Every country and city has their own way of using public transport and Kyrgyzstan is no different. Public transport is more or less straight-forward but it can be confusing for new travellers. Here is a simple guide on how to use the public transport system in Kyrgyzstan.
Download 2GIS
If you haven’t done so already, download the local offline map navigation app called ‘2GIS’. It shows available and multiple public transport options in the main cities and towns. It is available to download on Android and iOS. There is also a desktop version available as well (However, most of the website is currently not in English).
On the app, a lot of places are not named in English so if you search for a place in English, it may not appear. It is better to copy approximate number coordinates (from another navigation app) and paste it into 2GIS – this way you will find transport options near the place you want to go to.
Buses/Trolleybuses (in Bishkek)
Go to a local bus stop and wait for the bus number you want.
When the ideal bus arrives, hail the bus if required and enter onboard the stopped bus from the back side door.
Stay on the bus until you are nearly at your destination. Start moving to the front of the bus, towards and next to the bus driver. This indicates to the driver you want to depart at the next bus stop (the stop button, or lack of, doesn’t always work).
When the bus has come to a halt, pay the bus driver, ideally the correct amount, (don’t expect a fare ticket) and leave the bus via the front door. Simple!
Public Transport Etiquette
Priority seating should be given to elderly people, pregnant women, disabled people, and young mothers holding their young infant. If you see any of these people get on the bus or marshrutka, kindly act like a local and give up your seat for the person.
Marshrutkas (Mini-buses)
Go to a local bus stop and wait for the marshrutka bus number you want, or stand on the side of the road where the marshrutka can safely stop on their route.
Hail the marshrutka down.
When it has come to a stop, enter the vehicle and pay the bus driver (no fare ticket will be given) then sit down or stand up.
Sometimes the driver is in too much of a hurry to be able to receive your money so you may need to find a place to sit or stand up and then give a stranger in front of you the correct fare so he or she can pass the fare to the driver (or another stranger to pass the fare to the driver) – don’t worry, this practice is normal.
When you are near your destination, move towards the front next to the driver. Tell the bus driver to stop and then exit when the marshrutka has come to a halt.
How to ask the bus driver to stop (In Russian):
Say:
“Ostanovíte, pozhaluysta!” (останови́те, пожалуйста) = “Stop, please!”
Go to Google Translate for audio translation.
Hopefully all this information will help you how you easily use public transport in Kyrgyzstan.
If you know a friend who is going to Kyrgyzstan, share this post to help them out.
If you have already been to Kyrgyzstan, did you use the public transport system there? What did you think of it?
Let me and others know!