Almaty → Bishkek transfer
Almaty to Bishkek is 240 km and one border — Korday / Ak-Zhol, open 24 hours. Most of the trip time is the border itself, so we offer two ways to do it: the same car door to door, or a faster, cheaper "border swap" where you walk across and a second driver is waiting.
- Distance240 km
- Drive time4 h 30 min
- Pricefrom $130
Almaty → Bishkek: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry or similar | $190 ≈ 97,000 ₸ | $95 | $63 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Starex / Delica | $250 ≈ 127,500 ₸ | $125 | $83 | $63 | $42 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Land Cruiser / Prado / UAZ | $280 ≈ 143,000 ₸ | $140 | $93 | $70 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $380 ≈ 194,000 ₸ | $190 | $127 | $95 | $63 |
| Border swap (walk across, second car waits) | $130 / $180 | sedan / minivan | |||
English-speaking driver +$15–20 · return — same price. Prices updated 12 October 2026.
The road
Almaty → Kaskelen → Korday on the A2 highway, border crossing, then 20 minutes into Bishkek. Good asphalt both sides.
Worth stopping
- Optional: Tamgaly-Tas or the Ungurtas burial mounds on the Kazakh side (+$60).
Good to know
- Border swap: you carry your bags through the pedestrian hall (15–60 minutes); a Kyrgyz driver meets you on the other side. Sedan $130, minivan $180.
- Same car door to door: no carrying bags, but cars queue longer than pedestrians, especially on summer evenings and holidays.
- Pick-up at Almaty airport is the same price.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, tolls
- Meet & greet with name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting
- Stops on the way where you ask (up to 1 h in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Pay the driver in cash or card — no prepayment for transfers
Almaty → Bishkek: questions
How long does Almaty to Bishkek take?
Driving is about 3.5 hours; with the border 4–5 hours. The border swap is usually the faster option.
Do I need to get out at the border?
Yes, passengers always cross on foot through passport control; in the door-to-door option the car goes through the vehicle lane and picks you up after.
How much is a taxi from Almaty to Bishkek?
Kiwitaxi-type sites charge $180–310 for the whole car. With us: same car $190 sedan / $250 minivan, or border swap $130 / $180. A seat in a shared car is cheaper but you wait for it to fill.
Is there a visa?
Most Western, Gulf and many Asian passports are visa-free in both countries. Check your nationality before travel.