Car rental in Kyrgyzstan

Car hire in Kyrgyzstan is convenient for any occasion, whether you are taking a long holiday with family or friends or making a one-day business trip. With a car you can explore Bishkek, visit the famous Lake Issyk-Kul, and discover the country’s mountain valleys, gorges and waterfalls.

Through the Localrent service it is easy to arrange hire in Kyrgyzstan on transparent terms. We bring together offers from local hire companies, prices are fixed at the booking stage, and there are no additional charges. To complete your booking you will only need your passport, driving licence and a card to pay the deposit online.

Benefits of Booking a Car with Localrent

Hiring a car in Kyrgyzstan through the Localrent booking service offers the following advantages:

1. Transparent prices. When booking, you specify the hire period, choose your car, add any extra options and see the final price. At this stage you pay only a 15–20% deposit, with the balance settled when you collect the car. You know exactly what the hire costs from the outset, with no extra fees or charges.
2. Simple selection. Through the service you can hire an economy car at a reasonable price or book a luxury-class vehicle. You can choose a car by your preferred criteria — year of manufacture, transmission type, engine power, mileage and so on. The filters also make it easy to sort cars by price, deposit and payment method.
3. Extra options. Before booking your car, you can add a second driver, a child seat or extended insurance to the agreement if needed.
4. Quick booking and collection. You can book a hire car in Kyrgyzstan online in 5–10 minutes. You decide where to hire the car yourself, set the meeting point with the manager and choose a return location from those available on the site.
5. Customer support. Throughout the hire period you can contact us for advice on any hire-related questions. Your voucher will also include the hire company’s contact details.

All terms known in advance. Each car listing includes detailed information on the technical specifications, extra options and hire conditions.

What You Need to Book a Car

To hire a car in Kyrgyzstan, please have the following documents ready:

• a valid driving licence;
• a bank card to pay the deposit when booking;
• your passport.

Once the deposit is paid, an electronic voucher will be sent to your email. Keep it until the end of the hire period and show it to the manager when collecting the car, either on your phone or as a printout.

A minimum age and minimum driving experience always apply to drivers. These conditions vary depending on the car you choose, and all the details are given in the car listing.

Rules of the Road

When driving in Kyrgyzstan, always switch on your dipped headlights in poor visibility, on trips outside built-up areas and after dark. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.

Using a phone without a hands-free or speaker system is prohibited. Children under 12 years old and shorter than 150 cm may only be carried in a suitable child restraint.

Speed limits:

• in built-up areas — up to 60 km/h;
• outside towns on public roads — up to 90–100 km/h;
• on motorways — up to 110 km/h.

A large part of Kyrgyzstan’s road network runs through the mountains. When crossing mountain passes and negotiating hairpin bends, allow extra time for your journey, as you will need to keep your speed down here. Bear in mind that high mountain passes can be closed in winter and early spring.

Petrol Stations

There are chain petrol stations along the main routes and in the larger cities. In remote areas, especially in the mountains, stations are fewer and farther between, so it is best to fill up in advance.

Most petrol stations accept both cards and cash. There are self-service stations as well as staffed ones.

Car Parks

Many car parks in the centres of larger cities charge a fee. You can pay by card or in cash. At municipal car parks, payment is only made through a mobile app, where you need to register in advance using your number plate and a local phone number.

There are paid surface and underground car parks near shopping and entertainment centres. At some of them the first few hours are free of charge.

How to Book a Car in Kyrgyzstan

Here is how to arrange car hire if you are planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan:

1. Choose your cities and collection/return dates. On the top filter bar, set the number of hire days and the place where you want to collect the car in Kyrgyzstan. You also choose your return point here — the car can be returned in a different city.
2. Select your car. At this stage, use the filters to refine your selection by price, technical specifications, driver requirements and other criteria.
3. Check what is required for hire. The conditions set by local hire companies vary, but all the information is in the car listing.
4. Add extra options. When arranging your hire, you can add a second driver, child restraints or extended insurance.
5. Review the final price and fill in the main driver’s details.
6. Pay the deposit. You pay 15–20% of the cost by bank card, with the remaining amount paid when you collect the car.

After payment, you will receive your booking confirmation — an electronic voucher. Show it to the manager when signing the agreement at collection. Be sure to photograph and film any damage to the car and check that it is recorded on the handover report.

Places to Visit by Hire Car

When hiring a car in Kyrgyzstan, we recommend visiting the following attractions:

1. Bishkek. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is striking for its contrasts between mountains and architecture. You could begin your trip at the central Ala-Too Square, then visit the history museum. We suggest strolling along Chuy Avenue and taking a walk in the central city park.
2. Lake Issyk-Kul. Sitting at more than 1,600 m above sea level, it does not freeze even in winter. There are many thermal springs here, along with holiday resorts.
3. Dungan Mosque. Located in Karakol, it is a fine example of Chinese culture, founded in the late 19th century. The mosque is still in use, and worshippers gather here every Friday.
4. Chon-Kemin Gorge. People come here to admire the clear rivers and green meadows. It lies within a national park in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan. There are ecotourism, horse-riding and trekking trails, and the area is home to rare species of animals and birds, some listed in the Red Book.
5. Snow Leopard’s Tears Waterfall. Found on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in the Barskoon Gorge, these waterfalls are hidden deep within ancient forests, and the climb up is not easy because of the difficult roads and the altitude. People usually visit the waterfall as part of an organised tour and can stay overnight at a local glamping site.

The best car for mountain roads is a crossover, which will let you tackle the passes and hairpin bends. While travelling, stick to routes on tarmac roads only, as your insurance does not apply on unpaved tracks.

Where You Can Collect Your Hire Car in Kyrgyzstan

You can choose from various points in Kyrgyzstan to collect your hire car:

• the hire company’s office;
• Manas, Osh and other airports;
• the central railway station;
• the hotel where you are staying.

Hire companies offer different collection points. For convenience, use the “Specify location” filter when booking.

Hire Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you arrange your hire in Kyrgyzstan correctly. Follow them and your journey will be filled with nothing but positive experiences.

Choose a Suitable Payment Method

A card is always needed for the deposit, and on the site you pay 15–20% of the total hire cost. The balance is paid when you sign the agreement and collect the car. Depending on the particular vehicle, you can use cash or a card. Check the terms in the listing at the booking stage.

Check Your Insurance

The hire price usually includes only basic insurance. If you wish, you can purchase extended cover as an extra hire option.

Add a Second Driver

A second driver can be added at the booking stage. They must also meet the age and experience conditions, and the manager will enter their details into the agreement when you collect the car.

Remember the Fuel Policy

You usually need to return the car with the same amount of fuel in the tank as when you collected it. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the missing fuel at the hire company’s rates, which are often higher than local petrol-station prices.

Frequently Asked Questions