Search Flights from Bishkek to Aktau

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. Bishkek however is a flat city, so it can offer much more convenient transportation systems. Currently the Kyrgyz Railways only operate inter-city and long-distance trains but they are continuing to develop the city’s infrastructure. There is no train transportation within the city.     

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. In addition to public transportation, taxis are a convenient way to get around the city. 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 airport by using public transportation then you can get on the minibuses that depart from the city center. If you are staying in an area far from the city center you can get on one of the bus, minibus, or trolleybus lines that pass through your location and then transfer to a minibus that goes to the airport.

Minibus (Marshrutka)

These minibuses, which depart from the city center, will take you to a stop that is very close to the airport in a short amount of time. These minibuses have a very large transportation 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 provide direct service to the airport. However, you can still get on a bus or trolleybus and then transfer to a minibus that goes to the airport. 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. The total trip also takes longer than it would take with a minibus. 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

Taxis are among the most convenient method of transportation to get to the airport from the city center. 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.

The transportation system in Aktau, the second largest and modern city in Kazakhstan, is highly developed and practical. The main transportation means in the city are buses, matryoshka and taxis. Apart from this, other cities in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries of Kazakhstan are directly connected to Aktau by sea. Aktau Port is one of the leading ports in the region and most famous ports in terms of commerce and transportation.

Addresses in Aktau are generally expressed as 14-42-30. While 14 is the number of the province/region, 42 is the building number and 30 is the apartment number. As the streets in the city are not named, they can create some problems for tourists in terms of transportation. There are many train services from the Mangestau train station, 12 kilometers outside of the city.

It takes about 2 days to travel with the trains that provide transportation service between Astana, another important city of Kazakhstan, and Aktau. The train journey between Almaty and Aktau takes 3 days and the train journey between Atyrau and Aktau takes 1 day. The main means of public transportation you can use to get to the city center from Aktau Airport are buses and minibuses (matryoshka). Apart from that, you can also go to the city center at very reasonable prices thanks to the private transfer services affiliated with the airport or other transportation companies.

It is possible to make your transportation in the city in the most practical way by paying a little more where car rental and taxi services are also highly developed.

Bus

With the Aktau local buses waiting right outside the airport terminal, you can reach the city center or other points of the city at reasonable prices. Bus tickets cost 25 Tenges. By taking these buses that take you from the airport to one of the city's central points, you reach the city in 40-45 minutes.

Matryoshka

The size and appearance of the matryoshka are like minibuses. These much smaller than the normal local buses but they provide access to more points in the city. The fact that the matryoshka and bus routes in the city are connected with each other makes it possible to reach any point of the city in a very short time. Some of the matryoshka you can see in Aktau city center go to the airport. The departure points and destinations of most of these are written on the vehicles.

Taxi

If you want to get to the city center from Aktau Airport by taxi, you need to pay approximately 1600 Tenge. You are likely to see many taxi stands ready at the exit of Aktau Airport's arrival terminal. You can choose the vehicle you want to travel with and tell where you want to go or show it on the map to the driver.

You must bargain with the taxi drivers because the fares that Aktau taxi drivers demand are usually open to it. It is possible to get this journey of 23 kilometers in 30-35 minutes on average with a taxi.

It is possible to have more detailed information from the most popular taxi company (+777 753 33 55) among the ones waiting at the airport's exit which is also offering the most affordable options.

Car Rental

If you have already looked through many car rental companies in Aktau Airport in advance and made your choice, you can rent a car at much more affordable prices. So as long as you benefit from car rental services, where the pre-booking system is much more economical, you can pick your cat at the airport in a short time after a few small transactions. It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to drive from the airport to the city center of Aktau. Renting a car in the city where traffic is not too crowded is one of the best options.