First time to visit Kyrgyzstan or not, you will likely arrive by flight, unless you cross the border from Almaty). Arriving at Manas International Airport will be your standard route and for sure going to Bishkek is your first agenda. In this post, I will share with you several options on how to go from Manas International Airport to the city center of Bishkek and vice versa.
Looking for visa information? Check my visa guides: Kyrgyzstan E-Visa AND Kyrgyzstan Visa on Arrival
Manas Internation Airport (Airport Code: FRU)
First thing first, Manas International Airport is outside Bishkek and is located in the Sokuluk District of the Chuy Region. The distance between the two is approximately 25 kilometers and it is around 30-40 minutes drive away by car. Take this into consideration when planning your journey.
Several ways to go from Manas International Airport to Bishkek and vice versa
Fret not, there are several options to choose from on how to go between the two. It's up to you to select which one suits your preference for comfort and budget. So what are the options? Let's start with the budget ones and then later on with the private ones.
1) Marshrutka #380
The cheapest among all the options, is a marshrutka, a typical shared van as a form of public transportation) will take you to Bishkek's city center. For just 50 soms (amount as of May 2022), you can hop in Marshrutka #380 and it will leave once full. The marshrutka has a fixed route but the driver can drop you anywhere as long as it's along the route.
However, it does NOT run 24/7 and runs only between 7 AM - 7:30 PM which is quite the issue since most international flights depart/arrive during the wee hours of the day.
Bus Stop Location in Bishkek: Along Chuy Avenue
2. GoBus KG
A new service operating since June 2022, GoBus is a shuttle service as a collaboration project of Das-Trans LLC and the Tourism Development Support Fund. GoBus is a higher standard than a regular marshrutka and offers several pick-up/drop-off locations along the central street of Bishkek for just 200 soms.
Upon my arrival at Manas International Airport, I took the GoBus and it's easy to spot them outside the airport (GOBUS IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE UPON EXITING THE AIRPORT).
I got down at Vefa Center (No.4) and the timings are posted at the bus stop as well. Timings may differ for about 5-10 minutes depending on the traffic and each bus stop may have different timings so check accordingly.
To learn more about this service, you may visit the GoBus Website.
3. Yandex Go Taxi
Yandex Go is a Russian-owned ride-hailing service similar to Uber or Careem. Although I'm quite a fan of Yandex, I wouldn't recommend booking your transport from and to the airport through it. Hear me out, it's because the fare fluctuates depending on the traffic, your drop-off location, and the time of service which is valid.
As of July 2024, I tried booking a taxi to the airport for the first time (from Bishkek). When I was creating the booking, I was 200% sure that the fare was only around 800 soms (which is normal). I booked a taxi, went to the airport, and took my flight back home. Upon arriving home, I saw my card transaction (because I paid through my card in the app) that they charged me almost double the amount due to an increased demand. *cries in silence and I don't have a screenshot of the initial price*
So I suggest you use Yandex Taxi to check the average fare, but arrange your transfer outside the app. But on your normal taxi requirements around the city, go ahead and use Yandex. ๐
4. Regular Private Taxi
This is similar to Yandex Go Taxi but without the extra task of navigating the app. Although the Yandex Go App is user-friendly, some of you may not want to go to such an extent just to hail a taxi. In this option, upon arriving at the arrival hall or anywhere in the city (where you are) you can just hail the taxi as you wish. You can practice your negotiation skills in this option.
Also, expect to pay from 600 soms up to a maximum of 1500 soms (but that would be too much as well unless your accommodation is outside Bishkek).
5. Arranged Private Transfer
Unless you have a family, friend, or acquaintance who can pick up/drop you off, having an arranged private transfer is the most comfortable option among all. This can be a little more expensive than a regular taxi though but not all the time. Fare would be more or less similar to the above fare rates (between 600 soms up to a maximum of 1500 soms) depending on your location of pick up or drop off.
Back in Spring 2022, I stayed in Koisha Hostel near Osh Bazaar and I was charged for 1200 soms upon arrival. Then in Autumn 2022, People Hostel arranged a taxi during my departure but was asked for only 700 soms.
The best way to go is YOUR way.
If you ask me which is the best way to go, I can't deny that a private taxi and/or an arranged private transfer is the most comfortable one. If you can find someone from the hostel who wants to take a taxi too, invite them to split the fare among the two (or three of you). That's how I took the taxi arranged by People Hostel. Yasmeen, a fellow traveler and a Russian resident from the hostel shared the taxi with me and we all split the fare.
But budget-wise, GoBus is a new lifesaver for me since it is cheap and runs any time of the day. At the end of the day, the best way to go still goes down to your preference. It's your trip, so follow your heart's desire ๐
