Turkmenistan is a fascinating Central Asian nation known for its surreal marble-clad capital Ashgabat, the mesmerizing Darvaza Gas Crater (Gates of Hell), and ancient Silk Road cities. This mysterious country offers a unique blend of Soviet-era grandeur, traditional nomadic culture, and vast Karakum Desert landscapes.
- Public
- Ashgabat has a bus network (numbered routes 1-80+) but it is difficult for tourists — limited English signage, crowded, and routes change. Taxis are far more practical for tourists.
- Taxi
- Taxis are the primary tourist transport in Ashgabat; negotiate fare before entering as no meters used. Base $2-3, city rides $3-8. Hotel-arranged taxis more expensive but reliable.
- Rental
- Car rental very limited — arrange through tour operators or major hotels only. International Driving Permit required. Most tours include driver, which is strongly recommended.
- Walking
- Ashgabat's central white marble district is pleasant for walking — wide boulevards, clean streets, and safe. However distances between major sights are often 3-5km, making taxis practical.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: $10-20 (15-20 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Bus lines 1, 18, 22, 58, 76: $1 (30 minutes, limited hours)
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle: Arranged through accommodation
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Ashgabat has bus network with numbered routes covering major areas. Fare: $0.20-0.50. Service 6:00-22:00. Routes marked in Turkmen. Can be crowded during rush hours. Not tourist-friendly - limited English.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Official taxis: Base fare $2-3, then $0.50-1 per km. Negotiate fare before departure. Ride-hailing not widely available. Hotel taxis more expensive ($5 minimum) but reliable. Taxis do not use meters - agree on price first.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
State-run buses connect cities. Ashgabat to Mary ($10, 5 hours), Ashgabat to Dashoguz ($15, 8 hours). Buses basic but functional. Frequent breakdowns possible. Private marshrutkas (minibuses) faster and more expensive ($15-25 same routes).
Flights
Turkmenistan Airlines operates domestic routes. Ashgabat to Turkmenabat ($50-80), Ashgabat to Dashoguz ($60-90), Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi ($55-85). Limited schedules (2-3 times weekly). Book well in advance through tour operator.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Ashgabat International Airport
From centre: 10 km northwest
Options: Taxi: $10-20 (15-20 minutes); Bus lines 1, 18, 22, 58, 76: $1 (30 minutes, limited hours); Hotel shuttle: Arranged through accommodation; Private transfer: $25-35 pre-booked
Turkmenbashi International Airport
From centre: 8 km from Turkmenbashi city
Options: Taxi: $8-15 to city center; Hotel shuttle: Available from Awaza resorts; Private transfer: $20-30
Turkmenabat Airport
From centre: 5 km from city center
Options: Taxi: $5-10; Hotel pickup: Arrange in advance
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Yandex Maps
Best available mapping app for Ashgabat navigation; works offline and has better Central Asia coverage than Google Maps
Maps.me
Offline maps app that works well in Turkmenistan when internet access is limited; download Turkmenistan map before arriving
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fare before entering the vehicle — Ashgabat taxis have no meters and foreign visitors are often quoted 2-3x the fair price
Hotel-arranged transport costs more but guarantees reliability and safety — worth paying the premium for airport transfers and night-time travel
Intercity travel requires advance planning — trains book up weeks ahead; book through a licensed local agency or directly at train stations with ample lead time
Carry a printed copy of your hotel address in Turkmen script for showing taxi drivers — few know English addresses
For the Darvaza Crater trip, hire a 4WD vehicle with an experienced desert driver — the 260km journey includes rough desert tracks requiring local knowledge
Domestic flights (Turkmenistan Airlines) are the fastest way to reach Mary (Merv) and Dashoguz (Kunya-Urgench) — book through tour operator well in advance
Police road checkpoints are common outside Ashgabat — have passport and visa ready; your driver will handle the checkpoint procedure