Getting around
Getting Around Kyrgyzstan, a Country of Mountain Roads
Kyrgyzstan is a country of mountains, and its roads follow the valleys and climb over high passes between them, so distances on the map take longer than they look. Most journeys start in Bishkek, and those beyond the towns are made with a driver who knows the road.
Updated 2026-10-08
Arriving
Manas International Airport, north-west of Bishkek, is the main gateway by air, and Osh has an international airport of its own in the south. Many travellers come overland from Almaty in Kazakhstan, whose airport has more connections: the drive to Bishkek takes about four hours with the border, by shared taxi, minibus or private transfer. Roads also cross from Uzbekistan into the Fergana Valley near Osh, and from Tajikistan over the Pamir Highway.
Minibuses and shared taxis
Marshrutkas, minibuses that leave when full, link Bishkek with the towns around Issyk-Kul, Kochkor, Naryn and beyond, from the capital's western and eastern bus stations, and shared taxis on the same routes leave from the same places, faster and a little more comfortable. They are paid in cash, in som, and small notes help.
A car with a driver
For Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat, the valleys above Karakol and the other places beyond the bus routes, a car with a driver, or a four-wheel drive for the rough tracks, is arranged through guesthouses, community tourism offices and agencies in the towns. Many travellers hire one for a few days of a loop, sharing the cost with others met on the way.
Bishkek to Osh
The north and the south of the country are separated by high ranges, and the road between Bishkek and Osh crosses passes of more than 3,000 metres, a long day's drive by shared taxi or with a driver. Domestic flights between the two cities take about an hour and are the usual way for travellers short of time.
Driving yourself
Cars, and four-wheel drives for the mountains, can be rented in Bishkek, and Kyrgyzstan drives on the right. The main roads are paved, but mountain roads are narrow and winding, side roads are often gravel or dirt, and livestock wanders onto every road, so driving is done by daylight, and many visitors prefer a local driver.
Getting around Bishkek
Bishkek's centre is walkable, with long avenues and parks, and taxis ordered through an app are the easy way across the city. City buses and marshrutkas run on the main roads, paid in cash on board.