Tashkent to Bishkek

[crsdavies]

What is the best way of getting from Tashkent to Bishkek (without flying)?

My provisional plan is to take buses from Tashkent to Szymkent across the Chernayevka crossing, then take a train from Szymkent to Bishkek.

I have read that in the summer there is a Tashkent/Bishkek train, but I canot find any evidence for this.

Any contributions regarding how long the various parts of the journey might take, how much the various parts might cost, how long it should take to cross the border would be much appreciated!

[steven]

Tashkent - Bishkek train check here:

http://caravanistan.com/transport/train/kyrgyzstan/

Other options see https://caravanistan.com/uzbekistan/cen ... /transport

Via Kazakhstan will be the fastest way to get to Bishkek.

[crsdavies]

Uch-Kurgan would take days or it will take days whichever way we go? I've scheduled 24-36 hours.

[steven]

To do it via Shymkent in 24 hours would be quick, to do it in 36 hours would be slow.

Also, forgot to mention, it will be quite difficult to just hop on a train in Shymkent, in the summer everything is usually fully booked days in advance. You are better off taking a night bus to Almaty (or day bus, but really, get a night bus), then hop straight onto a marshrutka to Bishkek (or have a coffee in Almaty first).

[crsdavies]

Excellent! Yes I think tea/lunch in Almaty would be a welcome little addition.

How long do you estimate the Tashkent to Szymkent leg would be, including crossing the border?

[steven]

Crossing the border is unpredictable. Anywhere between 20 minutes and 3 hours. Tashkent - border is 20 minutes, border - Shymkent is 1 hour.

[pagophilus]

I'll be planning a Tashkent To Bishkek leg for my trip next year but I think I'll fly (Air Astana).