How to get from Almaty to Astana

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Kazakhstan · Urban & Cultural · Almaty · Astana

Almaty to Astana (Nur-Sultan) is a classic north–south journey in Kazakhstan. Choose between a comfortable overnight/day train, the fastest flight, budget overnight buses, or a long but flexible self-drive/charter. Below are the best routes, how to book, and clear step-by-steps with map links.

At A Glance (Almaty to Astana)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (Overnight/Day) ~11–14h (direct) Comfort, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 9,000–25,000 one-way (class/date)
✈️ Flight (ALA → NQZ) + City Transfer ~1h40 flight + 30–60m to downtown Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 20,000–65,000 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚌 Intercity Bus (Overnight) ~17–20h (direct) Cheapest with flexible time
🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 10,000–20,000 one-way
🚗 Self-Drive / 🚐 Private Transfer ~12–14h driving (weather/road-works dependent) Door-to-door, scenic stops
🏷️ Cost: Car ~KZT 15,000–30,000/day + fuel » compare rentals | Private car ~KZT 180,000–300,000 per vehicle » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains and flights sell out; compare flights on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
  • Ride-hailing: Yandex Go and inDriver are common in both cities; for fixed long-distance pricing try GetTransfer.
  • Luggage storage: If you have time before departure/after arrival, stash bags via Radical Storage Almaty or Radical Storage Astana.
  • Winter travel: Expect delays in heavy snow; build buffer time for connections.

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (Overnight/Day, Comfortable)

Sleep & arrive central Multiple classes Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Direct services link Almaty-2 / Almaty-1 with Astana Nurly Zhol / Astana-1. Choose 1st/2nd-class sleepers or seated coaches. Overnight “Talgo-type” trains are popular for comfort and timing.
  • How to book (with price): ~KZT 9,000–25,000 one-way depending on class/date. Compare agencies or use local apps/counters; for flights/hotels around your rail trip, see Almaty stays and Astana stays.
  • Pros: Comfortable, power sockets on many cars, no airport transfers. Cons: Popular berths sell out early.

Step-by-step: Intercity Train

  1. Choose your departure station: Almaty-2 (central) or Almaty-1 (north). Pick arrival as Astana Nurly Zhol if you want the modern terminal near the new city.
  2. Buy tickets in advance (station or trusted agency). Arrive 30–45 minutes early for platform/coach boarding.
  3. Bring snacks/water; bistro service varies by train. Keep ticket/ID handy for checks.
  4. On arrival at Nurly Zhol or Astana-1, continue by taxi/Yandex Go to your hotel or Bayterek area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Almaty-2 / Nurly Zhol)

  • Almaty-2 Station: Central location; reach by taxi/Yandex Go or bus from most districts.
  • Astana Nurly Zhol: New city terminal with taxis and buses out front.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (Fastest ALA → NQZ)

Quickest Many daily flights Airport transfers needed

  • Overview: Frequent nonstops connect Almaty International (ALA) with Astana International (NQZ). Add a 30–60 minute taxi/ride-hail into the center.
  • How to book (with price): From ~KZT 20,000–65,000 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
  • Pros: Fastest overall, lots of departure times. Cons: Travel to/from airports adds cost/time.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Get to ALA by taxi/Yandex Go (allow extra time in rush hours).
  2. Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; arrive 2–3 hours pre-departure.
  3. Fly ~1h40 to NQZ. After landing, follow signs to taxis/ride-hailing pickup.
  4. Ride 30–60 minutes to downtown Astana or your hotel near Nurly Zhol/Bayterek.

Getting to the main embarking points (ALA & NQZ)

  • Almaty Airport (ALA): 20–40 minutes from the city core; ATMs and cafés airside/landside.
  • Astana Airport (NQZ): Metered taxis and ride-hailing in arrivals; some hotels offer shuttles.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Intercity Bus (Overnight, Budget)

Cheapest Multiple departures Longest ride

  • Overview: Overnight coaches run from Almaty Sayran (and other depots) to Astana Saparzhai. Reclining seats, heat/AC, and rest stops en route.
  • How to book (with price): ~KZT 10,000–20,000 one-way. Buy at station kiosks or via local apps; for curated transport/tour add-ons, check GetYourGuide results.
  • Pros: Low cost, saves a night’s stay. Cons: 17–20 hours; variable comfort and arrival times.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

  1. Reach Sayran Bus Station by taxi/Yandex Go or city bus; arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
  2. Buy/confirm your seat at the counter; keep your passport/ID and e-ticket handy.
  3. Stow large bags underneath; keep essentials and water with you onboard.
  4. Arrive at Astana Saparzhai; continue by taxi/ride-hailing to your hotel or the city center.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sayran / Saparzhai)

  • Sayran Bus Station (Almaty): West-side location with shops and ATMs.
  • Saparzhai (Astana): Taxis and buses outside; expect chilly winds in winter—dress warmly.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Scenic, Flexible)

Door-to-door Stops en route Long day

  • Overview: Drive the long steppe route via Balkhash and Karaganda to Astana. Roads are mostly paved; expect occasional works and winter ice.
  • How to book (with price): Rentals from ~KZT 15,000–30,000/day (compact). Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Full control of schedule and stops. Cons: Fatigue on long straight roads; winter conditions can be harsh.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Almaty (airport or downtown). Check spare tire, fluids, and that your rental includes cross-country permission.
  2. Set your route to Astana via Balkhash and Karaganda. Plan fuel and meal stops every 2–3 hours.
  3. Carry water, snacks, and a warm layer; download offline maps for coverage gaps.
  4. Arrive in Astana before dark if possible; confirm hotel parking beforehand.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Waypoints)

  • Almaty pickups: Airport and downtown counters; Sunday/holiday hours may vary.
  • Waypoints: Balkhash (lakeside break) and Karaganda (fuel/food) are practical stops.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Car (Door-to-Door)

No self-driving Custom timing Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver picks you up at your address in Almaty and takes you directly to your door in Astana with rest stops on request.
  • How to book (with price): ~KZT 180,000–300,000 per vehicle depending on size/season. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Comfortable, luggage-friendly, easy with kids/elders. Cons: Costlier than bus/train; still weather-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure time on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm what’s included (fuel, tolls, winter tires), luggage capacity, and rest-stop flexibility.
  3. Share your live location on pickup day; keep cash for snacks and roadside cafés.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Almaty pickup: Any hotel/apartment/airport.
  • Astana drop-off: City center, Left Bank (Expo/Bayterek), or airport as needed.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Almaty to Astana)

Train or flight—which is better?
Trains are comfortable and city-center to city-center; flights are fastest but add airport transfers.

Which Almaty/Astana stations are most convenient?
Almaty-2 (central) and Astana Nurly Zhol (new city) are the most convenient for many travelers.

How early should I arrive for trains and flights?
Trains: 30–45 minutes before departure. Flights: 2–3 hours, longer in peak seasons.

Are buses safe and comfortable?
Yes; coaches have heat/AC and rest stops. Bring water, snacks, and layers for overnight rides.

Is winter driving feasible?
Yes, but carry warm gear, check forecasts, and expect icy stretches and reduced visibility. Consider train/flight in severe weather.

Where to stay on arrival?
For quick sightseeing, pick Left Bank/Bayterek area in Astana; compare options on Booking.com (Astana).

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