Transportation in Kazakhstan

Getting To and Around the World's 9th Largest Country

Getting to Kazakhstan

By Air

Main International Airports:

  • Almaty (ALA): Largest airport, international hub
  • Astana/Nur-Sultan (NQZ): Modern international airport

Airlines: Air Astana (national carrier), SCAT, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Aeroflot, and many others

Direct flights from: Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Moscow, Seoul, Delhi, and regional cities

By Train

Kazakhstan is connected by rail to Russia, China, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

  • Trans-Siberian Railway connections
  • Border crossings from China (Khorgos)
  • Comfortable sleeper trains available

Domestic Transportation

Domestic Flights

Best for: Long distances

  • Air Astana, SCAT, Qazaq Air
  • Almaty-Astana: 1.5 hours
  • Affordable prices (often $50-100)
  • Book online in advance

Trains

Best for: Scenic travel, overnight journeys

  • Extensive rail network
  • Comfortable sleeper cars
  • Almaty-Astana: 12-18 hours
  • Very affordable
  • Book via railways.kz

Buses

Best for: Budget travel, regional routes

  • Extensive bus network
  • Cheaper than trains
  • Varying comfort levels
  • Buy tickets at stations

Getting Around Cities

Almaty

Metro

  • Single line (currently expanding)
  • Clean, efficient, modern
  • Flat fare (~80 KZT)
  • Operating hours: 6:00-23:30

Buses

  • Extensive network
  • Fare: ~150 KZT
  • Use contactless payment card
  • Can be crowded during rush hour

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

  • Yandex Taxi: Most popular app
  • inDriver: Negotiate price
  • Very affordable ($2-5 typical ride)
  • Safe and convenient
  • Cash or card payment

Walking

  • City center is walkable
  • Wide sidewalks
  • Pleasant in good weather
  • Beware of uneven pavements

Astana

  • Extensive bus network
  • Taxis via Yandex, inDriver
  • City is spread out—public transport recommended
  • Nurzhol Boulevard pleasant for walking

Car Rental & Driving

Renting a Car

  • International agencies in major cities
  • International driving permit recommended
  • Prices: $30-80/day
  • Good for mountain trips and remote areas
  • Book in advance for better rates

Driving Tips

  • Drive on the right side
  • Roads vary: excellent highways to poor rural roads
  • Winter driving can be challenging
  • Traffic police checkpoints common
  • Have documents ready: license, registration, insurance
  • Zero tolerance for drunk driving

Transportation Tips

  • Download apps: Yandex Taxi, inDriver, 2GIS (offline maps)
  • Learn basic Russian/Kazakh: Helps with directions
  • Keep small bills: Not all taxis/kiosks have change
  • Plan ahead: Distances are vast, travel takes time
  • Book in advance: Trains and flights during holidays
  • Stay flexible: Weather can affect travel plans

Start Your Kazakhstan Journey

With excellent transport options, exploring Kazakhstan is easier than you think!

Plan Your Route