Ashgabat Airport - Flight Information and Guide (ASB)

Ashgabat International Airport, Turkmenistan's only terminal, serves the capital, known for its monumental marble architecture and Guinness records related to white marble use.

Departure point (with organised tour) for the famous 'Gates of Hell' gas crater of Darvaza, in the Karakum desert.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: ashgabatairport.gov.tm

How to get to Ashgabat Airport

Ashgabat city centre is several km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-25 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach Ashgabat city center in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

The airport remains outside the railway network.

By Bus

Public transport to the airport is limited; most visitors travel by taxi or organized transfer from their tour operator.

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Tips There is no published taxi rate: always agree on the price in manat, in cash, before getting in; many visitors nonetheless use an organized transfer from their tour operator, since independent tourism is rare in the country.

Average travel time to ASB

TrainNot available

Shuttle busVery limited service

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes (arrange in manat)

Parking near Ashgabat Airport

Adjacent to the terminal is a multi-level parking garage.

Fares are in line with the standards of Central Asia.

How to get to Ashgabat from ASB

By Train

It is not possible to arrive by train at this airport.

By Bus

Public transportation options are limited: most people get around by taxi.

By Taxi

There is no published fare: always agree on the price in manat before boarding; approximately 5 TMT starting plus 3 TMT/km.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Ashgabat Airport

Independent car rental is rare in the country: most visitors rely on organized tours with a driver.

Bring your passport and cash in US dollars.

Hotels near Ashgabat Airport

Ashgabat's presence on Booking.com remains minimal, with only one property actually verifiable among those listed: the capital of Turkmenistan is known for visas that are hard to obtain and for a hotel sector that runs almost entirely through local travel agencies rather than international portals. The one option available is nonetheless a solid choice, a few minutes from the airport and from the city centre along Magtymguly avenue.

City centre

Magtymguly avenue, city centre

About 3 km from the airport, 5-12 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; the city centre, in turn, is a few minutes on foot.

Best for: Those who have only one bookable property online and still want to stay close to both the airport and the centre.

Pros

Short airport transfer, between 5 and 12 minutes depending on the source
Central position on Magtymguly avenue, within walking distance of the centre

Cons

Very few reviews available and not consistent across international platforms
Ashgabat's hotel sector runs mainly through local agencies, not international portals: the online choice stays limited

Recommended hotels

Ak Altyn On Magtymguly Avenue 141/1, the capital's historic hotel (opened 1994), among the first built with international visitors in mind: an 8-storey building surrounded by green areas, about 3 km from both the airport and the centre. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Turkmenistan's only international hub, with connections to Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and select European destinations.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features traditional Turkmen carpets and local handicrafts.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport provides a reasonable number of lounges for business passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi, where available, may be limited due to the country's strict internet censorship.

Families & Children

Basic family assistance services are available in the terminal's common areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal, shaped like a flying falcon, is an imposing modern structure, the country's only international gateway.

It is good practice to arrive with 3 hours of advance for international flights.

Map of Ashgabat Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is a visa required for Turkmenistan?

Yes, all visitors without exception, generally with a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from an authorized Turkmen agency required before applying; visa cost 85-150 USD, plus migration fee (~14 USD), entry service fee (2-5 USD) and daily tourist tax (~2 USD/day).

Q. Can you travel independently in Turkmenistan?

It's rare: most visitors travel with organized tours and authorized guides, given the strict control over movement in the country.

Q. What is the 'Gates of Hell'?

The famous burning natural gas crater in the Karakum desert, near Darvaza, one of the country's most iconic attractions, visitable on an organized tour.