Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Ashkhabad. Ashgabat International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of ASB:
- Can you legally enter Turkmenistan? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the TMT. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
What to See and Do in Ashkhabad
Two recommendations for your time in Ashkhabad:
Start with Independence Monument (Bitaraplyk Binasy). History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Then, if time allows, make your way to Arch of Neutrality. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ASB, check out Ashgabat International Airport Business Lounge or Ashgabat Airport Duty-Free to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Minara Restaurant and Uzbekistan Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ashkhabad.
- At the airport: Ashgabat Airport Restaurant and Terminal Cafe will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Ashgabat International Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Ashkhabad layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At ASB, you’ll find bag storage at Luggage storage and lockers are generally not available at Ashgabat International Airport. Passengers should plan to keep their luggage with them..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ASB is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Ashkhabad and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Need a Nap? Options at ASB
Long overnight layover? Your options at ASB include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Turkmenistan also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Ashkhabad count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ASB. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.