Cheapest Flights to Bishkek
About Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan’s rapidly growing capital Bishkek is also the country’s largest city and political, cultural, and economic center. Located in the Chui Province, compared to other cities around the world Bishkek is a new city that was built in recent history. While the city had different names during the Soviet Union after its dissolution it was named Bishkek. The capital, which was established far inland, away from the sea, has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry while winters are usually cold and snowy. You can usually see snow in the city and its surroundings up until the first days of summer. Therefore winter tourism is quite developed around the city.
The best time to visit the city would be in June, July, and August. Flights from New York to Bishkek have at least one layover and take at least 16 hours. Flights from London to Bishkek have at least one layover and take at least 9 hours. Major attractions in the city are the main government building, which is called the White House, Manas Statue, the State Historical Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and the train station, which was built by prisoners of war. If you’re traveling to Bishkek with your children make sure to go to the famous amusement park, Park Panfilova. If you would like to see the city’s art up close and personal, visit the Museum of Fine Arts. For shopping we would recommend heading to the Oshu Bazaar located in the city center. Here you can find traditional craftsmanship products, which make great souvenirs. Make sure to try Kyrgyz cuisine, which usually features mutton and pastries. Also try some of their horse meat dishes, dairy products, and traditional börek, which is one of the most preferred dishes. Meat dishes usually come with delicious flavors prepared with rice or potatoes.
Transportation to Bishkek City Center from Airport
Manas Intl. Airport
Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek fascinates visitors with its spectacular views of Chui Valley. The city doesn’t have a very historic texture because it is relatively young. However, Bishkek is notorious for its nightlife. Ala-Too Square is considered the center of the city. Those who want to visit Bishkek fly into Manas International Airport. Urban transportation in Bishkek is both affordable and reliable.
Bishkek is a relatively small capital that you can explore in a short amount of time. Many cities in Kyrgyzstan are located in mountainous regions, complicating the transportation networks. However, in Bishkek the mountains are in the south and the city has a fairly flat topography. Currently the Kyrgyz Railways only operate intercity and long-distance trains. But the railway company continues to work on the city’s infrastructure.
The most preferred method of public transportation in the city is a type of minibus or public van, known as a marshrutka. In addition, there are bus and trolleybus routes that operate in many parts of the city. Almost all of the public transportation alternatives go to major stops near Tsum Center and the Philharmonia. If you get lost, you can get a map from the tourist offices located in the city or ask for directions. Public transportation networks begin operating between 5:30 am and 6:30 am. The buses and trolleybuses run until 10 pm. If you don’t want to use public transportation within the city you can easily find a taxi. Although renting a car isn’t very common in Bishkek some tourism companies provide chauffeured vehicles. Getting to Manas International Airport from the city center by car takes about 25 minutes.
If you are going to travel to the city center from the airport using public transportation then the fastest transportation alternative is the minibus. You can also transfer to a bus or trolleybus from the minibus depending on your destination.
Minibus (Marshrutka)
After you exit the airport you can easily get on the minibuses, also known as marshrutkas, which travel to the city center in a short amount of time. These minibuses also have an extensive network within the city. There are hundreds of minibuses that operate all throughout the city. You can download the app or check online to find out which minibus to take depending on what part of the city you are in.
Bus and Trolleybus
Buses and trolleybuses do not operate from the airport. However, after you get on the minibus you can transfer to these vehicles. Buses and trolleybuses are the second most commonly used method of transportation after the minibuses. Buses and trolleybuses operate in a more limited area than minibuses and are much slower.
Minibuses will stop to let passengers on and off almost anywhere but buses and trolleybuses are not allowed to stop anywhere that isn’t a designated bus or trolleybus stop. Nevertheless, these vehicles are cheaper than minibuses.
Entry to the bus and trolleybus is from the back door and passengers getting off use the front door. To find out more detailed information about bus and trolleybus routes you can download the app or check online. In addition to urban transportation, these vehicles can be used for inter-city and long-distance travel.
Taxi
One of the most comfortable methods of transportation to the city center from the airport is by taxi. There are many private taxi firms located in the city and it is quite easy to find a taxi. Taxi day fares are cheaper than night fares. In addition to private taxi companies there are also official taxi companies, which have a taximeter that they will turn on upon request.
Airport Information
Manas International Airport was formerly used as a military air base. Today Manas International Airport, located 25 km from the city center, hosts visitors from many different countries from around the world. The airport doesn’t offer extensive facilities.
There are a lot of ATMs located in the passenger arrivals area. Besides that there are some cafes and shops where you can go shopping, however these venues only operate until a certain hour.
