Getting Around Kazakhstan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use metros and buses in Almaty and Astana. Rural: Rent a car for steppe exploration. Long Distances: Trains and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Almaty to your destination.
Train Travel
KTZ National Rail
Vast network connecting major cities with overnight services across the country.
Cost: Almaty to Astana 10,000-25,000 KZT (~$20-50), journeys 12-20 hours.
Tickets: Buy via KTZ app, website, or station counters. E-tickets widely accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better availability and prices.
Rail Passes
KTZ offers flexible tickets for multiple journeys, or tourist passes for 5-10 days from 50,000 KZT.
Best For: Cross-country trips over several days, savings for 3+ long routes.
Where to Buy: Major stations, KTZ website, or app with QR code activation.
High-Speed Options
Tulpar-Talgo trains connect Almaty-Astana in 12 hours, with modern amenities.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for peak seasons, discounts up to 30% online.
Main Stations: Almaty-2 and Astana-1, with connections to regional lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for remote areas like the Caspian region. Compare rental prices from 10,000-20,000 KZT/day (~$20-40) at Almaty Airport and cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised for long drives, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 110 km/h rural, 140 km/h highways.
Tolls: Some highways like Almaty-Astana require electronic tolls (2000-5000 KZT).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, watch for livestock.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered 500-1000 KZT/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at 200-250 KZT/liter (~$0.40-0.50) for petrol, cheaper diesel.
Apps: Use Yandex Maps or Google Maps, download offline for remote areas.
Traffic: Congestion in Almaty rush hours, roads vary from paved to gravel.
Urban Transport
Almaty Metro & Trams
Two-line metro system, single ticket 200 KZT, day pass 800 KZT, 10-journey card 1500 KZT.
Validation: Use magnetic cards or app, fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: 2GIS or official metro app for routes and live updates.
Bike Rentals
Nextbike or local services in Almaty and Astana, 1000-2000 KZT/day with city stations.
Routes: Bike lanes in urban parks and along major avenues.
Tours: Guided eco-tours in national parks near cities for sightseeing.
Buses & Local Services
Almatybustorg and Astana LRT operate extensive bus and trolleybus networks.
Tickets: 150-300 KZT per ride, pay via app or onboard.
Marshrutkas: Minibuses for suburbs, 200-500 KZT, faster but crowded.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in cities for easy access, central Almaty or Astana for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and Nauryz festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for remote travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, heating (winters cold), and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in rural Kazakhstan including steppes.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 2000 KZT (~$4) for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate on arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 offer prepaid SIMs from 1000-3000 KZT with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or stores with passport registration required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 3000 KZT, 10GB for 5000 KZT, unlimited for 8000 KZT/month.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, malls, and cafes; public hotspots in major cities.
Public Hotspots: Train stations and tourist sites offer free access.
Speed: 20-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for streaming and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Multiple zones; Almaty UTC+5, Astana UTC+6, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Almaty Airport 15km from center, bus 500 KZT (30 min), taxi 3000 KZT, or book private transfer for 5000-8000 KZT.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (1000-2000 KZT/day) and airport services.
- Accessibility: Modern transport accessible, but rural roads and older sites limited.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 2000 KZT), check accommodation rules.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains for 1000 KZT off-peak, folding bikes free.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Kazakhstan
Almaty Airport (ALA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Almaty Airport (ALA): Primary international gateway, 15km east of city with bus connections.
Astana Airport (TSE): Growing hub 17km south, taxi to center 4000 KZT (20 min).
Shymkent Airport (CIT): Regional airport for southern Kazakhstan, domestic flights mainly.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Istanbul or Moscow and connect domestically for savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Astana, SCAT, and FlyArystan serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and city transfers in total cost comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport fees can add up.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, fees 500-1000 KZT, use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard common in cities, less in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing acceptance, Apple Pay and Google Pay in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and countryside, carry 10,000-20,000 KZT in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airports for poor exchanges.