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Bishkek to Tashkent vs. Tashkent to Bishkek
I often get asked which direction is better. While the views are great both ways, most of my travelers prefer starting with a Bishkek to Tashkent itinerary.
Why? Because Kyrgyzstan is all about high-altitude energy—hiking, horse riding and yurt living. It's a wonderful way to kick off the trip while your energy is high. Get the 19 best things to do in kyrgyzstan!
Ending in Uzbekistan feels like a well-deserved reward; you can wind down in the ancient city of Samarkand and enjoy the sophisticated dining scene of Tashkent before flying home. What to do in Uzbekistan >>
Bishkek to Tashkent Distance: About 600 km
The Bishkek to Tashkent distance is roughly 600 km by road.
On paper, it looks like a short day trip, but Central Asian travel is rarely a straight line! Depending on how you cross the borders, that 600 km can take anywhere from a 90-minute flight to a 13-hour bus ride.
A Quick Breakdown: Navigate the Road from Bishkek to Tashkent on Map
Here is a quick look at how the different modes of transport stack up against each other for the Bishkek to Tashkent crossing.
| Method | Flight | Bus | Train | Via Osh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 Hours | 12 - 13 Hours | 40+ Hours | 6.5-18+ Hours |
| Frequency | Daily | 2-3 Times Daily | 2 Times Weekly | Daily |
| Price (Approx.) | $110 - $150 | $30 (2,700 KGS) | $25 - $45 | $40 - $60 |
| Departure | Manas Airport (FRU) | Bishkekskiy Avtovokzal | Bishkek-2 Station | Various (e.g. Ala-Too Square) |
| Arrival | Tashkent Airport (TAS) | Tashkent Bus Station | Tashkent North Station | Various (e.g. Amir Temur Square) |
☛ The Final Verdict:
Short on time? Flight. It saves about 10 hours of logistics and potential visa stress. Use that extra time to eat an extra bowl of plov in Tashkent!
Want the best scenery? Shared taxi via Osh. If you want a real adventure, my secret recommendation is to go via Osh.
Purely on a budget? Night Bus. The Bishkek to Tashkent night bus is a classic, but be warned: it is not for the light sleeper. You'll be woken up twice in the middle of the night to drag your suitcase through security scanners.
Love train journey? Train via Taraz.
Plan A. Bishkek to Tashkent Flight (1.5h): The Quickest Way
Route: Manas International Airport (FRU) → Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
If you're asking me for the absolute smoothest way to travel, this is it. The Bishkek to Tashkent flight time is a brisk 80 to 90 minutes.
You'll take off from Manas International Airport (FRU), catch a final glimpse of the snow-capped Tien Shan peaks, and land right in the heart of the region at Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
The Bishkek Tashkent flight schedule is surprisingly robust, with about 16 direct flights per week.
| Airline | Frequency | Typical Departure | Est. Price (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan Airways | 5-7 Times Weekly | Late Afternoon / Evening | $110 – $150 |
| TezJet | Daily | Late Morning | $100 – $140 |
| Centrum Air | 2 Times Weekly (Tue/Fri) | Mid-Afternoon | $75 – $110 |
This means that on most days, you have at least 2 options—usually a morning departure for the early birds and an evening flight for those who want one last Kyrgyz lunch before they go.
When you arrive at Tashkent International Airport, you'll find yourself just a 15-minute taxi ride away from the city center. It's a standard international arrival with straightforward customs—no multi-border bus luggage hauls required!
Plan B. Bishkek to Tashkent Bus (12.5h): 2 Border Crossings
Route: Bishkek Avtovokzal → Tashkent Bus Station
The Bishkek to Tashkent bus is the "budget king" of this route. At around $30 USD, it's hard to beat for value. However, the journey takes about 12 to 13 hours.
Buses depart from Bishkekskiy Avtovokzal at 1/1 Alma-Atinskaya Street in Kyrgyzstan, and finally arrive at Tashkent Bus Station in Uzbekistan.
Most people pick the Bishkek to Tashkent night bus, leaving at 7:00 PM or 9:00 PM, to arrive fresh for breakfast in Tashkent. If you're a sleeper, look for the sleeper bus (2,700 KGS)—having a bunk bed instead of a seat is a total game-changer!
Border Crossing #1: Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan (Chaldybar / Aisha-Bibi)
About two hours in, you'll hit the Chaldybar (Kyrgyzstan) / Aisha-Bibi (Kazakhstan) crossing.
Everyone hops off with their bags to get stamped out of Kyrgyzstan and into Kazakhstan. It's a quick "luggage drill" before meeting your bus on the other side.
Cross Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Border (2026): 3 Points, 5 Options
Border Crossing #2: Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan (Zhibek-Zholy)
Near dawn, you'll reach Zhibek-Zholy.
You'll repeat the process to officially enter Uzbekistan. From here, it's a short 30-minute cruise to the Tashkent Bus Station. Welcome to the land of blue domes!
Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Border: Name, Distance & Tips
Plan C. Bishkek to Tashkent Train (40h+): Via Kazakhstan's Taraz
Route: Bishkek-2 Station → Taraz Station → Tashkent North Station
If you love the click-clack of the rails, you can take a Bishkek to Tashkent train, though it's a bit of a puzzle. There isn't a daily direct train, so you'll usually do this in 3 steps.
While it takes about 40+ hours depending on your connection, it's far more relaxing than the bus. Tickets generally cost between $25 and $45.
Step 1. Bishkek-2 to Taraz (Kazakhstan)
You'll start at the beautiful, Soviet-era Bishkek-2 station. Trains to Taraz run about twice a week. It's an 8-hour ride where customs officials usually board to check passports while you relax in your cabin.
Step 2. A Long Stopover in Taraz: 19–23h
Since schedules don't always align perfectly, you'll likely have a 19 to 23-hour stopover in Taraz.
Use this time to explore ancient mausoleums or grab a local meal before catching your connecting train to Tashkent North. It turns a simple transfer into a mini-adventure in Kazakhstan!
Step 3. Catch a Connecting Train to Tashkent North
The final leg is a 10-hour scenic ride south. There are usually 3 to 4 departures per week operated by Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan Railways.
You'll roll through the steppe and wake up at Tashkent North Station, right in the center of the Uzbek capital, for as little as $15–$20.
Plan D. The "Two-Step" Overland (6.5-18h via Osh): No Kazakhstan Transit
Route: Bishkek → Osh (Dostyk Border) → Tashkent
How to get from Bishkek to Tashkent without a Kazakhstan visa? You go south!
This is my favorite "hidden" route. It's more of an expedition than a simple commute, taking you through the heart of the Fergana Valley.
Step 1: Bishkek to Osh by Flight or Car (1-12h)
You have 2 ways to tackle this leg.
Most travelers opt for the 45-minute flight from Manas Airport to Osh. Flights run about 12 times per week with airlines like TezJet and cost roughly $45–$60.
If you're a fan of road trips, you can take a shared taxi from the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek. It's an epic 11–12 hour drive over the 3,100m Too-Ashuu pass. It costs about $23 and departs daily whenever the car is full.
Step 2: Cross the Dostyk Border
Once in Osh, grab a 15-minute taxi to the Dostyk Border.
This is a busy, vibrant foot crossing. You'll walk through the Kyrgyz gate, cross the neutral zone, and enter Uzbekistan. It's usually open 24/7 and free for visa-free nationalities.
Step 3: Catch a Fast Afrosiyob Train or Shared Taxi to Tashkent (5.5-6h)
From the border, a short taxi ride takes you to Andijan.
Here, you can board the legendary Afrosiyob high-speed train (daily at 06:15 or 16:00). It's a comfortable 5.5-hour ride to Tashkent for about $12–$25.
