Whether you are planning a short visit to Central Asia, or a long journey across the continent, traveling from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is quite straightforward. Kyrgyzstan is a small country in Central Asia that provides many inexpensive opportunities to see some amazing natural sights. It’s also visa-free for nationals of many western countries, so it’s an easy addition to your trip!
Almaty Bus Station
The main bus station in Almaty is located a little bit outside the centre of town. It can easily be reached by city bus for 150 Tenge. The driver can provide change and will give you a receipt. To get directions to the bus station, I suggestion downloading the app 2GIS, which also works offline.
The bus station is a large building that serves both international and domestic routes. As you enter, on the left you will see a row of counters, but these only provide tickets to other places in Kazakhstan. Tickets to Bishkek are sold from a kiosk on the right side of the station. Tickets are 1800 Tenge for a seat in a typical marshrutka. Give your ticket to the driver and the minibus will leave when it is full. The ride to the border takes about 4-5 hours and will stop once for a 15 minute break.
At the Border
Your marshrutka will drop you off at the border and you will walk across with all of your luggage. You’ll meet up with the van on the other side. It might be a good idea to photograph the license plate of the vehicle so you can get back in the right van later, since they all look the same.
Leaving Kazakhstan is straightforward. The immigration hall has many counters open, and people seem to bunch up at the first counter near the entrance, so those further into the building often have shorter lines. Present your passport and the migration card you picked up when you entered Kazakhstan, and the border guard will stamp you out. Turn right and walk across the bridge.
It is a 100 metre walk across the bridge to the Kyrgyz immigration building. There are a few counters and they seem to let people in faster than Kazakhstan lets people out, so there are not many lines and even fewer questions. No migration card to fill out, just a stamp in your passport.
Beyond the border area there will be many offers of taxis to Bishkek. If you are in a hurry you might want to investigate taking a shared or private taxi. Otherwise, walk about 300 meters beyond all the touts and wait for your bus. To the right you’ll see a small parking area and places to change money – keep an eye out for your driver around here.
Bishkek
Bishkek is another 40 minute drive away. It is not a long drive but there is a bit of traffic in the city. The marshrutkas will drop you off at the main bus station which is a little bit of a ways from town but well serviced by public transportation. The 2GIS app also works in Kyrgyzstan.
You will probably want to stay in Bishkek for a few days, but Kyrgyzstan is easy to explore. Read more about getting around Kyrgyzstan and some nice hikes only a few hours drive away.
