Ashgabat - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very! It can be hard to hail a taxi from where the embassy compound is because there isn't much traffic in that direction, but you can flag a car down easily almost anywhere else in the city. You can stick to the official taxis with green signs on top and green government license plates, but informal taxis really aren't any less safe. A typical ride will cost 15-30 manat depending on how far you're going. There is a bus system as well, but it's hard to find information on routes and scheduling. - Jan 2024
We rode the local busses to/from work until our car arrived. It was cheap, clean, safe- but often over crowded. Most people found it necessary to have a vehicle. - Dec 2020
Buses and taxis are safe and affordable. - Mar 2019
All are cheap and plentiful. - Jun 2018
Trains only run between large cities and are very rustic. Buses are frequent and cheap (4 cents/ride) but not always the most reliable and they can be super crowded. There are regular yellow cabs that can be pricey and then there are gypsy cabs which are super cheap. They drive erratically, may pick up additional fares and make you tag along and don't always have seat belts. - Feb 2016
There are official yellow cabs that will charge you US$3 to come to an address and then US$2 to take you to a destination in Ashgabat. Most everyone, including embassy staff, utilizes gypsy cabs around town. Just stick out your hand, flag down someone driving by and it is US$2 to your destination. Buses in Ashgabat are new, cost US$.10 (ten cents) and run regular routes. Intercity buses are available though likely older. Trains are slow but an option. - Jul 2014
There is no public transportation unless you want to get robbed or pick pocketed. - Oct 2012
Safe is a relative term. Compared to medium sized cities in the US they would be considered safe. - Mar 2012
