Osh Layover Guide (OSS)

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

Osh Airport (OSS) is an international airport located in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. It’s situated about 9 km (5.6 miles) from the city center. The airport first opened in 1939. Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan and a cultural hub in the south of the country. It is known for its historical significance, vibrant bazaars, and proximity to the UNESCO-listed Sulayman Mountain, offering both cultural and natural attractions to visitors.

Can you leave Osh Airport (OSS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Osh International Airport (OSS) may exit the terminal if they hold a valid Kyrgyzstan visa or qualify for visa-free entry. Citizens of evisa-eligible or visa-exempt countries can obtain an e-Visa online before arrival. Otherwise, transit without visa does not permit leaving the airport subject to immigration screening. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Mount Sulayman Climb the sacred UNESCO World Heritage hill offering panoramic city and Alay Range views, ancient petroglyphs and religious shrines, and birdwatching opportunities. Perfect short trek for history and photography enthusiasts. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 10-minute taxi or 20-minute walk uphill.)
• Osh Bazaar Wander through the vibrant bazaar where locals sell spices, dried fruits, textiles, and handicrafts. Immerse yourself in Central Asian market culture while sampling fresh produce and savory traditional local snacks. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 5-minute walk.)
• Regional Historical Museum Explore exhibits detailing Osh’s Silk Road heritage, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and traditional costumes. Gain insight into Kyrgyz history through interactive displays, installations, and guided audio tours and educational workshops. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 5-minute walk.)
• Juma Mosque Visit the 18th-century wooden mosque famous for its ornate carved pillars, intricate latticework, and peaceful courtyard setting. Experience authentic Islamic architecture and observe local worshippers in a serene, spiritual environment. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 5-minute walk.)
• Babur Memorial House Discover the restored 15th-century homestead marking the birthplace of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. Explore period furnishings, historical exhibits, and idyllic gardens perfect for reflective strolls and vivid photography. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 10-minute walk.)
• Central Square & Lenin Hub Stroll the bustling central square dominated by a Soviet-era Lenin statue, surrounded by fountains and lawns. Sit at nearby cafes, sample street snacks, and watch locals gather at this hub. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 3-minute walk.)
• Plov Center Indulge in authentic Osh-style plov at the renowned Plov Center, where chefs prepare savory rice, tender meat, and vegetables in massive kazan pots. Enjoy lively communal seating and tea service. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 5-minute walk.)
• Osh Art Gallery Browse contemporary and folk art by Kyrgyz and regional artists at the Osh Art Gallery. Admire paintings, sculptures, and installations, and purchase unique, locally crafted pieces to support emerging talents. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or marshrutka to City Center, then 5-minute walk.)

Things to Do in Osh Airport (OSS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Osh Airport’s single VIP Lounge operates 24 hours landside in a separate building, offering comfortable seating, quiet zones and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. Access requires a same‐day boarding pass and is limited to three hours per visit. Complimentary Wi-Fi and children under two enter free. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within 4 km of OSS you’ll find several hotels—Eco House, Cube House, Hotel Orto Asia and more—offering 24-hour front desks, airport shuttle service, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Rates start around US $50 per night, with shared kitchens or on-site restaurants adding extra convenience for arrivals and overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Current facilities include the main departure hall’s rows of chairs and benches, open 24/7. There are no dedicated sleep pods or recliners. However, a new terminal under construction will feature spacious rest areas, modern check-in zones and quiet seating designed to improve comfort for overnight or long-layover travellers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: OSS provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal: simply connect to the “OSS Free Wi-Fi” network, accept the terms and begin browsing. Speeds are modest—suitable for email, messaging and light browsing. There are no time limits or purchase requirements to stay connected while you wait.

SIM/eSIM Card: Kyrgyz mobile operators Beeline, O!, and MegaCom maintain kiosks in the arrivals hall. A passport is required for registration. Tourist-oriented SIM packages (including multiple gigabytes of data and local minutes) cost roughly US $5–$10. eSIM options are also supported by major carriers—activate online or at the kiosk. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrivals exit offering fixed fares of 250–400 KGS (≈ US $3–$5) to central Osh. Shared minibuses (marshrutkas) cost about 30 KGS per person. Travel time to downtown is typically 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

Train: There is no rail connection to Osh Airport. The nearest railway station is in the city centre, about 9 km away. Travellers must use road transport—taxis, marshrutkas or private transfers—to reach rail services in Osh. (more info)

Bus: Marshrutkas #107 and #142 depart every 10 minutes between 07:00 and 19:00 from the stop adjacent to Car Park 1. The 25-minute ride to central Osh costs 15–30 KGS. No dedicated city bus line serves the terminal beyond these shared minibuses. (more info)

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels, including Eco House and Cube House, offer complimentary airport shuttle transfers for guests. Service is generally available on request, with 24-hour front desk coordination. Confirm pick-up time when booking to ensure timely transfers between the airport and your accommodation.

Car rentals: Major international and local agencies—Avis, Europcar, Hertz and others—operate counters inside the terminal. Drivers must present a valid licence, passport and credit card. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs; one-way rentals and free cancellation options are widely available. Booking ahead secures better rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: An open-air lot adjacent to the terminal provides free short-term parking 24/7. A new automated parking facility for 650 vehicles is under construction and will soon offer covered, long-term options. Drop-off and pick-up zones are clearly marked for quick loading or unloading.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Osh Airport does not currently offer dedicated luggage lockers or storage rooms. Passengers should consider hotel baggage storage services—many central-Osh hotels (e.g., Osh Grand Hotel CHAVO) provide secure luggage holding, usually included with stays or for a small fee. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Osh Airport (OSS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks