By Air
The main international gateways are Manas (BSZ) in Bishkek and Osh (OSS). From Bishkek there are direct flights to major hubs (Istanbul, Dubai, Ankara, Baku, Almaty, Tashkent) and several Russian cities; seasonally — Seoul and other routes. May sure to double check the flight schedules before booking.
Tip: Compare fares across airlines/OTAs and review baggage and transit rules.
From Airport to Bishkek City
Manas Airport is about 30 km from central Bishkek. You can get to downtown by bus/minibus, taxi apps (usually cheaper than the traditional taxi line), or official airport taxis.
Tip: Install Yandex Go (or inDrive), confirm the fare in the app before boarding, and keep small cash for incidental expenses.
By Land (Borders)
Entry is possible via land checkpoints: Ak-Jol/Korday (Kazakhstan, between Bishkek and Almaty), Dostuk/Dustlik (Uzbekistan, between Osh and Andijan), and the high-mountain passes Irkeshtam and Torugart (China). Seasonal restrictions and special requirements may apply.
Tip: Check opening hours and customs rules in advance; allow extra time for queues at peak hours.
Buses & Minibuses
Intercity buses and minibuses run between Bishkek and nearby cities/countries; a popular route is Almaty — Bishkek via Korday. Shared taxis (fixed-price carpool) are common.
Tip: Confirm drop-off point, baggage fees, and approximate travel time.
By Car
Mountain roads are scenic but include hairpin turns and major elevation changes. During winter and in off-seasons some passes may close; coverage and navigation can be unstable.
Tip: Get insurance and check brakes/tires/cooling; keep extra fuel and cash for parking and small roadside expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions