Are you traveling through Central Asia and looking for a way to get from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan without flying? In this article Almaty to Bishkek Bus, you’ll find everything you need to know including where the bus departs from, the timetable, ticket price, and other important details.
Exploring the world by land? Read our other articles such as Bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan or Helsinki to Rovaniemi train journey on the Santa Claus Express.
Table of Contents
WHERE IS THE BUS STATION IN ALMATY?
Sayran Bus Station sometimes spelled “Sayram Station” or “Sairan Station is the main hub for both intercity and international transport from Almaty, with routes to neighboring countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and China. Located near the Sayran Reservoir, about 8 km from the city center, the station is easily accessible by Yandex or Bolt taxis, which are generally more affordable than regular street taxis.
Inside the station, you’ll find plenty of seating, a few ticket offices, luggage storage, a small canteen, vending machines, a coffee machine, a pharmacy, and a couple of ATMs. The station also claims to offer free Wi-Fi, though it wasn’t working during our visit.
Toilets are located underground and cost 100 tenge (around 20 cents). Be aware that they are not well-marked, and the route to them involves a dim and somewhat eerie corridor.
All signs in the station are in Cyrillic, with no English translations available, so having at least a basic knowledge of Russian will be very helpful.
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HOW TO GET TO SAYRAN BUS STATION?
Sayran Bus Station is well connected by buses throughout the city, making it the cheapest option to get there. However, the most convenient choice is to use popular taxi services like Yandex or Bolt, where you can pay cashlessly via the app.
The nearest metro station to the bus station is located on the opposite side of the Sayran Reservoir. It’s not very close, and walking there will take you over half an hour.
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WHERE TO BUY A TICKET FOR ALMATY TO BISHKEK BUS?
Tickets for the Almaty to Bishkek bus can be purchased directly at Sayran Bus Station , and card payments are accepted. There are several departures daily, typically at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
We traveled in winter, and our original bus (scheduled for 8:00 AM) was canceled due to severe weather. Almaty was experiencing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The company we booked with sent an official email notifying us of the cancellation and stated that no other buses would run that day.
Despite this, we decided to go to the station to check the situation in person. Fortunately, we were able to purchase new tickets for the 12:00 PM departure.
That’s why we always recommend confirming schedules and availability directly at the station, especially during winter or bad weather.
We bought our ticket on the official website of Sairan Bus Station
We bought our first ticket (for the cancelled bus) through a website that is currently down and was available only in Kazakh or Russian. The ticket we actually used for the trip to Bishkek was purchased directly at Sayran Station.
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HOW MUCH FOR THE TICKET?
The Almaty to Bishkek bus ticket costs approximately €5 and the journey takes around five hours.
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HOW LONG DOES A JOURNEY TAKE?
The bus journey from Almaty to Bishkek (or vice versa) takes approximately 5 hours and covers a distance of around 236 km. During the summer months, delays at the border crossing of Korday and Ak Zhol border are possible, as the bus is a relatively popular way to travel between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
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HOW DOES A BUS LOOKS LIKE?
Buses to Bishkek depart regularly from Sayran Bus Station with company Ma-sairan and are standard full-size coaches, not minivans. In winter, the buses are heated, and air conditioning should be available during the summer.
There are no toilets on board, but the bus makes scheduled stops for restroom breaks and refreshments while still in Kazakhstan. Additional toilets are usually available at the border crossing.
The bus is the most affordable way to travel from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan. While it doesn’t offer much comfort, especially with limited legroom, it’s manageable for a five-hour journey.
The route passes through scenic mountain landscapes, although during our trip, the views were limited due to dirty windows. During our winter trip, the buses hadn’t been cleaned regularly, so the views were unfortunately limited.
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WHERE IS THE BUS STATION IN BISHKEK?
Bishkek is a large city with several bus stations. Buses coming from Almaty used to arrive at the Western Bus Station, which is now closed. Currently, long-distance buses go to the New Bishkek Bus Station, which is located over 9 km from the city center and about 10 km from the border with Kazakhstan.
