Almaty Metro

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Almaty Metro

Almaty metro network map (as of 2022)

Opening Date: December 1, 2011
Construction Duration: Over 20 years
Length: 13.4 km
Stations as of the end of 2022: 11
Train Interval: 10-12 minutes
Average Speed: 40 km/h
Passenger Traffic: About 86,000 people per day

The Almaty Metro stands out not only as one of the youngest in the world, but also for its impressive architecture and functionality. It has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most beautiful metros globally, with each station designed with its own unique style and decor. This aesthetic appeal has made the metro a frequent venue for cultural events, hosting exhibitions, fashion shows, and even TV program shoots.

Construction of the Almaty Metro began in 1988 when Kazakhstan was still part of the USSR. It was intended to be the second city in Central Asia, after Tashkent, to have a metro system. While Tashkent’s metro opened in 1977, Almaty’s wasn’t completed until 2011. Despite its late debut, it emerged as one of the most modern and technologically advanced metro systems among former Soviet states.

Almaty’s metro became the third metro to open in post-Soviet times, following Dnipro (1995) and Kazan (2005). Kazakhstan also became the first and, so far, the only post-Soviet country to independently build a metro. The result is an intriguing blend of classic Soviet metro construction, elements of Turkic architectural influence (bearing similarities to Kazan and Tashkent metros), and touches of East Asian design.

On December 1, 2011, seven stations of the micro-metro were inaugurated. Today, the system has 11 operational stations: “Bauyrzhan Momyshuly,” “Saryarka,” “Moscow,” “Sairan,” “Alatau,” “M. Auezov Theatre,” “Baikonur,” “Abai,” “Almaly,” “Zhibek Zholy,” and “Raiymbek Batyr.” Future plans include extending the line north to Almaty-1 Station and westward to the Kalkaman district. There are also discussions of a second line with transfer points at Sairan and Zhibek Zholy stations, extending toward the Orbits-1-4 and Duman neighborhoods.

Ticket Prices and Payment Methods

You can pay for rides using reusable smart cards, single-use smart tokens, the universal transport card “Onay,” or contactless payment with Visa and MasterCard. A single ride costs 100 tenge (around 20 rubles), while children aged 7-15 can travel for 50 tenge upon presenting a birth certificate.

Smart cards can be topped up at station terminals or ticket offices and are valid for three years. Tokens are valid until the end of the day. On Wednesdays, passengers can exchange expired tokens, as this day is designated “Token Day.”

The most convenient payment method is the “Onay” card, which also works on city buses and trolleybuses. The card costs 500 tenge and comes preloaded with enough credit for a few rides. You can recharge it at metro ticket offices, special terminals, or through the Onay mobile app.

Operating Hours and Navigation

The metro operates from 6:20 AM to midnight. On weekdays, trains run at 10-minute intervals, while on weekends, they run every 12 minutes. You can track the train schedule via the “Almaty City Metro” app, available on Play Market and AppStore. Inside the trains, there are no partitions between cars. Station names are displayed above the doors, and signs above the walkways between cars indicate the next stop. Announcements are made in three languages—Kazakh, Russian, and English.

Interesting Fact 

At one point, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan proposed naming a Moscow metro station “Alma-Ata” in honor of the Panfilov Division, which was formed in Almaty in 1941 and displayed heroism in the Battle of Moscow. In return, one of Almaty’s newly built stations was named “Moscow.”

Almaty Metro Stations:

1. Raiymbek Batyr Station

Named after the famous Kazakh warrior who defended the land from Dzungar invaders. This is currently the terminal station and is the closest to Almaty-2 Railway Station. The station features several entrances, including two directly from the platform. One of the mosaics depicts Raiymbek, a companion of Abylai Khan who liberated the Senior Zhuz from the Dzungars. It is believed that he is buried in Almaty, and his symbolic mausoleum was recently erected across from the city’s main cemetery.

2. Zhibek Zholy Station

“Zhibek Zholy” translates to “Silk Road” in Kazakh. The central hall of the platform features a decorative mural with symbols representing the countries along the historic Silk Road. Nearby are some of the city’s best attractions: the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, the Ascension Cathedral, and the pedestrian streets of Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy. The station is notable for its elaborate Eastern-style design, with polished marble floors and mosaic walls.

3. Almaly Station

Meaning “Apple,” this station is named after the historic region where Almaty now stands. The Almaly district also takes its name from this station. Nearby are popular tourist spots like Panfilov Street, the Abai Opera and Ballet Theater, and Astana Square.

4. Abai Station

The deepest station in the metro at 70 meters, it’s named after the great Kazakh writer Abai Kunanbayuly. A large mural of Abai dominates the station’s decor. This is your stop if you want to visit the Central State Museum, take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Park, or stroll along Tolebaev Street.

5. Baikonur Station

Named after the famous Kazakh cosmodrome, this station is adorned in blue. Initially, there were plans to design it as a space station. Nearby, you’ll find the Central Stadium and the B. Sholak Sports and Cultural Complex. A fun detail: reflections make departing trains resemble rockets launching into space.

6. M. Auezov Theatre Station

A deep-level station (30 meters), named after the Kazakh and Soviet writer Mukhtar Auezov. Located near the M. Auezov Theater and the State Circus, its decor includes traditional national patterns. A mosaic depicts scenes from Auezov’s play “Enlik-Kebek,” the Kazakh equivalent of Romeo and Juliet.

7. Alatau Station

Originally the terminal station when the metro first opened, this station is unique with its two side platforms. Amusingly, tourists often stand at the wrong door, unaware that the doors open on the right. One can freely move between platforms at one end of the station, but at the other, you must use turnstiles.

8. Sairan Station

Named after the nearby Sairan Reservoir and one of the city’s largest bus terminals, this station is convenient for travelers heading to other cities.

9. Moscow Station

The station’s design evokes the look of Moscow, with red walls and motifs resembling the Kremlin. In Moscow, a station was named “Alma-Atinskaya” in return. The nearby “MOSKVA Metropolitan” mall and the entire district have adopted the station’s name.

10. Saryarka Station

Named after the Saryarka steppe in central Kazakhstan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the station was technically completed in 2021, it didn’t open to passengers until spring 2022. It’s located in a residential district, far from the city center.

11. Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Station

Opened in spring 2022 along with Saryarka, this station is named after the Soviet Union Hero Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, a World War II veteran and writer. His love for peace is reflected in the station’s design, with quotes from various writers on the themes of peace and friendship decorating the walls.

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