Almaty and Bishkek are two popular cities for tourists to visit in Central Asia. Lucky for travelers, the route between these two cities is quite easy. Since this route is also commonly taken by locals, there are several convenient options you can consider for your travels. Before we get into the different transportation methods, I have a blog post outlining five things you can do in Bishkek to include in your itinerary and the best restaurants you need to eat at. I hope you find these guides helpful!
TRANSPORTATION METHODS FROM ALMATY TO BISHKEK
1. By Air
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from Almaty to Bishkek is by air. This is my preferred method because the opportunity cost of sitting in a car for four hours is too high for me.
There are daily flights between the two cities, operated by Air Astana. The flight duration is around 50 minutes, making it the perfect choice for those who want to save time and avoid any potential hassles on the road. Cost-wise, you can find tickets for approximately USD 100.
2. By Shared Taxi:
The most common way of traveling from Almaty to Bishkek is by shared taxi. The distance between the two cities is approximately 240 kilometers and the journey takes around three to four hours, depending on the traffic conditions and how fast your driver is. I remember one of our drivers made the trip within two and a half hours.
Finding a shared taxi is very simple and you can consider leaving from popular bus stations such as the International Bus Station Sayran. If you don't speak any Russian, it may be difficult to find a driver. So I recommend you to have a Russian speaker help you out to find an appropriate driver. A one-way trip to the border from Almaty will cost around 5000 Kazakh Tenge which is equivalent to around 1000 Kyrgyz Som (USD 10).
The shared taxi will take you to the Korday border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This border is open 24/7 and you’ll have to go through the typical border crossing process like showing your passport and getting any of your luggage and baggage passed through security. Once you pass security, you are now in Kyrgyzstan.
3. By Bus:
There are buses that depart from Almaty to Bishkek. As of December 9, 2023, busses depart every two hours from the International Bus Station Sayran to Bishkek. You can view their schedule here and even buy tickets online. I haven't taken this method of transportation but it seems quite straightforward. Again, if you're hesitant, have a Russian speaker to assist you.
The website of the International Bus Station Sayran is here.
4. With your own vehicle:
Traveling from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan with your own car or vehicle is an option. It is important to note that you will need to have the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance, to drive in both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Additionally, be prepared for potential delays at the border crossing, as there may be long queues and thorough checks.
If you are driving with a car rental, make sure you find a company that allows you to take the car cross-border.
Regardless of the method of transportation you choose, it is always a good idea to plan your journey in advance. Check the schedules and fares for flights and consider factors such as travel time, cost, and convenience. It is also recommended to have some local currency on hand, as it may be required for certain transactions, such as buying tickets or paying for transportation services.
You can read my other blog post if you'd like to learn how to go from Bishkek to Almaty. I hope you enjoy your time in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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