However, our bus unexpectedly dropped us off at a random stop within walking distance of the city center and did not continue to the official bus station.
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1. Bishkek : City Tour (History, Architects, Statues & Culture) (2.5 hours)
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3. Bishkek :USSR History, Soviet Architects ,Statues & Mosaics (4.5hours)
OTHER OPTION TO TRAVEL FROM ALMATY TO BISHKEK
Another, slower option for getting to Bishkek is by train. There is a train service once a week between Almaty and Bishkek, but the train has to go around the mountains and border controls are time-consuming, so most tourists choose the bus.
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We also took the train during one of our trips to Kyrgyzstan. It is a sleeper train with a view of the mountains and can be suitable for travelers who are not in a hurry and are looking for a slower travel experience.
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CONCLUSION
Traveling by bus between Almaty and Bishkek is an affordable and fast way to explore Central Asia, a region that is becoming increasingly popular with tourists every year.
If you are planning to visit Almaty or Bishkek during the summer months and high season, you should definitely buy your tickets in advance at one of the above-mentioned bus stations. At the moment, tickets cannot be purchased online, and the website where we bought them is currently not working.
A more adventurous ride can be taken by marshrutka with locals, or you can try the train like we did, which we enjoyed because it allows you to arrive at your destination well-rested. From the train, you can see the mountains it passes around. The journey takes longer than the bus, taxi, or marshrutka, so it ultimately depends on each traveler’s preference.
Based on our experience, perhaps the best option is to buy a ticket directly at Sayran Station in Almaty. Take a bus to the border, where you’ll need to get off and cross on foot regardless. On the Kyrgyz side, you can find marshrutkas, buy a local SIM card, or negotiate a price with taxi drivers for a transfer into the city. A taxi ride from the Kyrgyz border to the capital city of Bishkek, without using the Yandex app, costs approximately 801 soms (around €9).
We faced a delay at the border because the official questioned our recent visit to Bishkek by train. We were held up for over 30 minutes and nearly missed our bus, which continued to Bishkek without waiting. On the other hand, border crossings can sometimes be very fast, just a few minutes on both sides, and then you end up waiting for the bus to catch up. That’s why many travelers opt to continue from the border by marshrutka, taxi, or Yandex rather than waiting for the bus.
To avoid delays and have more control over your journey, we recommend getting an eSIM and using Yandex directly from the border. It’s convenient, usually affordable, and allows you to pay cashless straight to your accommodation.
Whether you choose the speed and affordability of the bus, the cultural experience of a marshrutka, or the slower but scenic train ride, crossing from Almaty to Bishkek is an unforgettable way to explore Central Asia.
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WATCH OUR VIDEO FROM ALMATY TO BISHKEK BUS
Q&A
Is Bishkek worth visiting?
The city of Bishkek is definitely worth a visit. As the capital of Kyrgyzstan, it offers many attractions both in the city and in the surrounding area. We really enjoyed the city for its architecture and walkable center. Many tourists are drawn to this corner of Central Asia for its proximity to mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning natural landscapes.
How much is the bus from Almaty to Bishkek?
The Almaty to Bishkek bus ticket costs approximately €5, the journey takes around 5 hours and the bus covers a distance of 236 km.
Is there a train from Almaty to Bishkek?
Yes, there is a train connection between Almaty and Bishkek that operates once a week. It is an overnight train that takes over 15 hours, as it goes around the mountains separating Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It’s a good option for travelers who are not in a hurry and have plenty of time.
How many days are enough for Bishkek?
Two days in Bishkek will be enough to explore the city and its attractions, but if you plan to visit the surrounding areas and mountains, you will need more days.
Why is Kyrgyzstan famous?
Kyrgyzstan is known for its natural landscape, including the Tien Shan Mountains, alpine lakes such as Issyk-Kul, Ala-Archa National Park, and is also a famous part of the Silk Road.
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