How to Get to Osh from Major Destinations?
Osh is the Rome of Central Asia. It is ancient and all the road lead to Osh! But how do you arrange a trip to Osh from the major destinations in Central Asia? Here is how!
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How to Get to Osh from Bishkek?
The fastest, easiest (and boring) way to get from Bishkek to Osh is flying. Airlines such as TezJet (daily flights), Avia Traffic (Monday-Friday), Asman Air (Saturday), and SkyFru (Monday, Saturday, and Sunday) offer flights that last less than an hour and cost around $45-50.
The most scenic, yet physically challenging way to travel from Bishkek to Osh is by shared taxis that leave from the south of Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar and Western Bus Station. A seat usually costs around 2000-2500 soms ($22-30), depending on the type of vehicle (minivan or sedan) and your bargaining skills. The ride lasts around 11-13 hours, depending on how big a fan of “Fast and Furious” and “Formula 1” your driver is. The beauty of the road is worth the time and sacrifice of comfort. However, one of the ways to overcome the limitations of such a long trip is to arrange a private car. The drivers I know have newer cars, offer a pick-up from your location, and deliver you to the doorsteps of your destination in Osh (shared taxis drop clients at the new bus station or central market). On top, they know (and don’t mind) where to make stops for magnificent scenery and photo shoots.
Finally, you can take cargo buses leaving in the evening. They charge less, offer the lay seat. But, it is the least secure (they drive at night), and you won’t be able to witness the scenic nature through the darkness in the window.
If you don’t want to deal with shared taxis or public transportation, but rather arrange a private driver, read below.
How to Get to Osh from Issykul Province?
Like with Bishkek, the fastest and easiest way to reach Osh from Issykul is flying. Flights from Karakol are available throughout the year, while flights from Tamchy operate only during summer.
The long and scenic option is, of course, by car. You can go through Bishkek, where you’ll get a shared taxi for the main North-South highway. Or you can drive through an alternative route going via Naryn Province. The difference is that you won’t find direct shared taxis going staring to Osh (operating daily). If you decide to go through Naryn Province, you will have to switch taxis from settlement to settlement. From your location in Issykul find a taxi to Kochkor in Naryn Province. For further instructions, check the next section.
How to Get to Osh from Naryn?
Everyone is waiting for the total completion of an alternative trans-Kyrgyzstan highway, which will connect Kochkor with Jalalabad via Kazarman. It will make it faster, easier and safer to get from Issykul and Naryn to Osh. However, as of May 2025, the Kok-Art tunnel is still closed.
If you are eager to take this route, here is how you make it. If you are in Naryn city, better to take a shared taxi to Kochkor, from where you can find a car to Kazarman with a predominantly paved road. From Kazarman you can get to Jalalabad and further to Osh.
How to Get to Osh from Jalalabad?
Marshrutka mini-buses and shared taxis leave from Jalalabad’s Central Bus Station. Marshrutkas depart every 1-2 hours, and taxis depart when all seats are taken. Shared taxis also leave from Jalalabad’s Central Bazaar. The road takes around 1.5-2 hours.
How to Get to Osh from Tashkent, Uzbekistan?
You can travel to Osh from Uzbekistan’s capital by shared taxi or train. Shared taxis to the Dustlik/Dostuk Border Pass leave from Kuylik market in Tashkent. The ride is usually 5-6 hours, known for beautiful and changing landscapes, and costs 150-200K Uzbek sum per seat (May 2025). Tashkent – Osh driving experience can be more pleasant if you go with a reliable private car, who pick you from your door steps and take you safely to the border. Check below for more information.
After crossing the Dostuk checkpoint, you take a taxi or marshrutka to downtown Osh and arrive there in 10–15 minutes.
Going by train, you will have to take a ticket to Andijan that costs 150K – 350K – 530K Uzbek sum, depending on the class of train carriage. The trip lasts around 5-6 hours, after which you will be at Andijan’s train station. You might receive offers for a ride to Dostuk Checkpoint from taxi drivers right at the exit from the station. The cost per seat might be around 50-60K Uzbek sum. If you haven’t received an offer or feel overcharged, take a short walk (5-10 minutes) to Andijan’s Bus Station.
Also, check my article on crossing the Dostuk/Dustlik Checkpoint between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
How to Get to Osh from Andijan, Uzbekistan?
Marshrutkas and shared taxis leave from Andijan’s City Bus Station. Marshrutka with a fancy label 777 will take you straight to Osh by crossing the border. It is cheap, convenient, and leaves hourly. The downside is that you might cross the Dostuk border on foot much faster than the marshrutka and end up waiting for it.
Another option is a shared taxi that leaves when the car is full. The ride costs around 50-60K and lasts less than an hour.
How to Get to Osh from Fergana City, Uzbekistan?
Shared taxis and buses to the Dustlik/Dostuk checkpoint leave from Fergana’s Central Bus Station. Buses depart multiple times a day (around 8 times). Shared taxis leave when full and cost around 100-120K per seat. Sometimes you might wait for a couple of hours until the car is full. If you missed the last bus and the taxis are still empty, consider the option of going through Andijan. The ride might be a bit longer, but you will find a car to the border from Andijan.
Arrange a private car to/from Osh
If you don’t want to deal with public transportation and shared taxis (or you are simply short of time), feel free to reach me and arrange a private car. After years of working in tourism, I have obtained the contacts of reliable drivers. It can be a private car to take you around Osh or to any other location in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Whether you need an ordinary sedan, 4×4 or minivan, all is manageable depending on your needs and budget.
Fill the contact form below to receive my recommendations.