Kazakhstan is accessible by various modes of transportation: plane, bus, train, or car. Surprisingly, flying is not only the easiest but also often the most affordable way to travel from Russia to Kazakhstan. It’s also the quickest. The country boasts 22 major airports, with 14 of them offering international services. The primary hubs are located in Astana and Almaty, making air travel the most convenient option for arriving in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s unique location at the heart of Eurasia, combined with its well-developed and diverse transport system, positions it as a key player in China’s ongoing efforts to revive the historic Silk Road. Given Kazakhstan’s vast size, domestic travel is most efficient by either plane or train.
Air transport plays a crucial role in Kazakhstan, as evidenced by the 22 major airports, 14 of which handle international flights. Experts estimate that the country’s aviation infrastructure has more than five times the current capacity, ensuring smooth operations even during peak travel periods.
The largest airline in Kazakhstan is Air Astana, but there are several other domestic carriers, including Bek Air, SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and FlyArystan. The main airports are in Astana and Almaty, and the flight between these two cities takes just an hour and a half. Prices for flights between the two capitals, as well as routes from Astana to Shymkent and from Almaty to Shymkent, are generally similar. These flights take about an hour, while traveling from Astana or Almaty to Atyrau or Aktau takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. A flight from Shymkent to Almaty also takes approximately one hour.
Rail transport is responsible for more than 68% of Kazakhstan’s total freight traffic and 57% of passenger transportation. The country’s railway network stretches over 15,000 kilometers and connects to international rail systems at 16 different points, 11 of which link to Russia.
Kazakhstan’s railway services are managed by the national company, «Kazakhstan Temir Zholy» (KTZ). If you plan to travel by train, remember that Almaty has two main railway stations. Ticket prices depend on the distance traveled and the class of the carriage, with journey times also varying. For example, a train ride from Astana to Almaty can take between 15 to 24 hours.
Kazakhstan’s public transportation system includes buses, minibuses, metro systems, and taxis. However, buses are not a popular option for long-distance travel across the country, as covering such vast distances by bus can be uncomfortable. Despite this, intercity bus routes do exist, in addition to regular city services.
For instance, a bus trip from Astana to Almaty takes around 20 hours, while a journey from Astana to Karaganda takes about three hours. Tickets can be purchased through the «Saparzhai-Astana» website or at bus station ticket offices.
It’s worth noting that there are two types of buses in Kazakhstan: official buses (with tickets sold at the station) and private buses (with tickets sold by drivers or other individuals near the station). There’s usually no price difference between the two, but official buses follow a schedule, while private buses depart only once full.
In Kazakhstan’s cities, public transport is well developed. In Almaty, for example, there are trams and a metro system. Taxis are also widely available, and you can easily book a ride even for trips outside the city.
Almaty’s metro, while modest, has one line with 11 stations. Locals frequently use it for quick and convenient travel across different parts of the city.
As for taxis, «Yandex.Taxi» operates in Kazakhstan, and you can order a ride using the same app as in Russia, with no need to download any additional applications. Most cities also have several local taxi companies. You can book a taxi through mobile apps, by phone, or simply by hailing one on the street.