Search Flights from Bishkek to Nicosia

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.

Ercan Airport is 23 kilometers from the capital Lefkoşa (Nicosia), 44 km from Girne, 50 km from Magosa and 62 km from Güzelyurt. You can benefit from KIBHAS airport shuttle service, which has been serving for 6 years, to reach the city center from the airport because there is not a developed transportation system in the island. You can also choose from taxi, airport transfer companies and car rental option.

If you have booked your accommodation in advance, it would be useful to ask if your hotel can arrange airport transfer or not. There are some hotels that provide free airport transfer according to the number of passengers.

KIBHAS Airport Shuttle Services

These shuttle buses, which have been serving since February 2009, take the airport passengers to the bus stations in Nicosia, Girne, Magosa, Güzelyurt and Lefke from morning till midnight. Once you arrive at the bus station, you can go wherever you will be staying by taxi or minibus departing from there. This shuttle service is the cheapest way to get to the city center or wherever you want from the airport.

KIBHAS shuttle services officially serve only between the airport and bus terminals, but they can also drop you off at a point on the route on your request. Before getting on the shuttle, you can ask the shuttle driver about this detail or you can find out about it during your reservation. You can book by phone before you arrive at the airport.

KIBHAS suttles departing from Ercan Airport to Girne and Nicosia run for 12 times from 08.10 till 00.30. The number of the shuttles to other destinations is less frequent. KIPHAS shuttles to Güzelyurt and Lefke serve 7 times a day between 09.30 and 00.30 and the shuttles to Magosa serve 9 times a day from 08:10 to 00:30. Departure times may vary and the waiting times between the shuttle services are different for each service. You can easily see the KIPHAS building when you go out the incoming passenger terminal.

Taxi

Taxi fares at Ercan Airport might be a bit more expensive compared to the fares in Turkey. However, if you want to take a taxi, do not forget to bargain with the driver and make a comparison. With KIBHAS shuttles coming into service, demand for taxi has decreased and so, taxi drivers may reduce taxi fares considerably. You can be prepared by online searching for the offers of the companies for taxi fares to reach your destination. Also, if you are traveling with a few people and when you compare the per passenger shuttle charges, taking a taxi may be a more practical and convenient option, though the same advantage does not apply to taxi fare. Please note that the TRNC taxis can take up to 3 passengers as required by law.

Airport Transfer Companies

You can also benefit from the vehicles of the companies that provide airport transfer service to reach the city center or the hotels from the airport by making a reservation in advance. Especially if you are traveling in groups, the transportation service provided by these may also be more suitable for you in terms of price. These vehicles meet you at the airport upon your arrival and ensure you to reach your destination without waiting. Before boarding the plane, you can make a quick online search and make a reservation in advance or you can ask your hotel to arrange such a service.

Rent a car

Car rental prices in Cyprus are particularly convenient if you are going to rent a car for 3 or more days compared to Turkey. So are the fuel prices! Moreover, you can find many parking places which you don’t have to pay for. For this reason, renting a car is one of the preferred options for sightseeing in Cyprus. By renting a car, you can be more flexible during your trip and you can travel all over the island, which is not already very big. However, the traffic flows in the reverse direction (left) compared to Turkey and there are the right hand drive cars. For some people, this requires an adaptation process, especially at first. It would be useful to rent a car keeping this in mind. It is also important to remember that the automatic cars make it easier to get used to this adaptation process.

If you plan to travel from the airport by renting a car, we advise you to book in advance. As it is a common and preferred method in the island, you may have difficulty in finding a convenient car at the airport. To rent a car, you must be over 25 years old and have a Turkish Republic driving license. Ercan Airport has a car park reserved for rental cars. Many car rental companies use this car park. You can pick up and deliver your car at the same parking area. The car rental companies in Cyprus are usually local enterprises.