Ashgabat Layover Guide (ASB)

What are you looking for in ASB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Ashgabat Airport (ASB) is an international airport located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It’s located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown Ashgabat. The airport first opened officially in 1994. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan and is considered one of Central Asia’s fastest growing cities. It’s also known for its distinctive white marble architecture, expansive parks, and cultural monuments. A modern passenger terminal has lounges and duty-free shops.

Can you leave Ashgabat Airport (ASB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) may not leave the secure international transit zone without a valid visa. To exit the airport during a layover in Turkmenistan, you must obtain a transit visa or appropriate entry visa from a Turkmenistan embassy or consulate prior to arrival. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Independence Monument Explore the Independence Monument’s golden spires, intricate fountains, and landscaped gardens symbolizing Turkmen sovereignty. Its grand design offers insight into modern national architecture. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)
• Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque Visit one of Central Asia’s largest mosques, adorned with white marble domes and ornate mosaics. Experience serene prayer halls and peaceful courtyards reflecting Islamic art and faith. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: taxi ~25 min)
• National Museum of Turkmenistan Discover extensive exhibits on Turkmen history, archaeology, and ethnography. Highlights include ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, and interactive displays tracing cultural evolution. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)
• Arch of Neutrality Admire the rotating golden statue atop this iconic arch, celebrating Turkmenistan’s historic neutral status. Enjoy panoramic city views from the nearby esplanade. (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)
• Turkmen Carpet Museum View the world’s largest collection of hand-woven carpets displayed in a striking eight-pillar building. Learn about weaving techniques and regional patterns. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)
• Altyn Asyr Bazaar Immerse in a vibrant market at Tolkuchka Bazaar, sampling local produce, spices, and handicrafts. Haggle for souvenirs and taste traditional snacks. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi ~25 min)
• Neutrality Park Wander through lush lawns, fountains, and monuments dedicated to Turkmen heritage. Ideal for a relaxing stroll and photography in shaded promenades. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)
• Alem Cultural & Entertainment Center Enter the world’s tallest indoor Ferris wheel within a futuristic complex featuring shops, galleries, and panoramic observation decks. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi ~20 min)

Things to Do in Ashgabat Airport (ASB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ashgabat International Airport offers a Turkmenistan Airlines Business Class lounge beyond security near Gate 103. It features comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, soft drinks, liquor, Wi-Fi, flight monitors and TVs. Access is reserved for business-class passengers or via paid lounge passes, creating a quiet work environment. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within a 10-minute drive of the terminal, including the Divan Ashgabat Hotel and Yyldyz Hotel. They provide daily room rates, free airport shuttle on request, on-site dining and 24-hour reception. Reservations are recommended in advance, especially during peak travel seasons and festivals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Ashgabat International Airport has no designated rest zones or sleep pods. Seating in departure halls consists of standard chairs and benches, which can be noisy and lack recline. Some passengers find quieter corners near Gates 3 and 4. For longer stays, consider nearby hotels or lounge access to rest comfortably.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Turkmentelecom operates a paid Wi-Fi service throughout Ashgabat Airport with high-speed access in the transit zone. Rates start at 5 manats per hour, 10 manats for three hours or 15 manats for a full day. Users select the “TELECOMWIFI” network and purchase vouchers at kiosks or online via smartphone portals for connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: Major operators AltynAsyr and TMCell offer prepaid SIM cards at the arrivals hall. Present your passport to register and choose data bundles starting at 10 manats for 5 GB. eSIM profiles can be activated via official operator apps or websites before or upon arrival, providing instant connectivity on modern devices. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal with fares to central Ashgabat. A ride to downtown costs approximately 50 manats and takes 15–20 minutes. Fares are payable in cash (manats) only after baggage claim. Ride-hailing apps like MyTaxi also operate but availability is limited; always confirm the fare before boarding.

Train: There is no direct rail link at Ashgabat Airport. The nearest Ashgabat Railway Station lies about 10 km away in the city center. Passengers can take a taxi or local bus multiple times daily to the station for efficient regional and international connections across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and beyond. (more info)

Bus: City buses run between the terminal and central Ashgabat daily from 06:00 to 22:00. Route numbers vary, with journeys costing around 2 manats per trip. Buses stop near Gate 1 and require exact fare in manats. Expect crowded conditions during peak hours and limited English signage. (more info)

Shuttle: Select hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles for booked guests; confirm service when reserving. Private shuttle providers also operate shared vans at the arrivals forecourt, charging around 20 manats per person. Schedules align with scheduled key flight arrivals. Advance booking via WhatsApp or hotel concierge ensures timely pickup outside the terminal.

Car rentals: Major international and local companies like Avis, Hertz and Araval Rent a Car maintain kiosks at arrivals. Drivers must present a valid international license and passport. Flexible, competitive rates begin around 350 manats per day including basic insurance. Fuel is charged separately. Reservations in advance guarantee availability and best rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport provides short-term and covered long-term parking zones adjacent to the terminal building. The first hour is free; thereafter, fees apply at 5 manats per hour up to 1 day, and 50 manats per day thereafter. Payment is accepted in cash. Parking spaces are limited; arrive early during peak periods.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A staffed left-luggage office operates near the arrivals hall, offering baggage storage for a fee (approximately 3 manats per bag per hour). There are no self-service lockers. Office hours coincide with flight schedules. Collect items by presenting your ticket and ID; unclaimed bags may incur extra charges. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ashgabat Airport (ASB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks