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Takir / Turkmenistan, Karakum Desert

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Getting around in Turkmenistan

Air: 

Turkmenistan Airlines runs regular flights between Ashgabat, Chardzhou, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenbashi and Turkmenabat, and to Kerki (far east) and Balkanabat. All flight tickets have to be paid for in local currency.

Flight times: 

From Ashgabat to Chardzhou is 1 hour 30 minutes and to Mary is 1 hour.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

Conditions can be dangerous.

The main road in Turkmenistan runs along the route of the Trans-Caspian Railway (see above).

There is also a road that runs north from Ashgabat to Tashauz and Kunya-Urgench before crossing into Uzbekistan.

This road crosses 500km (311 miles) of the Kara-Kum desert.

Car hire: 

Car hire: Self-drive hire is available from a few large hotels.

Taxi: 

Taxi: Taxis and chauffeur-driven cars for hire can be found in all major towns. Many are unlicensed and travellers are advised to agree the fare in advance. As many of the street names have changed since independence, it is also advisable to ascertain both the old and the new street names when asking directions.

Coach: 

Documentation: 

Documentation: An International Driving Permit, or national licence with authorised translation, is required.

Rail: 

There is a day-time and overnight train between Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi; overnight trains to Turkmenabat, one continuing to Dashgouz; and an overnight service between Ashgabat and Gushgi via Mary (although Gushgi is off limits due to its border with Afghanistan). The Trans-Caspian Railway runs from Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) in the west, through Ashgabat and Mary to Chardzhou in the east before continuing to Bukhara in Uzbekistan.

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