Turkmenistan is a Muslim country located in Central Asia, bordering Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Its capital, Ashgabat, is the country's largest city. Turkmenistan can be reached by both air and land. Below is useful information about the country's public transportation system, particularly in the capital.
Air Transportation in Turkmenistan
The country's only international airport is Saparmurat Turkmenbashy International Airport, located in Ashgabat. The terminal was first opened in 1990 and now features modern infrastructure. The airport is generally not overcrowded and provides essential passenger services.
Passengers seeking additional comfort can access the Commercially Important Person (CIP) Lounge for approximately USD 20. However, prior authorization is required to use this service.
The national carrier, Turkmenistan Airlines, operates direct flights twice a week to London, as well as regular flights to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Delhi, Beijing, Istanbul, Paris, and several other international destinations.
Domestic flights to major cities such as Turkmenbashi, Mary, Dashoguz, and Turkmenabat are relatively inexpensive. However, due to high demand, it is advisable to book tickets in advance. The airline also operates regular flights to the capitals of other Central Asian countries.
Railway Transportation in Turkmenistan
Rail travel is one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel between countries along the historic Silk Road. In recent years, Turkmenistan has modernized its railway fleet with new, comfortable trains imported from China.
The railway network connects the country's major cities. Trains are equipped with dining cars, hard-seat and soft-seat coaches, as well as sleeping compartments for long-distance travel.
The 677-kilometer Turkmenistan section of the International North–South Transport Corridor links the country with Kazakhstan, Iran, and the Persian Gulf, playing an important role in regional transportation.
Car Rental and Taxi Services in Turkmenistan
A few years ago, official taxi services were almost nonexistent, and most taxi rides were provided by private vehicles. However, since 2018, the government has introduced an official taxi system, which has largely replaced private taxis.
Although this reform has improved passenger safety, fares are now fixed, making fare negotiation no longer possible.
Passengers in Ashgabat can book taxis through the TIZ.TAXI mobile application. The app allows users to track their route, view the estimated fare in advance, and communicate directly with the driver.
In recent years, however, complaints about taxi shortages in the capital have increased. Furthermore, under current regulations, official taxis are not permitted to operate outside Ashgabat. As a result, intercity buses and other forms of public transportation have become more crowded. In other major cities, both official and private taxis remain widely available.
Car rental services are also available in Ashgabat. Renters are generally required to have at least one year of driving experience and an international driving permit. Since many highways connecting major cities are narrow and poorly lit, renting a vehicle with an experienced local driver is considered the safer option.
Buses, Trolleybuses, and Minibuses in Turkmenistan
Urban and intercity public transportation is generally considered satisfactory. In Ashgabat, more than 800 modern blue, white, and green buses operate on over 70 routes throughout the city.
Despite the large number of buses, public transport can become crowded, especially during peak hours. City buses operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Modern coaches provide intercity transportation between major cities, while older minibuses and shared taxis serve smaller and more remote settlements.
Overall, traveling by bus from Ashgabat to other cities is generally considered both faster and more economical than traveling by train.
