Kyrgyzstan · Public Transport & Maps

Tulpar

Tulpar is the transport card of Bishkek's municipal buses and trolleybuses: since July 2026 the city's transport is cashless, and the Tulpar card is the simplest way for a visitor to pay.

What it helps with

Paying for buses in Bishkek without cashSince July 2026 municipal buses and trolleybuses take only cashless payment; a Tulpar card covers every ride.
Changing buses without paying twiceUp to four transfers within 60 minutes of the first payment are free with the card.
Losing the card with money on itThe Tulpar app lets you add the card and block it if it is lost.

About Tulpar

Tulpar is the electronic fare card for Bishkek's municipal transport. The card is sold at mobile operator offices and Kyrgyz Post branches and topped up in any amount at service centres, kiosks and payment terminals. Since 1 July 2026 municipal transport in Bishkek accepts only cashless payment: the Tulpar card, Visa, Mastercard, Elcart cards and QR codes.

Key Features

One card: Pays for municipal buses and trolleybuses in Bishkek.
Free transfers: Up to four transfers within 60 minutes of the first payment.
Top up anywhere: Payment terminals, kiosks and operator service centres.
Tulpar app: Add the card, follow your spending and block a lost card.

How to Get Started

Buy a Tulpar card at a mobile operator office or a Kyrgyz Post branch.
Top it up at a payment terminal or a kiosk.
Tap the card on the validator when you board.
Install the Tulpar app to check the balance and block the card if lost.

Before you use it

Payment: Cash is not accepted on Bishkek's municipal transport since 1 July 2026; Visa, Mastercard, Elcart and QR payment also work.
Sign-up: The card is sold at mobile operator offices and Kyrgyz Post branches; no passport is needed to buy it.
Limits: Minibuses (marshrutkas) on commercial routes are not yet connected to Tulpar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tulpar work with a foreign bank card in Kyrgyzstan?: Not reliably — a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Tulpar available in English?: Not officially — the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Tulpar?: No, an international phone number generally works for Tulpar.
Do I need local ID or residency for Tulpar?: No, Tulpar doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Tulpar?: iOS · Android · Web
How much does Tulpar cost?: Card sold at operator offices and post branches; fare per ride, free transfers within 60 minutes