While the car or minibus is and will be the go-to motorised method of travelling around Kyrgyzstan, taking a train ride is a nice alternative and offers a great experience.
The journey from Bishkek to the northwestern part of the Issyk-Kul is a beautiful mixture of steppe and valleys. The big panorama windows on the new trains invite travellers to enjoy the countryside.
And all of this isn’t even expensive! We’ll inform you about the things to know about the route from Bishkek to Balykchy by train.
The start of the journey is in Biskek, at train station Bishkek 2.
The train departs at 7:40 a.m.
The city of Tokmok, which is close to Toodo, is on the route and invites to stay for Burana and a journey into the Kegeti mountains.
Arrival at 9:10 a.m.
The final stop is at Balykchy, from where a taxi or minibus is the next step to reach your place to stay at Issyk-Kul.
Arrival at 11:46 a.m.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets for the train ride can be bought directly at the train stations en route. To make sure you get a ticket, you can also book on the website of Kyrgyzstan’s railway company: https://ticket.railway.kg/
The website offers an english language option. The starting point is Bishkek 2 (Бишкек-2) and the destination is Rybachie St. (Рыбачье), the former name of the city Balykchy.
Tickets for this journey are not available throughout the year, but should be bookable in late spring, once the Issyk-Kul season slowly starts.
Last years prices where between 150 and 800 Som, depending on which class/train cars you book. We definitely recommend the panorama cars (“VIP”) though! The view and comfort are worth it.
Photos of the journey
The waggons are very comfortable. It gives the feeling of the old european trains running between the capitals and even long routes towards Istanbul or the eastern mediterranian countries!
You are able to buy snacks and drinks on the train. We were able to get some cake, coffee and tea. What more does a traveller need?!
A major upside are the big panorama windows that offer a thoroughly mesmerizing view of the passing landscape.
Pictures from inside the train
