Getting to Baikonur

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Getting to Baikonur

The site for the Baikonur Cosmodrome was selected with precision. The criteria were clear: an isolated desert location, far from roads, populated areas, and critical infrastructure. A remote bend of the Syr Darya River, between the Kyzylorda Region centers of Kazaly and the town of Zhosaly near Tyuratam station, was chosen. Later, the town of Leninsk, now called Baikonur, was built near the station to support the cosmodrome and related facilities.

From a climatic perspective, this area is ideal for rocket launches and testing: over 300 sunny days annually, minimal precipitation, low humidity, and a short winter. However, conditions are harsh for residents, with summer temperatures soaring above 45°C and winter lows plunging to -40°C. The summers bring frequent sandstorms, while the winters can bring snowdrifts and blizzards. Additionally, the salty soil inhibits vegetation and holds an aggressive moisture content, causing underground pipes and cables to corrode in just 2-3 years.

How to Reach Baikonur

Baikonur city and the Baikonur Cosmodrome lie on opposite sides of the international Western Europe-Western China highway. Travelers passing through can see some of the cosmodrome’s infrastructure and signposts from a distance. Some might try to drive to Baikonur or the cosmodrome independently; however, this is not permitted. Entering the city or the cosmodrome requires special permissions and cannot be done spontaneously.

Independent Travel. It is also impossible to visit Baikonur as a freewheeling traveler. All visits must be arranged through a licensed travel agency. To visit the cosmodrome, a special permit must be obtained in advance from the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, through accredited companies and agencies.

By Air. Both Baikonur city and the cosmodrome have their own airports, but they operate on a closed basis and are reserved for internal use only. For general travelers, flights are available to the regional center of Kyzylorda, with regular flights from Moscow, Almaty, Nur-Sultan (Astana), and Karaganda. From Kyzylorda, you can travel by vehicle or join a tour bus, taking approximately three hours and covering around 250 kilometers in a comfortable coach along the international highway.

By Rail. For those who prefer ground travel, a train can take you to Tyuratam station, located about 15 minutes from Baikonur city. From Tyuratam, transfers are available to both the city and cosmodrome grounds.

Obtaining Entry Permits

Permits must be requested at least 25 days in advance for citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia, and 45 days in advance for other nationals. Additional processing and document submission can take a few more days, so tourists are advised to plan well ahead.

Permit processing requires a fee and can be arranged only through accredited travel agencies or other approved organizations. Some agencies include the permit fee in the tour package, while others may not offer it as a separate service.

Even with a permit, unrestricted access is not allowed. All tours and movements within Baikonur Cosmodrome must be accompanied by representatives of Roscosmos, ensuring high-security protocols on site.

Useful Information about Baikonur City and the Cosmodrome

Currency. Both Kazakh tenge and Russian rubles are accepted in Baikonur city, making it easy to make purchases in either currency. Within the cosmodrome, however, such as at the museum and nearby shops, only Russian rubles are accepted.

Internet and Communications. Most public locations (hotels, cafes) provide Wi-Fi access. You can also purchase a Kazakh SIM card with 5GB of data for internet access.

Public Transport. Baikonur has public buses (four routes) and shared taxis, but tourists may find it more convenient to use regular taxis. As of early 2020, the average fare for an economy taxi ride within the city ranges from 500-1000 tenge (~100-200 rubles, or 2-3 USD).