Search Flights from Bishkek to Irkutsk

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.

There are many public transportation options you can prefer to reach the city center from Irkutsk Airport. Minibus and buses are the most preferred transportation options. You can also take the advantage of taxi or car rental options outside the terminal building if you don’t prefer public transportation. When you step outside the airport building, you will see three different stations as Station No 1, No 2 and No 3.Various transportation vehicles depart from each station to Irkutsk city center.

Minibus

You can prefer to take a minibus for transportation to the city center from Irkutsk Airport. Minibuses are the transportation vehicles having the most frequent services with the most diverse lines compared to other transportation options. The minibuses depart from Station No 1 and Station No 2 at the airport at frequent intervals. If you want to use Station 1, you can do directly to Irkutsk railway station by taking the minibus line 20. There are 21 different minibus lines to reach the airport and you can reach the city center at a very low price like 20 Rubles by choosing the most suitable line for you.  

Bus

You can also go to Irkutsk city center by public buses or the airport buses if the minibus and trolleybus service times are not suitable for you. The buses, just like other public transportation, provide fast, comfortable and affordable transportation. It is possible to go into the city center in 15 minutes by paying only 20 Rubles.

Trolleybus

One of the easiest ways to reach Irkutsk city center from Irkutsk Airport is by trolleybuses. If you prefer to travel by trolleybus, which is more convenient compared to buses, you need to go Station 1 or Station 3 at the airport. The trolleybus line 4 departing from Station No 1 goes to Kirov Square in the city center, while the trolleybus line 6 departing from Station No 3 goes to Zhukovski Square. Transportation by trolleybus approximately costs 20 Rubles and you can reach Irkutsk city center in 10 or 15 minutes.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis that provide 24/7 service outside Irkutsk Airport terminal and wait to pick up the airport passengers. If you are in a hurry and if you are willing to pay 410-500 Rubles, taking a taxi may be the best alternative you can prefer to reach the city center. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the city center by taking a taxi.

Rent a car

If you are going to stay in Irkutsk more than two days, it would be useful for you to rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport. Renting a car could be a better alternative in terms of price and comfort. If you make a quick search beforehand and go to the car rental offices by making a pre-reservation, your reserved car can be delivered to you in minutes. The route you need to follow to get to Irkutsk city center by the car you have rented is Sovetskaya Street and Krasnokazachya Ulitsa. You can reach the city center in 12 minutes.