Kazakhstan (KZ)

Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by area and the largest landlocked nation — a vast Central Asian republic stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains, encompassing endless steppes, dramatic canyons, and the remnants of the ancient Silk Road.

Capital: Astana

Region: Asia

Language: Kazakh

Currency: KZT (₸)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 112

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Kazakhstan.

Public Transport Overview

Kazakhstan's public transport quality varies dramatically by city. Almaty has a metro (2 lines, 11 stations), buses, and a light rail (LRT under construction). Astana has a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, buses, and the new LRT line opened in 2023. Both cities have extensive minibus (marshrutka) networks that are cheap but chaotic. The Kaspi Travel app and 2GIS app are essential for navigation. Inter-city travel is primarily by train (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy / KTZh) or air.

Main operators:

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZh) — national railAir AstanaQAZAQ AIRAlmaty MetroAstana BRTMarshrutka networks (private operators)2GIS (navigation app)

🎫 Transit Passes

Almaty Onay Card ₸200 card fee + top-up

All Almaty metro, bus, and tram routes. Discount fare of ₸90–150 vs ₸150–200 cash per ride.

💡 Available at metro stations. Top up at ATMs, kiosks, or via Kaspi app. Essential for daily commuters.

Astana E-Ticket Card ₸500 card fee + top-up

Astana BRT, city buses, and LRT routes. Fare ₸90 per trip.

💡 Available at dedicated kiosks and transit offices. Kaspi Pay QR scanning works on many routes.

KTZh Rail Pass No standard pass — book per journey

Kazakhstan Railways intercity routes. Almaty–Astana: ₸7,000–18,000 (12–14 hours). Almaty–Shymkent: ₸3,500–9,000 (12 hours).

💡 Book on railway.kz or via Kaspi Travel. First class (SV) and second class (Kupe) sleeper options available.

Air Astana Nomad Club Free to join

Loyalty miles on Air Astana domestic and international flights. Almaty–Astana: ₸15,000–35,000 one way, 1h25min.

💡 Almaty–Astana route has hourly flights peak hours. Fly Air Astana for safety and reliability over budget carriers.

Taxi & Rideshare

Yandex Taxi dominates both Almaty and Astana (same app as Yandex Go). Inexpensive by Western standards — ₸800–1,500 for typical city journeys. InDriver allows price negotiation. Traditional metered taxis exist but most residents use apps. Always confirm price before entering a non-app taxi.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Yandex Carpool (Yandex Poputchik) available for intercity routes. BlaBlaCar has limited presence. Private car hire (rent a car with driver) popular for business travel in both cities.

Cycling

Cycling infrastructure is developing. Almaty has expanding cycle paths along main boulevards. Astana has dedicated paths in newer districts. Both cities have Almaty Velobike and Astana rental schemes. However, harsh winters (October–April in Astana) make cycling seasonal. Summer cycling is pleasant in both cities.

Intercity Trains

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZh) trains are comfortable, affordable, and the preferred way to travel intercity. Almaty to Astana: ~12–14 hours overnight (sleeper recommended). Almaty to Shymkent: ~12 hours. High-speed Talgo train (Tulpar-Talgo) operates on some routes at 160km/h. Book at railway.kz or Kaspi Travel.

Driving

Kazakhstan drives on the right. Speed limits: 60 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on single carriageways, 110 km/h on highways, 140 km/h on certain expressways. Roads in Almaty and Astana are mostly good; regional roads vary. Winter driving requires snow tyres (November–March minimum). Drunk driving is strictly penalised. Speed cameras are widespread.

Airports

Almaty International Airport (ALA): major hub, 2 terminals, most international routes. Astana International Airport (NQZ): growing hub, direct flights to Europe and Asia. Regional airports in Shymkent (CIT), Atyrau (GUW), Aktau (SCO), Semey (PLX). Air Astana is the flag carrier; FlyArystan is the low-cost subsidiary.