Cheap flights to Ashgabat

Quick summary

Why track Ashgabat with SniperAir

You do not need to compare fares every day

Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, set in an oasis at the foot of the Kopet Dag range, at the edge of the Karakum Desert. Its population is about one million according to Wikipedia (EN, DE and FR, with figures that vary). The name is of Persian origin and is glossed as 'city of love' according to Wikivoyage (EN). The city grew mainly in the 20th century and was rebuilt after a major earthquake; it is known today for its white marble buildings. SniperAir tracks flight prices to ASB airport and alerts you when a fare drops below your budget; it does not sell or book tickets.

First, an honest warning. Official travel advice for Turkmenistan varies by country of departure, and you should not assume the country is open to you. Entry formalities, air connections and payment methods can differ from one situation to another: check your own country's official recommendations before considering anything, and re-check them before any booking.

This page describes the city as open sources do, without prices or dated details. Merv, Darvaza, Yangykala and the country's other sites are covered on the Turkmenistan page.

Airport and getting into town

The international airport, about ten kilometres away

Approximate distance. Connections and entry conditions depend on your country of departure and can change: check official sources before booking.

On arrival, official taxis wait outside the hall according to Wikivoyage (EN); agree the fare in advance. Public transport in town relies mainly on a bus network.

Entry formalities are strict: a visa and, in general, an invitation, according to the sources of the country sheet. Assume nothing: ask the authorities and the official websites of your country before creating an alert.

Landmarks and sights

White marble, lit avenues and mountains

Ashgabat can be seen in two or three days, between its museums, avenues, parks and the nearby mountains. Here are three images, then more places in text.

A white marble city

Buildings are clad in white marble, sometimes decorated with gold: Wikipedia (FR) speaks of a 'Persian-Palladian' style. On the horizon rises the Kopet Dag, about 25 km to the south according to Wikipedia (FR and EN). Wikivoyage (EN) also lists unusual shapes, such as the teardrop-shaped Yyldyz hotel. At dusk, the city changes colour.

Lit avenues and buildings

At night, the wide avenues, ornate street lamps and lit white buildings give the city a spectacular backdrop. It is a good time for a quiet walk, respecting local rules: avoid photographing government buildings.

Avenues and parks from above

From a high point you see long straight avenues, groups of white buildings and large planted areas. The city has many parks, including a botanical garden and Independence Park according to Wikipedia (FR). The cable car opened in 2006 climbs towards the Kopet Dag and offers a view of the city, according to Wikivoyage (EN).

Other places: the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, modelled on the Blue Mosque of Istanbul according to Wikipedia (FR), the Alem Centre and its Ferris wheel, presented as the largest enclosed one in the world, Inspiration Alley and its fountains, Tolkuchka Bazaar at the weekend, north of the city, and the Russian bazaar. A short distance away: Nisa, a Parthian site about fifteen kilometres west according to Wikivoyage (EN), Geok Tepe and the underground lake of Kow Ata, covered on the Turkmenistan page.

Museums and culture

Museums, carpets and theatre

Turkmen Carpet Museum

The carpet museum is known for its collection of hand-woven carpets according to Wikipedia (FR) and Wikivoyage (EN), old pieces as well as modern carpets from across the country. Exporting a carpet generally requires a certificate: ask before you buy.

National History Museum

It shows objects from the Parthian and Persian civilisations, Nisa and Merv, according to Wikipedia (FR) and Wikivoyage (EN). It is a good introduction to the sites you will see outside the capital. Check opening hours and access conditions; we publish no fares.

Fine arts and theatres

The Museum of Fine Arts displays Turkmen and foreign works; Wikivoyage (EN) also lists several drama and music theatres. Programmes change: check them before you come.

Food and drink

Plov, shashlik and flatbread

Turkmen cuisine

The Turkmen table brings together plov, rice with mutton and carrots, manty, steamed dumplings, shashlik, grilled skewers, soups and flatbread, with green tea. Some restaurants let you eat in a yurt according to Wikivoyage (EN).

Markets and districts

Bazaars are the place to see crafts, traditional clothing and carpets; the Russian bazaar and Tolkuchka bazaar are listed by Wikivoyage (EN). Restaurants are found mostly along the main avenues and in shopping centres. We name no precise address and no brand.

Drinks

Green tea, served everywhere, goes with meals. Other drinks exist in some venues; check local rules and drink in moderation. Check the quality of water before drinking it.

Getting around

Buses, taxis and the cable car

Buses and taxis

Ashgabat has a large bus network, with more than 60 routes according to Wikipedia (FR) and air-conditioned stops in the modern part according to Wikivoyage (EN). Official taxis are found outside the airport and near the station; always agree the price in advance.

Distances and heat

The city is spread out and distances between monuments are large; in summer the heat makes walking hard. Take water and a hat, and favour mornings or evenings.

Leaving the capital

Trains link Ashgabat with Turkmenbashi, Mary and Turkmenabat, and the national airline operates domestic flights. Merv, Darvaza and the other sites are generally visited with a guide: see the Turkmenistan page.

Budget and precautions

Price level, payment and precautions

What we know

The currency is the Turkmen manat (TMT). According to Wikivoyage (EN), foreign bank cards are often unusable: bring cash and ask on the spot and at your bank before leaving.

What we do not publish

Fares, accommodation, restaurant and transport prices are not cross-checked on two independent sources, so we publish no range.

Precautions

Formalities are strict and photographing government buildings is sometimes restricted according to Wikivoyage (EN). Follow local rules and the advice of your country of departure. Check official recommendations before any booking and re-check them before departure.

When to go

An arid climate: very hot summers, short winters

Ashgabat has an arid climate, with hot, dry summers and short, mild winters according to Wikipedia (FR and EN). Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons. These are indicative: check the forecast before you travel.

By length of stay

How long to stay in Ashgabat?

In pictures

Ashgabat in pictures

You might also like

Similar destinations

Uzbekistan

Tashkent

Discover

Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Discover

Tajikistan

Dushanbe

Discover

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Ashgabat