hired in travel agencies by the trip, by the hour or by the day or week. A number of taxi calling services exists (order by phone at any time).

Super Taxi - Tel.: 152
Express Taxi - Tel.: 156
Taxi Salam - Tel.: 188