Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek fascinates visitors with its spectacular views of Chui Valley. The city doesn’t have a very historic texture because it is relatively young. However, Bishkek is notorious for its nightlife. Ala-Too Square is considered the center of the city. Those who want to visit Bishkek fly into Manas International Airport. Urban transportation in Bishkek is both affordable and reliable.

Bishkek is a relatively small capital that you can explore in a short amount of time. Many cities in Kyrgyzstan are located in mountainous regions, complicating the transportation networks. Bishkek however is a flat city, so it can offer much more convenient transportation systems. Currently the Kyrgyz Railways only operate inter-city and long-distance trains but they are continuing to develop the city’s infrastructure. There is no train transportation within the city.     

The most preferred method of public transportation in the city is a type of minibus or public van, known as a marshrutka. In addition, there are bus and trolleybus routes that operate in many parts of the city. Almost all of the public transportation alternatives go to major stops near Tsum Center and the Philharmonia. If you get lost you can get a map from the tourist offices located in the city or ask for directions. Public transportation networks begin operating between 5:30 am and 6:30 am. The buses and trolleybuses run until 10 pm. In addition to public transportation, taxis are a convenient way to get around the city. Although renting a car isn’t very common in Bishkek some tourism companies provide chauffeured vehicles. Getting to Manas International Airport from the city center by car takes about 25 minutes.   

If you are going to travel to the airport by using public transportation then you can get on the minibuses that depart from the city center. If you are staying in an area far from the city center you can get on one of the bus, minibus, or trolleybus lines that pass through your location and then transfer to a minibus that goes to the airport.

Minibus (Marshrutka)

These minibuses, which depart from the city center, will take you to a stop that is very close to the airport in a short amount of time. These minibuses have a very large transportation network within the city. There are hundreds of minibuses that operate all throughout the city. You can download the app or check online to find out which minibus to take depending on what part of the city you are in.

Bus and Trolleybus

Buses and trolleybuses do not provide direct service to the airport. However, you can still get on a bus or trolleybus and then transfer to a minibus that goes to the airport. Buses and trolleybuses are the second most commonly used method of transportation after the minibuses. Buses and trolleybuses operate in a more limited area than minibuses. The total trip also takes longer than it would take with a minibus. Minibuses will stop to let passengers on and off almost anywhere but buses and trolleybuses are not allowed to stop anywhere that isn’t a designated bus or trolleybus stop. Nevertheless, these vehicles are cheaper than minibuses.

Entry to the bus and trolleybus is from the back door and passengers getting off use the front door. To find out more detailed information about bus and trolleybus routes you can download the app or check online. In addition to urban transportation, these vehicles can be used for inter-city and long-distance travel.

Taxi

Taxis are among the most convenient method of transportation to get to the airport from the city center. There are many private taxi firms located in the city and it is quite easy to find a taxi. Taxi day fares are cheaper than night fares. In addition to private taxi companies there are also official taxi companies, which have a taximeter that they will turn on upon request.

Airport Information

Manas International Airport was formerly used as a military air base. Today Manas International Airport, located 25 km from the city center, hosts visitors from many different countries from around the world. The airport doesn’t offer extensive facilities. There are a lot of ATMs located in the passenger arrivals area. Besides that, there are some cafes and shops where you can go shopping, however these venues only operate until a certain hour.

The airport in Calipatria, located in the state of California in the United States of America, is in 2 kilometers north of the city center. The airport, which is very close to the city center, is not used for local and international flights.

If you want to go to Calipatria easily, you can fly to San Diego, one of the largest and most developed cities in the United States. San Diego is located near Calipatria.

After arriving at San Diego International Airport, you can reach Calipatria city center in about 4 hours by taking advantage of various transfer options such as tram, bus, and taxi.

Tram

Upon your arrival at San Diego International Airport, you can transfer directly to Washington Street station, where you can take the tram and reach the departure stops of the buses that will take you to the Calipatria. The ride to El Cajon station that takes about 45 minutes is both comfortable and economic with affordable prices. Once you get off the tram, you can continue your journey by bus, or you can go on your journey to Calipatria by taking a taxi directly, even if it is a much more costly alternative to the bus.

Bus

After arriving at San Diego Airport, you can reach Calipatria by taking bus and taxi transfer options. To do so, you should first take the El Centro bus at the airport. Once you arrive at El Centro, you should take a taxi to get to Calipatria. The journey by bus and taxi transfer will take approximately four hours in total.

Another alternative to reach Calipatria by bus is to take the tram first and then get off at El Cajon, the transfer point where you can take a bus to El Centro. The buses to El Centro will take you directly to the Calipatria area. So, you can find a taxi as soon as you get off the bus and you can reach the city center with a few transfers but cheaper.

Taxi

If you don't want to wait too long, you can take directly a taxi at San Diego International Airport to reach Calipatria in about 3 hours. However, traveling without bus or tram transfer could be extremely costly. Also, you can bargain with a taxi driver at the airport and so you can enjoy going to Calipatria by a less costly taxi ride. Please keep in mind that your journey to Calipatria will always be more expensive compared to bus or tram transfer on this route, even if you negotiate with the driver about the taxi fare in advance.

Rent a car

If you prefer a more comfortable and independent transfer option from the airport to Calipatria, you can rent a car in San Diego. Moreover, car rental and fuel charges in the country are quite reasonable. However, there is one thing that we can say car rental could be a disadvantageous option. After a long and tiring flight, you will need to drive about 3 hours from the airport to Calipatria. If you wish, you can take a break from driving and rest for a more comfortable ride. In this case, it may take a little longer for you to reach Calipatria.

Private Transfer Service

The passengers arriving at San Diego International Airport and heading to Calipatria can also choose to travel by private transfer services. Although it is not as much preferred as the bus and tram options, you can reach the city center in much less time and you can save at least one hour. The transfer services offer a comfortable and fast journey, but they are more costly compared to the bus and tram options. For this reason, it is hardly preferred by passengers who prefer more reasonable transfer alternatives. However, if you choose to travel to Calipatria by private transfer services after arriving at San Diego International Airport, you can make arrangements with a local tour company in advance, or get assistance in finding an affordable transfer service from the hotel you are going to stay.