Getting Around Ashgabat. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Ashgabat has an extensive public bus network. The buses are modern, often air-conditioned, and incredibly inexpensive. They cover most parts of the city.

Ashgabat does not have a metro or tram system.

System Overview

Buses: Extensive, modern, air-conditioned, very inexpensive.
Metro: Not available.
Trams: Not available.
Fares: Extremely low, typically around 0.5 TMT (approx. $0.15 USD). Pay cash to driver/conductor.

Route Maps & Hubs

Bus routes can appear complex. Major hubs include Russian Bazaar (Gulistan Bazaar) and the main bus terminal.

Hours & Frequency

Buses operate from early morning (approx. 6 AM) until late evening (9-10 PM). Frequency varies by route.

Accessibility

Generally not accessible for travelers with mobility impairments. Buses lack ramps/lifts.

Tips for Navigating Public Transport

Communication & Payment

Learn a few phrases in Russian or Turkmen.
Have small denominations of local currency for bus fares.
Pay cash directly to the driver or conductor.

Navigation & Assistance

Utilize offline maps on your phone to track location.
Ask hotel staff or your tour guide for specific bus numbers and routes.
Do not hesitate to ask locals for directions; they are generally helpful.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Official Taxis

Typically white or yellow, meters (less common).

Unofficial Taxis

Private car owners offer rides for negotiated fees.

Hailing

Wave a hand on the street. Agree on fare beforehand.

Fares & Payment

Relatively cheap (10-20 TMT for short rides). Cash only.

Rental Options

Car rental for self-driving is not a common or practical option for foreign tourists in Turkmenistan. Major international car rental companies do not have a presence in Ashgabat.

Car Rental

Generally not permitted for foreign tourists due to regulations and language barriers.
International driving permits are typically not recognized for independent driving.
Navigating checkpoints and official scrutiny is challenging without a local guide.
No major international car rental companies operate here.

Other Rentals & Driving Laws

Motorcycle & Scooter: Not available for tourists.
Bicycle: No formal sharing programs. Rentals are rare.
Driving Laws: Standard, traffic drives on the right-hand side.
Road Conditions: Good in Ashgabat, but poor outside the city.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas: City center, around major monuments and parks, are pedestrian-friendly.
Walking Tours: Guided tours often part of tour packages. Self-guided possible with offline maps.
No-Go Areas: Near government buildings, presidential palace, military installations; restrictions on lingering/photography.

Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited. Cycling on wide avenues possible, but not a common tourist activity.
Distances: Can be considerable between attractions, making long walks challenging.
Use a good offline map for effective self-guided navigation.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Used by tour operators for pre-arranged itineraries. No public hop-on-hop-off services.

Cable Car

"Asman Yoly" (Heavenly Path) ascends Kopet Dag mountains, panoramic city views.

Accessibility Services

Infrastructure is very limited. Public transport, attractions, sidewalks generally not designed for mobility needs.

Other Transportation Aspects

Safety remains generally high.

Taxi Safety

Official taxis are generally safe and regulated.
Unofficial taxis are generally safe, but agree on price clearly.
Solo female travelers might prefer official taxis or pre-arranged transport, especially at night.
Payment is almost exclusively in cash (Manat).

Airport Taxi Arrangements

Taxis are readily available at Ashgabat International Airport.
Negotiate a fixed fare for the journey to the city center.
Many tour operators include airport transfers as part of their package.
Pre-arranged transfers are the most convenient option.

Special Transport Systems

Water Transportation

No significant boat or water transportation options are available in Ashgabat.

Not applicable for city transit.

Unique Local Transport

No specific specialty vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys find common use.

Standard options mainly.

General Travel Safety

Ashgabat boasts a very low crime rate. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Overall safe environment.

Road Safety & Parking

Road Conditions

Roads within Ashgabat are generally well-maintained.
Road conditions outside major cities can be poorly maintained.
Local driving standards can be erratic.

Parking & Night Driving

Parking is generally ample due to wide roads and low traffic.
Driving at night carries risks due to poor lighting.
Possibility of encountering livestock on roads at night.

Important Considerations for Land Travel

Self-driving is generally not permitted for foreign tourists.
Land borders have strict regulations and require prior tour arrangements.
Expect lengthy procedures and multiple checks at border posts.
Train and long-distance bus options are less convenient for tourists.

Never attempt land crossings without a pre-arranged visa and LOI.
Language barriers can pose challenges on public transport.
GPS navigation might be unreliable outside major city areas.
Avoid photographing military or government checkpoints.

Final Transport Tip

For most tourists, using a pre-arranged tour with included transport is the most straightforward and secure way to experience Ashgabat and Turkmenistan.

Getting Around Ashgabat