If you miss the train, shared taxis to Tashkent take about 6 hours and cost around $12.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Border Crossing from Bishkek to Tashkent
To make sure you glide through like a pro, here is your step-by-step guide for every way to cross from Bishkek to Tashkent.
By Flight
This is the easiest "border" you'll ever cross.
- At Manas (Bishkek): Head to the international departures hall. After check-in, the officer will stamp you out of Kyrgyzstan.
- In Tashkent: Once you land, follow the crowd to "Passport Control." They'll scan your passport, take a quick photo, and you're in. Just remember to pass your bags through the final X-ray before the exit!
By Road
If you take the Bishkek to Tashkent bus, get ready for 2 crossings because you transit through Kazakhstan.
- Border Crossing #1 (KG→KZ): At Chaldybar or Aisha-Bibi, you must take all luggage off the bus. Stamp out of Kyrgyzstan, walk 100 meters, and stamp into Kazakhstan.
- Border Crossing #2 (KZ→UZ): At Zhibek-Zholy, repeat the drill to officially enter Uzbekistan.
If you go via Osh, it's a single, vibrant foot crossing at Dostyk Border. Be ready to carry your bags for about 300 meters between the two gates.
By Train
The train is for the "lazy" border crosser—and I mean that in the best way!
- The Knock on the Door: When the train reaches the border, it will stop for about 1–2 hours. You don't need to get off.
- Cabin Service: Customs and immigration officers will board the train. They'll come to your cabin, take your passport, and sometimes ask you to open your suitcase for a quick peek.
- The Stamp: They'll take your passport away for 30–60 minutes and bring it back with a fresh stamp. You can stay in your seat, sip your tea, and wait for the whistle to blow.
How to Plan a Trip from Bishkek to Tashkent?
Planning this trip is all about balance. We usually recommend taking the Bishkek to Tashkent flight to save a full day of travel, allowing you to spend more time in the mountains or the ancient cities.
How long to stay? To really feel the spirit of both countries, 12–15 days is the perfect length.
Here I've got 2 sample travel itineraries to inspire your journey:
Route A (Nature First): Start in Bishkek, visit the Burana Tower, circle the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan" (Issyk-Kul), and stay in a yurt at Song-Kul Lake. Then, fly to Tashkent and dive into the history of Bukhara and Samarkand.
Route B (History First): Reverse it! Start with the silk and spices of Uzbekistan's old towns, then cross into Kyrgyzstan to find peace among the peaks of Jeti-Oguz and the eagle hunters of Bokonbayevo.
FAQs about the Trip from Bishkek to Tashkent
Q1: How do I get from Bishkek to Tashkent? You can fly (1.5h), take the bus (12h), the train (40h+), or go via Osh.
Q2: Is there a bus from Bishkek to Tashkent? Yes, daily buses leave from the new Bishkekskiy Avtovokzal near Alma-Atinskaya Street.
Q3: Is there a train from Bishkek to Tashkent? Yes, but it usually involves a transfer in Taraz, Kazakhstan.
Q4: Do I need a visa? Most Western travelers are visa-free for both countries, but always check if you need a Kazakhstan transit visa if you are taking the bus or train!
Q5: Can I use Som in Tashkent? No, you'll need to swap your Kyrgyz Som for Uzbek Som (UZS) once you cross the border.
Travel from Bishkek to Tashkent with Asia Odyssey Travel
Why navigate bus terminals and border paperwork when you can soar above it all? At Asia Odyssey Travel, we prioritize your comfort and time.
That's why we typically arrange for our travelers to take a Bishkek to Tashkent flight, turning a long day of transit into a smooth 90-minute hop.
Whether you're looking for customized private Central Asia Tours or joining our authentic Central Asia Group Tours (max 16 travelers), we handle every detail—from transport to expert cross-border assistance.
Our expertise spans the entire Silk Road, offering seamless tours in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Let us turn your "5 Stans" dream into an effortless reality!
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