Search Flights from Bishkek to Urumqi

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 most important settlement of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which we can name as the western region of China, come to the forefront as Urumqi. The city, which was once the most important trade route of history and the last point of the Silk Road, is still the main point of the railway transportation for the China and the most strategic point to reach the west.

Located near the mystical Tian Shan Mountain (Mountain of Heaven), the city is considered the first homeland of the Turks. The traffic is very busy in Urumqi, like in China, which is the third largest country in the world in terms of surface area and the first in terms of the population. Because the standards of living are low, bus is the commonly used option for passenger transportation.

There are three bus terminals in the city. Taxis also operate to disburden the heavy traffic in the city. There is railway connection from Urumqi to the six major cities of China. Urumqi Diwopu Airport provides transportation opportunity to passengers who want to come to Urumqi from abroad and from other cities of the country. Urumqi Diwopu Airport is located 24 kilometers northwest of the city center. Buses, taxis and shuttle services are available all day long to carry passengers to the city from the airport.

Taxi

There are important rules that you have to pay attention to according to the Chinese laws when you get on a taxi. For example, if you do not close the door when you get in the car, the taxi driver has the right to drop you from the car. You shouldn’t smoke or chat with the driver, should pay the fare completely and get a receipt when you get off. Because if you lose something in the car, you cannot submit a bill of complaint without a receipt. However, the taxi stops located at terminals 2 and 3 offer service for 24 hours.

Bus

At Urumqi Diwopu Airport, bus stops are located just under the bridge between the terminal buildings 2 and 3. Bus routes 27 and 51 go to the two different terminals located in Urumqi. The buses operate every 4-5 minutes from 07:30 am to 11:30 pm, and after 10:00 pm, you need to pay a higher amount.

Shuttle Bus

These vehicles, which offer service privately apart from the local buses, depart from the terminals 2 and 3 from 07:30 am to 11:00 pm. The travel last shorter because of fewer stops and a shorter route. You can reach the city center in about 25 minutes with these buses operating every half an hour from 07:30 am to 09:00 am and every hour from 08:00 am to 11:00 pm.