Travel.kg

When traveling around in Kyrgyzstan, keep in mind that roads are awful and thus, traveling between different cities can be a long and painful process. Another options is flying – you can get a *fun* experience by flying old Russian airplanes.

Marshrutkas are little vans that run in a standard path around the cities, or even between cities. Marshrut in Russian actually means «route». Each marshrutka will have a set route. Stand on the corner and wave them down. They are often crowded and most people will have to stand. If you are sitting and an elder person gets on, it is appropriate to let them have your seat.

They generally cost in the 8 som range. If you are not sure which marshrutka to take, it is easy to ask the driver and they will tell you if it is the correct one or not.

Marshrutkas generally have no working windows, so it can get quite hot in the summer.

Marshrutkas Take You Where You Wanna Go!

Buses to/From Almaty and Tashkent leave from Long Distance Bus station in Jibek Jolu Prospectisy 1,5 Km west of the city center. There are two convenient banks outside the terminal(but the better rates are to be found in Monechangers at the Corner Between Chuy Prospectisy and Manas.

Ticket office is Mafia-Like. They speak only english and they always say all the buses are full. Prepare to pay 30-40% more for the ticket. At least the service is reliable. Bus come nearly on time.

Buses to Cholpon Ata and Karakol leaves from the same building. It’s no sweat getting a ticket for a fair price.

For Osh you should get to the Bus station around Osh Bazar.

Trolleybus

Bishkek also has a trolley bus system which is less extensive and generally slower (the fare is 5 soms). They only stop at designated bus stops. Travelers enter at the back door and leave at the front, where they have to pay.

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Taxi

There are several private taxi firms in Bishkek that you can easily reach through their three digit numbers including: 150, 152, 154, 156, 166, and 188. Daytime taxis throughout the city are a flat rate of 100 soms and 120 soms past 10PM. There are also numerous «gypsy cabs» situated at nearly every intersection. While most travellers and long-time expats report no problems, you are cautioned to be aware, especially at night and near nightclubs. Generally tourists use the local taxi services which can be reached through several numbers: 150 Euro (Evro) Taxi, 152 Super Taxi [2], 156 Express Taxi and 188 Salam Taxi. Before 10PM most runs in the city are 100 soms and after 10PM are 120 soms.