By Minibus
Kyrgyzstan's capital, like many places in the former Soviet Union, has an extensive network of minibuses, known as Marshrutkas. There are hundreds of mini-buses marshrutkas that ply all parts of the city. They generally cost 10 som 12 at night. Ask a local which mini-bus number you should take or buy a map of mini-bus routes at tourist venues. Major stops are near the Tsum department store and Philharmonia. They typically have around 14 seats, with standing room for around ten extra people during busy periods. Marshrutkas are easily identifiable and display their number and basic route information in Russian on the front. To flag one down, simply hold out your right hand, parallel to the ground. Once you get on, pay the fare to the driver. When you want to get off say, "ah-stah-nah-VEE-tyeh" Stop!. Note that although there are bus stops, and according to the law marshrutkas should be hailed at bus stop only, but it is not followed too much. So, in practice you can ask driver to stop anywhere and and he will drop you off at any point on their route.
By taxi
There are several private taxi firms in Bishkek that you can easily reach through their three digit numbers including: 150, 152, 154, 156, 166, and 188. Daytime taxis throughout the city are a flat rate of 100 soms and 120 soms past 10PM. There are also numerous "gypsy cabs" situated at nearly every intersection. While most travellers and long-time expats report no problems, you are cautioned to be aware, especially at night and near nightclubs. Generally tourists use the local taxi services which can be reached through several numbers: 150 Euro Evro Taxi, 152 Super Taxi (http://www.dos.kg/eng-152...), 156 Express Taxi and 188 Salam Taxi. Before 10PM most runs in the city are 100 soms and after 1000 are 120 soms.
Many taxis do not use flat rate aug 2011; you pay by the meter or negotiate a price in advance. Short distance inside city can be 60-80 som. A taxi for a day can be negotiated. An hour drive to mountain or to a lunch and then back again later can be 800-1000 som.
By Bus And Trolleybus
Bishkek also has a bus and trolleybus system which is less extensive and generally slower. They only stop at designated bus stops and operate only till 10PM. The fare is 6 som in buses and 8 som in trolleybuses. Travelers enter at the back door and leave at the front, where they have to pay on exit.