Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Bishkek Manas (FRU): 30 km from Bishkek.
• Full list of airports in Kyrgyzstan with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are domestic flights connecting Bishkek with Kara-Kol, Cholpan-Ata, Osh and Naryn. However, visitors should bear in mind that the maintenance procedures for aircraft operating internally may not conform to internationally accepted standards.

Kyrgyzstan has one railway line, which runs from Bishkek to Balikchi at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. However, Osh, in the south of the country, can be reached by train via Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Unfortunately, rail travel can be dangerous - numerous robberies have been reported on some routes.

There is an adequate road network, although this is often in poor condition in the mountains. Self-drive car hire not available, although cars with drivers may be hired for long distance journeys. However, due to petrol shortages, this makes this an expensive option.

Although there are regular bus connections to all parts of Kyrgyzstan, this form of travel is not recommended, due to the poor maintenance of the vehicles.

Travel within towns may be carried out using taxis; fares should always be agreed in advance. It should be noted that as many street names have changed since independence, it's a good idea to ask for both the old and the new names when taking a taxi or simply seeking directions. There are bus and trolleybus services around Bishtek.