All but essential travel to the south and west of Osh and to the Ferghana Valley region is advised against, due to the history of terrorist activity and armed violence, and to the threat of landmines in the Batken region and along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border that Kyrgyzstan shares with other countries in Central Asia. However, this should not deter travel since most visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free.

The national airline is Kyrgyzstan Airlines (R8), which operates direct flights to Bishkek from Germany, India, Russian Federation and Turkey (Istanbul). British Airways operates a direct flight from London to Bishkek. British Mediterranean (a franchise partner of British Airways) operates services three times a week from London to Bishkek. Turkish Airlines also flies to Bishkek from London, with a stopover in Istanbul. In addition, there is a number of direct flights from Europe to Almaty, in neighbouring Kazakhstan. The connection from there to Kyrgyzstan is via frequent bus services to Bishkek (travel time – four hours). Other European airlines flying direct to Almaty include KLM (from Amsterdam) and Lufthansa (five weekly flights from Frankfurt/M). There are also direct flights to Bishkek from Moscow and St Petersburg (Russian Federation) and from Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

From London to Bishkek is nine hours. From London to Almaty (Kazakhstan) is six hours 30 minutes, from Istanbul to Almaty is five hours 30 minutes and from Frankfurt/M to Almaty is seven hours.

Bishkek Manas Airport (FRU) is 30km (18 miles) north of Bishkek. To/from the airport: There is a minibus shuttle service to the city centre when the airport is open (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxis are available 24 hours. There is also the bus service 153 every 30 minutes (travel time - 45 minutes). Facilities: Left luggage, crèche, bars, restaurant, chemist, bank and bureau de change.

US$10.

There are rail connections with the Russian Federation (travel time to Moscow is three days) and with other Central Asian Republics. However, tourists are advised that robberies on trains have been reported.

The main international road links are with Kazakhstan and there is presently one crossing point into China (PR); visitors should note that the Chinese authorities normally require proof of an invitation by a Chinese tour operator as a condition of entry. There are regular bus links from Bishkek to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) (travel time – 10 to 12 hours) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) (travel time – six hours); services leave the long-distance (zapadni) bus station in Bishkek. There is also a direct service to Osh from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) via the Fergana Valley, but road conditions are very poor on this route (see also Uzbekistan section). Generally, roads can be affected by landslides (especially during spring in the mountain areas), while winter may cause hazardous conditions on a number of roads (especially on mountain passes, some of which may be closed during certain periods); visitors should also note that garage services are very limited.

There are internal connections from Bishkek to Cholpan-Ata, Kara-Kol, Naryn and Osh. Travellers should note that maintenance procedures for aircraft operating internally may not conform to internationally accepted standards. Access to the Central Tien-Shan region is via helicopter, which takes climbers up the Inylchek Valley.

There is only one railway line, which runs from Bishkek to Balikchi at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. Osh, in the south of the country, can be reached by rail via Tashkent (Uzbekistan). A new North–South railway is currently planned. Travellers are advised that robberies on trains have been reported.

Kyrgyzstan has 28,400km (17,400 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the right. Visitors should note that roads are poorly maintained and badly signposted. Bus: There are regular bus connections to all parts of Kyrgyzstan. Buses are crowded. The FCO currently advises against the use of local buses/minibuses due to their commonly poor maintenance. Taxi: Taxis can be found in all major towns. Many are unlicensed, and fares should be agreed in advance. As many of the street names, particularly in the capital, have changed since independence, visitors are advised to ask for both the old and the new names when seeking directions. Car hire: Car hire is not available. It is possible to hire cars with drivers for long-distance journeys, but because of the shortage of petrol, it is generally an expensive option. Foreigners are generally expected to pay in US Dollars. Documentation: Licences for long-stay residents intending to buy or import a car can be obtained from the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry. An International Driving Permit and two photos are required.

There are bus and trolleybus services around the capital.

The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bishkek (in hours and minutes) to other towns in Kyrgyzstan.

	Road
Osh	12.00
Tokmak	1.00
Balikchi	2.30
Kara-Kol	5.30