Getting around

🚌 Public Transport

Urban Transport

• Bishkek:
  The capital is modernizing its public transportation. In 2025, 250 new buses are being added to improve comfort and capacity (source).

• Marshrutkas (Minibuses):
  Still the backbone of public transport in most cities. They follow fixed routes, are cheap and frequent, though often overcrowded.

Intercity Travel

• Resumed Cross-Border Buses:
  After a border settlement with Tajikistan in March 2025, intercity and cross-border buses are operating again, improving regional mobility (source).

🚗 Road Infrastructure

• Expansion Projects:
  Over 1,100 km of new roads are being built in 2025, with major pothole repairs across the country (source).

• North–South Highway:
  Completion of the alternative Bishkek–Osh highway has been postponed to 2026 due to additional works (source).

✈️ Air Transport

• Asman Airlines:
  The state carrier is expanding and plans to serve all 11 domestic airports regularly by the end of 2025 (source).

• Manas International Airport:
  The main international airport near Bishkek is undergoing a major upgrade, including terminal expansion and improved runways, expected to finish by late 2025.

🚆 Rail Transport

• China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway:
  Construction began in April 2025. The 486 km line (312 km in Kyrgyzstan) will include 18 stations, 81 bridges, and 41 tunnels, forming a vital trade link (source).

• Makmal–Karakol Railway:
  A public-private partnership is launching a new railway to boost regional connectivity (source).

⛴️ Water Transport

Due to mountainous terrain and a lack of navigable rivers, water transport is limited. However, private boats and summer cruise services operate on Lake Issyk-Kul.

🚙 Car Rental

Rental cars are available with or without a driver. For mountain or rural travel, hiring a local driver is strongly recommended.

Required documents for foreign tourists:

• Valid passport

• Proof of legal stay (visa or registration if applicable)

• International driving permit (IDP)

SHUTTLE BUSES

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

1. In Cities (e.g., Bishkek, Osh)

• Marshrutkas (Minibuses):
  Most common form of transport. These follow fixed routes, cost 15–20 KGS per ride in Bishkek, and run frequently during the day. No schedule — just flag them down and pay when exiting.

• Buses and Trolleybuses:
  Operated by the city government. Cheaper than marshrutkas (around 11 KGS). Slower but better for comfort, especially trolleybuses.

• Taxis:
  Widely available via apps like Yandex Go or Namba Taxi. Affordable and safer than hailing random taxis. Always check the price or use the app meter.

2. Intercity Transport

• Marshrutkas:
  Fast and cheap option to travel between cities (e.g., Bishkek–Karakol, Bishkek–Osh). They leave when full from designated minibus stations. Cost varies (e.g., Bishkek to Karakol ~500–600 KGS).

• Shared Taxis:
  Also depart from bus terminals. More expensive than marshrutkas but faster and more comfortable. Prices are negotiable.

• Long-Distance Buses:
  Operate on fewer routes. Slower and less comfortable than marshrutkas. Used more for overnight travel (e.g., Bishkek–Osh over the mountains).

• Trains:
  Limited service, mainly between Bishkek and Balykchy (Issyk-Kul region), and Bishkek–Moscow. Slow but scenic and cheap.

3. Rural Areas

• Transport is limited.
  In remote regions like Naryn, Alay, or parts of Issyk-Kul, public transport is rare. Locals rely on hitchhiking, shared jeeps, or chartered vehicles.

Tips for Tourists

• Carry small cash (KGS).

• No fixed schedules for marshrutkas.

• Learn a few key Russian/Kyrgyz phrases or show your destination on Google Maps.

• Private transfers or renting a car with a driver is often the best option for tourists exploring rural or off-the-beaten-path areas.

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