How to get from Bishkek to Almaty (+ Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Border)

How to get from Bishkek to Almaty

Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and Almaty in Kazakhstan are two of the main travel hubs in Central Asia. Travelling between them is one of the most common overland journeys in the region.

While Almaty is modern, fast-paced and arguably the most developed city in Central Asia, Bishkek is the main gateway to almost all adventures through Kyrgyzstan! Because of this, many travellers end up crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan at some point during their trip. I did so on multiple occasions!

This guide covers exactly how to get from Bishkek to Almaty. This includes transport options, costs, journey times, where to go, the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border process, and what to expect along the way.

Bishkek to Almaty Overview

The easiest way to get from Bishkek to Almaty is by direct bus or shared taxi via the Korday Border Crossing / Ak-Jol border crossing (location here).

• Journey time: 4-6 hours total
• Cost: ~600-4,500 KGS (£5-40) depending on transport
• Border crossing: Korday / Ak-Jol
• Best option: Direct bus or private vehicle
• Difficulty: Easy
• Border process: Usually quick and straightforward for most nationalities

This route is one of the most common international journeys in Central Asia and is used daily by both locals and travellers.

Bishkek to Almaty Transport Options

There are several options to get from Bishkek to Almaty.

Bishkek to Almaty by Public Transport

You probably don’t want to read the super-long and detailed version. So here’s an outline of the easiest way to get from Bishkek to Almaty by public transport.

(You can click on any of these steps to take you to the right section!)

• Step 1: Take a taxi to Bishkek Bus Station
• Step 2: Buy a ticket to Almaty
• Step 3: Drive to the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border
• Step 4: Cross the border on foot
• Step 5: Continue onwards to Almaty
• Step 6: Take a taxi or local transport to your accommodation

The whole process usually takes around 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and border queues. Therefore, this is my recommended option for overall value for money.

If you don’t want to use public transport, there are also flights and private transfers available from Bishkek to Almaty (further down this guide).

Step 1: Get to the bus station

From your accommodation in Bishkek, you’ve got to get to the bus station, which takes you to the border.

There have been several changes since 2024. Previously, most transport went from the Western Bus Station [do not go here].

But since 2025, now the correct bus station is just outside of Bishkek. Search for “Bishkekskiy Avtovokzal Bus Station” on Google Maps or follow the link here. It’s actually the same bus terminal you can use to get to Karakol to do the famous Ala Kul trek!

The easiest way to get there is using Yandex Go, which is usually very affordable from central Bishkek. I spent 300 com (~$3.40) for a 30-minute ride from my accommodation in Bishkek town centre.

Once you arrive, expect a slightly chaotic but manageable environment. Ticket windows, parked minibuses and drivers shouting destinations, as well as (sometimes functioning) ATMs just outside and basic toilet facilities in the terminal.

Step 2: Purchase a ticket

Tickets from Bishkek to Almaty can be purchased from one of the small ticket windows (signed KACCA) in the right-hand-side building. It normally costs 600 Kyrgyz som (~$6.80) and you will need your passport handy.

Simply say “Almaty”, and the staff should know what you want.

Departures from Bishkek to Almaty are officially at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 18:00, though this can vary.

They should point you in the direction of your vehicle, where you can load your belongings and wait for departure. Or you can wait in the ticket area as it’s air-conditioned.

NOTE: I tried purchasing a ticket online in advance, but it didn’t work. You need a Kyrgyz MPay account (so a local person would need to assist you). Purchasing in person works just fine.

TIP: Try to ask for a seat on the left-hand side of the bus. The way the route goes means the right-hand side is almost always in the sun. Despite the curtains, it can get pretty hot – especially if the air-conditioning isn’t working…

Step 3: Bishkek to the border

The drive from Bishkek to the border usually takes less than 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Most vehicles use the main Ak-Jol / Korday crossing, which is the busiest border point between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

The road itself is straightforward and relatively smooth compared to many other routes in Central Asia. It’s more the drivers that sometimes make it more of an ‘experience’…

I was in a large coach-style bus, which was comfortable throughout the journey. After we arrived at the border, our driver told us the license plate of the Kazakh-side bus waiting on the other side of the border.

Since the drive to the border is so short, many people choose to simply get to the border themselves. The cheapest way to get there is by local public transport. The #34 bus (route here) and the #285 minibus (route here) go all the way to the border from Bishkek centre. If either route passes near your accommodation, this is the best value way to get to the border. From the border, you can then either take a shared taxi or join a bus from the border to Almaty. There’s a small terminal on the Kazakh side.

Step 4: Korday Border Crossing

The border crossing between Bishkek and Almaty is usually very straightforward.

Most transport uses the Ak-Jol (Kyrgyz side) / Korday (Kazakh side) border crossing, which is the main crossing between the two countries.

