Transportation

Road Conditions: Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are common. Many city roads are hazardous due to potholes, uncovered manholes, poor lighting, and pedestrians ignoring oncoming traffic. Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, unlit, and lacking road signs. Avoid driving at night on rural roads.

Drive defensively and use an abundance of caution. Drivers going down the wrong way on one-way streets or divided highways, sudden lane changes, left hand turns from the right lane, etc. are common.

There is no roadside assistance in Turkmenistan.

Traffic Laws: If you drive while intoxicated, you may be fined, be imprisoned, and have your license revoked. You may be fined if you don’t use seat belts or drive while using a cell phone.

Police at checkpoints (where cars are required to stop and register) may arbitrarily fine motorists. If you do not pay traffic fines within 12 hours, the fine will double every 12 hours up to 72 hours, after which time police may seize your vehicle.

To drive, you must have a valid international driving permit. Foreigners residing in Turkmenistan must apply for a local driver's license with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. For more specific information about driving in Turkmenistan, contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at (202) 588-1500.

For specific information concerning driving permits, vehicle inspection, road taxes, and mandatory insurance, contact the Turkmenistan National Tourist Organization offices at 212-472-5921.

Please also refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Public Transportation: Most taxis are not regulated and lack basic safety features. Always negotiate fares in advance with unregulated taxi drivers.

Avoid taking taxis after dark or sharing a taxi with other passengers. When traveling at night, hire a driver through your travel agency or hotel.

The only government-owned/ regulated taxi company operates in Ashgabat (telephone 993-12-32-97-75.)

Travel by Ferry: “Ferries” crossing the Caspian sea are cargo ships that also take on passengers as space permits. Food and water is not typically provided, and sleeping and sanitary facilities are basic. Ships arriving in Turkmenbashy may take a week to find a vacant dock.

Airlines: If you transit through Turkmenistan, but miss your connection, you will have to purchase a ticket for an onward flight before being allowed to leave the arrival area.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Turkmenistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Turkmenistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.