Search Flights from Bishkek to Riga

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.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is not only the largest city of Latvia but also of all Baltic countries. The buildings impressing everyone with the Daugava River and Art Nouveau architecture make Riga spreading on a wide geography indispensable.  

In the city, which has succeeded in gathering trade, education and politics under a single roof, the nightlife is fast enough to deserve the title “Paris of the North”. Trolleybus, tramway and bus as well as taxi provide transportation service in Riga, which is the largest city of the north. There is also a ferryboat enabling transportation from Riga to Stockholm.

Open to international flights, Riga Airport hosts hundreds of thousands of passengers each year. Taxis and car rental services are available 24 hours a day for the transportation to the city center. In addition to the bus service, there is a minibus and a shuttle service which you can use either as a single or as a group.

Taxi

Two different taxi options are waiting for you at Riga Airport. The feature that separates taxi firms from each other is that Red Cab offers service with red vehicles. You can easily go to any part of the city in 15 minutes by choosing any of these taxis.

Bus

Bus route 22 that you can get on at Riga Airport allows you to travel to the city center in about half an hour. Operating hours of the buses that you can get on from the station opposite the terminal building vary between 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the buffets at the airport or ticket offices at the bus stop.

Minibus

If you want to go to the city center from the airport using a minibus, you can use the minibus route 241. It is possible to get the ticket from the driver in the minibuses which are the cheapest means of transportation.

Shuttle

If you are traveling as a group, private shuttle buses accepting up to seven passengers are waiting for their passengers at the exit of the terminal building. There is free Wi-Fi in the shuttle buses operating every half an hour between 10:30 am and 07:30 pm.

Car Rental

Those who want to rent a car for their travel can visit many of the prestigious car rental company located at the airport. Avis, Budget, Europcar and Sixt car rental companies, which are the leading car rental companies on the market, offer 24/7 service at the airport.