Logistics
Shipping a car from Georgia to Kyrgyzstan: the route via the Caspian and Kazakhstan, transit and timelines
According to Geostat, in January–September 2026 Georgia re-exported more than 16,000 cars to Kyrgyzstan. The journey to Kyrgyzstan starts the same way as to Kazakhstan — via Azerbaijan and the Caspian — but after the ferry the car crosses Kazakhstan in transit. Below: the stages of the route.
The route, stage by stage
1. USA → Poti or Batumi
The car is loaded into a container at a US port; the ocean leg usually takes 3–5 weeks. You can follow the ship in our container tracking.
2. Transit through Georgia
The car is not cleared in Georgia — no Georgian excise or VAT. We prepare the transit/re-export paperwork and hand the car over to you or your carrier in Poti or Batumi.
3. Georgia → Azerbaijan → Caspian ferry
Via the «Red Bridge» crossing to Alat port, then by ferry to Aktau or Kuryk. Ferries have no fixed schedule; in good weather the crossing takes about 18 hours, waiting at the port is usually 1–2 days, longer at peak times. More on this leg — in our article from Georgia to Kazakhstan.
4. Transit through Kazakhstan
From Aktau or Kuryk the car crosses Kazakhstan in transit — without clearance in Kazakhstan, under customs transit to Kyrgyzstan. This is the longest land leg of the route: from the Caspian to the Kyrgyz border. The car usually travels on a car carrier.
5. The border and customs in Kyrgyzstan
The main crossing towards Bishkek on the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border is Korday / Ak-Zhol. Clearance takes place at Kyrgyz customs, for example at the МТО «Автомобильный» post in Bishkek. Then come registration and number plates.
Timelines
- USA → Poti/Batumi: usually 3–5 weeks.
- Poti → Aktau: depends on the ferry queue and Caspian weather.
- Transit through Kazakhstan: depends on the carrier and how quickly the car carrier fills up.
- Customs in Kyrgyzstan: quick when the documents are ready.
Allow more time than for Kazakhstan: the journey adds transit across the whole country. In winter, add a buffer for Caspian storms and road weather.
Documents on the way
- Auction invoice and Title.
- Bill of Lading.
- Georgian transit documents.
- A transit declaration for crossing Kazakhstan — prepared by the carrier or a broker.
- CMR — the carrier's consignment note.
Driven or on a car carrier
Auction cars are often damaged or non-running, so they usually travel on a car carrier. Driving yourself is only possible with a roadworthy car, and only if the rules in force on the route allow it.
What we do, and what you or your carrier do
- We: buy on Copart/IAAI, deliver to Poti or Batumi, prepare the Georgian transit documents, and hand over the car and paperwork.
- You or your carrier: delivery from Georgia to Kyrgyzstan, transit through Kazakhstan, customs clearance and registration in Kyrgyzstan.
Customs rules — in our article clearing a US car in Kyrgyzstan. Our service — on the cars from the USA to Kyrgyzstan page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the car cleared in Kazakhstan on the way?
No. It crosses Kazakhstan in transit and is cleared in Kyrgyzstan.
Where do you hand over the car?
In Poti or Batumi — to you or your carrier.
How is the route different from the one to Kazakhstan?
After the ferry the car crosses all of Kazakhstan in transit to the Kyrgyz border, so the journey is longer.
Which crossing does the car use into Kyrgyzstan?
Usually Korday / Ak-Zhol — the closest to Bishkek.
Can I drive the car myself?
Only a roadworthy car, and only if the rules in force on the route allow it. Auction cars usually travel on a car carrier.
How long is the Caspian ferry crossing?
About 18 hours in good weather. Waiting at the port is usually 1–2 days, longer at peak times.
Which documents are needed on the way?
The auction invoice, Title, Bill of Lading, Georgian transit documents, a transit declaration for Kazakhstan and the CMR.