Railway line from the capital of Kyrgyzstan to Balykchy on the lake Issyk-Kul is one of the most beautiful railways in the world. Train from Bishkek to Balykchy run only in summer. It is a seasonal train which usually run From mid-June to mid-July trains run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from mid-July to 31 August daily. Schedule is announced in April or May.
Last updated: 08.06.2024
Train departs from Bishkek in the morning and after 4 hours of journey ends in Balykchy. Passenger have six or seven hours of spare time in Balykchy and in the afternoon there is a train from Balykchy to Bishkek which terminates in Bishkek in the evening. Train is very popular among locals and tourists.
Route length is 200 km, journey time 4 hours.
Train Bishkek – Balykchy in 2024
From June 14 to July 14 train Bishkek – Balykchy runs from the station Bishkek 2 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
From July 15 to August 31 train runs daily.
Timetable in 2024:
– the train departs from Bishkek-2 station at 07:40, arrives at Rybachye station at 11:46;
– departs back from Balykcha at 18:12, arrives at the station Bishkek-2 at 22:18.
The train is comprised of standard seating carriages and three air-conditioned carriages with panoramic windows, upholstered seats and sofas and buffet car.
Ticket prices:
Ticket for standard carriages costs 150 som (1,59 EUR) for adults and children over 10 years old.
Ticket for high-quality carriages costs 500 som (5,30 EUR) for adults and children over 10 years old.
Ticket for VIP car costs 800 som (8,47 EUR) for adults and children over 10 years old.
Ticket prices for standard carriages are for the entire route from Bishkek to Balykchy. Ticket prices for luxury and VIP carriages are fixed regardless on the route.
There is a 50% discount for children aged 5 to 10 years old. Children under 5 years old travel free, if not occupying a separate seat.
Kyrgyz Temir Zholu – online shop
Tickets are also available at the ticket offices at Bishkek-2 station with passenger identity documents.
Updates
In 2022 Kyrgyz Railways introduced air-conditioned panoramic carriage for foreign tourists. The carriage has vacuum toilets, TVs and other high-comfort services. In 2023 the two panoramic carriages were included in charter trains to Balykchy upon the request of tourism companies. Panoramic coaches have been rebuilt from obsolete vehicles at Kyrgyz Railways wagon repair plant in Bishkek. The second panoramic carriage has locally inspired furnishings including settee-style seating with cushions.
The ticket for the panoramic coach costs around three times the price of a standard ticket, but they are fully booked. Each of the cars has 51 seats.
Train from Bishkek to Balykchy is operated by Kyrgyz Temir Zholu (Kyrgyz Railways)
Balykchy is known also as Rybachye and train as Bishkek – Rybachye.
Train travel in Kyrgyzstan – essential guide
