MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Central Asia

Air Travel

Airports

Major international airports serve as main gateways to Central Asia.

Central Asian Hubs

  • Uzbekistan: Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the main gateway. Samarkand (SKD) and Bukhara (BHK) airports also receive some international flights.
  • Kazakhstan: Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana and Almaty International Airport (ALA) are the two main international airports.
  • Kyrgyzstan: Manas International Airport (FRU) in Bishkek is the main international airport. Osh International Airport (OSS) in the south has some international connections.

Flights & Routes

A variety of airlines connect Central Asia to global hubs.

Connecting Flights

  • International carriers: Turkish Airlines, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot, and Pegasus Airlines offer frequent connections, often via Istanbul (IST) or Dubai (DXB). China Southern also connects.
  • Regional carriers: Uzbekistan Airways and Air Astana (Kazakhstan's national airline) offer extensive networks within Central Asia and connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • Seasonal flight availability: Prices are generally higher during peak tourist seasons (April-May, September-October). Booking several months in advance typically yields better rates.

Arrival Facilities

Major airports offer useful services. Currency exchange booths and ATMs are present upon arrival. Duty-free shops cater to departing travelers.

Connectivity

Cafes and restaurants provide food and drink. Many airports have SIM card purchase points for immediate connectivity. Wi-Fi availability varies.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are readily available outside airport terminals. Public buses/marshrutkas offer lower costs. Many hotels or tour operators provide pre-arranged transfers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

  • Land borders between Central Asian countries are generally open and frequently used by tourists.
  • Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan-Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan borders are common routes.
  • Turkmenistan borders are more restricted, often needing pre-arranged visas and invitation letters.
  • Be prepared for potential queues, thorough baggage checks, and sometimes long wait times, especially at busy crossings.

Train Connections

  • Uzbekistan offers modern, efficient "Afrosiyob" high-speed trains connecting Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.
  • Kazakhstan has an extensive rail network, including overnight sleepers, with connections to Russia, China, and Uzbekistan.
  • Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have limited rail infrastructure; trains are not a main mode of intercity tourist travel.
  • "Marshrutkas" (shared minibuses) are the most common, flexible, and cost-effective form of intercity public transport.

Road Conditions & Self-Driving

Road Quality

Road quality varies significantly. Major highways between large cities can be good, specifically in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Secondary roads, especially in rural or mountainous areas, can be poor or unpaved.

Self-Driving

Self-driving is not widely suggested due to varying road quality, aggressive driving habits, and potential bureaucratic hurdles with police. Car rental agencies are limited, mostly found in major cities.

Driving Laws

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement. Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110 km/h on highways.

Sea/River Arrivals

Caspian Sea Ferry

The main ferry service relevant to the region crosses the Caspian Sea.

Ferry Details

  • Route: Between Baku (Azerbaijan) and Aktau (Kazakhstan).
  • Purpose: Mainly for cargo but sometimes takes passengers.
  • Conditions: Not a scheduled, predictable passenger service. It can involve long waits and basic conditions, considered an adventurous rather than a convenient entry point.

River Transportation

River routes are not a main mode of international tourist travel to Central Asia.

Local Waterways

  • Relevance: Rivers like the Amu Darya and Syr Darya are used for local transport or irrigation.
  • Tourist Routes: Not for major passenger routes for tourists.
  • Occasional recreational boat rides may be available on lakes, like Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, but they are typically for leisure rather than daily commuting.

Road Conditions

Driving in Central Asia presents varying conditions.

Varied Surfaces & Hazards

  • Major highways between large cities, especially in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, exhibit good quality.
  • Secondary roads, specifically in rural or mountainous areas, are sometimes poor, unpaved, or subject to landslides and rockfalls.
  • Night driving is generally not suggested due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and the presence of livestock on roads.

Driving Laws

Familiarity with local driving regulations promotes safer travel.

Local Regulations

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Speed limits are typically 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside urban areas, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways.
  • Police presence is noticeable, and adherence to traffic laws is important. Parking can be informal; watch for signs or ask locals.

Departure Information

  • Exit fees or taxes: Generally, no specific exit fees apply for air travel from Central Asian countries. These fees are typically included in your airline ticket price.
  • Departure procedures and timing: For international flights, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
  • This allows sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and passport control. Procedures are standard, but queues are sometimes long.
  • Airport/station facilities: Major airports and train stations offer basic facilities.
  • These include cafes for refreshments, small shops for last-minute souvenirs or snacks, and waiting areas.
  • Wi-Fi may be available but is not always reliable. Currency exchange services might also be available for converting remaining local currency.

Departure Tips

Allocate enough time at the airport and be aware of available facilities.

← Previous
What to Pack & Bring
← Back to Silk Road
Next →
Getting Around

Next Up: Getting Around

Continue to Getting Around