Rome2Rio

How to get fromAshgabat to Issyk-Kul (Lake)by plane, train, car, or bus

Find Transport to Issyk-Kul (Lake)

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Ashgabat to Issyk-Kul (Lake) by plane, train, car, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Issyk-Kul International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) to Issyk-Kul International Airport (IKU)plane plane ASB - IKU
    12h 12m
    $473–1,804

  2. Train, drive, bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Ashgabat to Göroglytrain train 93 / ...
    2. Drive from Görogly to Shavatcar car
    3. Take the train from Shavat to Tashkent Centraltrain train
    4. Take the train from Tashkent Central to Almaty 2train train
    5. Take the bus from Almaty Sayran Bus Station to Cholpon-Atabus bus 404
    2d 5h
    $53–91

  3. Train, drive

    1. Take the train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabattrain train 95 / ...
    2. Drive from Turkmenabat to Alatcar car
    3. Take the train from Alat to Bukhara 1train train
    4. Take the train from Bukhara 1 to Tashkent Centraltrain train
    5. Take the train from Tashkent Central to Almaty 2train train
    6. Drive from Almaty 2 to Issyk-Kul (Lake)car car
    45h 59m
    $102–164

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Ashgabat Bus Terminal to Turkmenabat Bus Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Turkmenabat Bus Terminal to Olotbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Karakul’ to Tashkent bus stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Tashkent bus station to Almaty Sayran Bus Stationbus bus
    5. Take the bus from Almaty Sayran Bus Station to Cholpon-Atabus bus 404
    47h 42m

  5. Drive  2,079 km

    1. Drive from Ashgabat to Tamchycar car 2,079 km
    27h 2m
    $156–225

  6. Fly to Almaty International Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) to Almaty International Airport (ALA)plane plane ASB - ALA
    2. Drive from Almaty International Airport (ALA) to Issyk-Kul (Lake)car car
    13h 11m
    $738–909

  7. Fly to Yining Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) to Yining Airport (YIN)plane plane ASB - YIN
    2. Drive from Yining Airport (YIN) to Issyk-Kul (Lake)car car
    13h 40m
    $488–1,689

  8. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Ashgabat to Turkmenabattrain train 95 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Turkmenabat Bus Terminal to Olotbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Karakul’ to Tashkent bus stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Tashkent bus station to Almaty Sayran Bus Stationbus bus
    5. Take the bus from Almaty Sayran Bus Station to Cholpon-Atabus bus 404
    2d

Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) to Issyk-Kul International Airport (IKU) flights

Calendar8Weekly Planes
Duration15h 39mAverage Duration
Ticket$479Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ashgabat to Issyk-Kul (Lake).ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,639.3 km
  • Duration: 12h 12m

What companies run services between Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and Issyk-Kul (Lake), Kyrgyzstan?

Flydubai, Flyr, and five other airlines fly from Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) to Issyk-Kul International Airport (IKU) once daily. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Ashgabat to Cholpon-Ata via Ashgabat Bus Terminal, Turkmenabat Bus Terminal, Olot, Karakul’, Tashkent bus station, and Almaty Sayran Bus Station in around 47h 42m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including 5 incredible day trips from Florence by train, The London Underground: Essential tips to navigate the Tube, and 5 delightfully under-the-radar French towns you need to visit - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Booking & Getting There