How to get from Mary to Ashgabat

Mary to Ashgabat is a classic east–west hop across Turkmenistan’s Karakum plains. Your main choices are the reliable intercity train, fast shared taxis/coach, a short domestic flight (limited schedules), or a door-to-door charter. Pick comfort vs. speed vs. budget—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Mary to Ashgabat)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (Mary → Ashgabat)	~6–8h (direct/overnight)	Comfort, steady timings, night travel
🏷️ Cost: ~TMT 30–120 (seat → sleeper), buy at station or agency
🚌 Coach / Shared Taxi (Marshrutka)	~4.5–6.5h (traffic/roadworks)	Fast daytime budget ride
🏷️ Cost: ~TMT 40–100 per seat, pay on the spot
✈️ Domestic Flight (MYP → ASB)	~45–60m in air + airport transfers	Quickest when schedules fit
🏷️ Cost: usually modest domestic fares; compare dates on » Booking.com Flights
🚐 Private Car / Charter (Door-to-Door)	~5–7h (direct)	Families, lots of luggage, custom stops
🏷️ Cost: from ~US$120–250 per vehicle (route/size) » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Most comfortable overall: Intercity train (evening sleeper into Ashgabat by morning).
• Fastest daytime door-to-door: Shared taxi/coach—generally quicker than train if roads are clear.
• Quickest in total time: Fly MYP→ASB if schedules line up.
• Maximum flexibility: Charter/Private car—leave when you want, add scenic stops.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Tickets & cash: Buy train/coach tickets at stations or local agencies; carry TMT cash and passport.
• Seat types: Trains offer seat, kupe (4-berth), and platzkart (open). Bring a light layer—AC can be chilly.
• Day bags: Keep passport, valuables, and water handy; longer stretches have few services.
• Transfers: In both cities, use hotel taxis or pre-arranged cars; for fixed intercity pricing compare GetTransfer.
• Plan stays: For late arrivals/early departures, browse Ashgabat hotels or Mary stays.

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (Reliable & Comfortable)

Affordable Sleeper berths Fixed timetable

• Overview: Direct trains link Mary Railway Station and Ashgabat Railway Station. Evening departures with overnight arrival are popular; daytime services also run on some days.
• How to book (with price): Buy at the station ticket window (passport required) or through local agencies. Expect roughly TMT 30–120 depending on class/berth.
• Pros: Room to rest, bathrooms on board, predictable travel time. Cons: Limited daily frequencies; popular berths sell out.

Step-by-step: Intercity Train

1. Get to Mary Railway Station by hotel taxi; arrive 30–45 minutes early to purchase/collect your ticket.
2. Choose your class (seat, platzkart, or kupe). Keep your passport and ticket accessible for checks.
3. Board when your platform is announced. Secure luggage on the rack; bring snacks and water.
4. On arrival at Ashgabat Railway Station, take a licensed taxi or hotel pickup to your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Railway Stations)

• Mary Railway Station: Central, easy by local taxi from anywhere in town.
• Ashgabat Railway Station: Downtown access to hotels and government district.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Coach / Shared Taxi (Fastest Overland)

Budget Frequent daytime Varies by demand

• Overview: Shared taxis (4–7 seats) and intercity coaches connect Mary’s bus stands with Ashgabat Otogar/central drops. Departures are often rolling—leave when full.
• How to book (with price): Pay the driver/desk directly; expect about TMT 40–100 per seat. Keep small change.
• Pros: Usually quicker than the train by day; flexible. Cons: Comfort varies; limited luggage space in shared cars.

Step-by-step: Coach / Shared Taxi

1. Ask your hotel for the current Mary bus/shared taxi stand (locations can shift); go early for best seats.
2. Confirm destination (Ashgabat), price, and whether it’s a coach or shared car; pay or hold a seat.
3. Stow large bags; keep valuables with you. Expect brief rest stops en route.
4. Arrive at Ashgabat (otogar or agreed drop); take a taxi to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus stands)

• Mary: Main departures cluster near central transport hubs; confirm the exact stand with your accommodation.
• Ashgabat: Drops may be at the otogar or along main avenues—agree ahead of time if you need a central stop.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #3 — Domestic Flight (Quickest When Available)

Fast Light luggage Limited schedules

• Overview: Short MYP→ASB hops operate on select days. Airport transfers on both ends are quick by taxi/hotel car.
• How to book (with price): Check dates/fares via meta-search like Booking.com Flights. Buy at the airport/authorized counters if online sales are limited.
• Pros: Under an hour in the air; avoids long road time. Cons: Not daily; baggage limits; airport check-in required.

Step-by-step: Domestic Flight

1. Reach Mary International Airport (MYP) by taxi 60–90 minutes before departure; carry passport and cash/card for ticketing if needed.
2. Check in and clear security; flight time is ~45–60 minutes.
3. Land at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB); take a hotel taxi/private car to the city (20–40 minutes).

Getting to the main embarking points (Airports)

• Mary (MYP): Compact terminal; taxis on call via hotel.
• Ashgabat (ASB): Taxis and hotel cars wait at arrivals; agree fare before riding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car / Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)

Custom timing Direct hotel pickup Higher cost

• Overview: A driver collects you at your address in Mary and drops you at your Ashgabat hotel. Handy with kids, bulky luggage, or late arrivals.
• How to book (with price): From about US$120–250 per vehicle depending on car size/time. Compare instant quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer.
• Pros: No transfers, you set the pace. Cons: More expensive than train/coach; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Charter

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure time on GetTransfer; confirm what’s included (tolls, waiting).
2. Share your live location or a clear meeting point; keep some cash for breaks en route.
3. Arrive at your Ashgabat hotel; confirm return or onward transfer if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• Pickup: Any hotel/apartment/office in Mary.
• Drop: Any hotel or address in Ashgabat (center or south districts).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Mary to Ashgabat)

How long is the journey by road?
Typically 5–6 hours by shared taxi/charter depending on traffic, rest stops, and roadworks.

Is the train overnight?
Often there’s an evening departure arriving early morning, plus occasional daytime runs. Check locally for the latest schedule.

Can I buy tickets online?
Online options are limited; most travelers purchase at the station or via a local hotel/agency. Carry your passport.

Is there much food en route?
On trains you’ll find tea/hot water and sometimes snacks; on the road, stops are basic. Bring water and snacks.

What’s the cheapest way?
Shared taxi or coach usually undercuts sleeper berths; seated train tickets can also be very affordable.

Where should I stay on arrival?
Central Ashgabat has the widest hotel choice and easiest transport; compare options on Booking.com (Ashgabat).