Here’s how it normally works:

• Everyone gets out of the vehicle before immigration (double-check who is collecting you on the other side)
• You walk through passport control on the Kyrgyz side
• Cross a short neutral section on foot
• Enter Kazakhstan immigration
• Then rejoin your vehicle (or find a new taxi/minibus on the other side)
  • My replacement vehicle was actually waiting in a car park 100m from the border. Make sure that you know exactly where to go before you leave your first bus.

The whole process usually takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on queues and time of day. Everyone on my bus got through in less than an hour.

As a British citizen, I didn’t need a visa for either country, and the process was very straightforward.

On the Kazakh side of the border, you can purchase SIM cards and also exchange currency. Since the bus goes all the way to Almaty, you can probably wait, then get something cheaper when you arrive. Though, from what I’ve heard, the rates weren’t too bad!

NOTE: Try to avoid crossing on Friday evenings or holiday weekends when queues can become much longer.

NOTE: The time zone changes here from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan (since Kyrgyzstan is 1 hour ahead of Kazakhstan). Your devices should update if you have a SIM, but don’t forget as you gain an hour!

Step 5: Border to Almaty

Once you’ve been reunited with your transport (or found your new vehicle), hop on for the remainder of the drive to Almaty.

Keep your original ticket, as the bus driver will check it as you board the bus.

The drive from Korday to Almaty usually takes around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic entering the capital.

You will be dropped off at one of Almaty’s main bus stations – I was dropped off at Sayran Bus Station. From here, you can take local public transport or take a taxi (Yandex) to your accommodation.

Many backpackers stay in Almaty Backpackers Hostel, though there are plenty of accommodation options across Almaty.

Driving from Bishkek to Almaty

If you have rented a car in Kyrgyzstan, you can drive it to Almaty in Kazakhstan! Though you’ll need to make sure your rental company allows it.

If you are looking to drive across the border, there is a slightly different procedure. You’ll need the right insurance, the right documents and also a bit more patience.

But if you have all of that, it’s pretty easy! You can even follow the same route as the bus from Bishkek to Almaty, crossing at the Korday border.

Flying from Bishkek to Almaty

The quickest way to get from Bishkek to Almaty is by plane. There are regular flights connecting Bishkek and Almaty, which take around one hour. Though with check-in, customs and other transport, it won’t save you loads of time compared to taking public transport from Bishkek to Almaty.

Simply take a taxi to the Manas International Airport, and take your flight to Almaty International Airport. Once there, you’ll land on the outskirts of the city so you can take public transport or a taxi to your accommodation.

Flights between the two cities can cost anywhere between $60-$150 depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

Train from Bishkek to Almaty

There is a train connecting Bishkek and Almaty. However, it only leaves once a week (Saturdays), and takes around 14 hours!

I only recommend this if you’re seeking a particular experience. Otherwise, it’s slower and more expensive than the public transport options available.

FAQs

How much does it cost to go from Bishkek to Almaty?

The Bishkek-Almaty bus cost me 600 KGS. However, if you add in the cost of the taxis, I probably spent around $12-$14 USD to get from Bishkek to Almaty.

The border itself is free (at least for UK citizens), so there was no additional cost for crossing the border.

There were a couple of pit-stops where I bought drinks and snacks which I didn’t include in the price.

How long does it take to get from Bishkek to Almaty

My total journey time from Bishkek to Almaty was 6 hours, including the border.

Is the Bishkek to Almaty Route safe?

Yes, it’s a safe ride. The biggest danger is the erratic driving of the local people.

Which border to cross from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan?

The easiest border to cross between Bishkek and Almaty is the Korday border.

Can you cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at night?

Yes, you can cross the Korday border at night. But daytime is usually easier to sort out any issues (should any arise).

Do you need a VISA?

This depends on your nationality and current government regulations. At the time of travel, UK citizens don’t need a VISA for Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan.

Is Yandex in Almaty?

Yes, you can use Yandex Go in Almaty.

What to do in Almaty once I arrive?

There are plenty of things to do in Almaty! You can probably spend a couple of days sightseeing around the bazaar, the parks, cathedrals and more! Then, I highly recommend exploring Kazakhstan’s nature with day trips to places like Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon or the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes.

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek

If you are doing this route in reverse, it largely follows the same process – just backwards:

1. Local transport or taxi to Sayran Bus Station
2. Buy a ticket to Bishkek
3. Drive to the Ak-Jol border (the Kazakh side of the Korday border)
4. Cross the border on foot
5. Continue onwards towards Bishkek (potentially in a new vehicle/#34 bus/taxi)
6. Take a taxi or local transport to your accommodation in Bishkek

The ticket from Almaty to Bishkek is paid for in Tenge (local currency) and costs around 3000 Tenge ($6.50).

You can also check online for tickets from Almaty to Bishkek. However, you require a Kazakh card (my cards didn’t work), so purchasing in person worked fine.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide on how to get from Bishkek to Almaty (Kazakhstan). If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

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Happy travelling!