How to get from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport to Expo 2017 Site
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Kazakhstan · Urban & Cultural · Astana · Expo 2017 Site · Nur-Sultan · Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
Astana’s Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) sits around 15–20 km from the Expo 2017 site and the iconic Nur Alem sphere; you can get there in roughly 30–60 minutes by cheap airport bus 10/12, regular taxi or ride-hailing, prebooked private transfer, or self-drive rental car—this guide breaks down each option with costs, timings and step-by-step directions from arrivals to the Expo plaza.
At A Glance (Astana Airport to Expo 2017 Site)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Airport Bus 10/12 | ~45–70 minutes (traffic- and stop-dependent) | Cheapest ride, light luggage, local feel |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 180–250 one-way, pay on board or with transport card | ||
| 🚕 Taxi & Ride-hailing | ~30–40 minutes door-to-door | Late arrivals, 2–4 people sharing, bulky luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 4,000–6,000 per car (meterless taxis, agree fare); app rides similar or slightly lower | ||
| 🚐 Prebooked Private Transfer | ~30–40 minutes (driver waits at arrivals) | First-time visitors, families, guaranteed English support |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~€30–40 per car » Welcome Pickups Astana | GetTransfer Nur-Sultan | GetYourGuide airport transfers | ||
| 🚗 Self-drive / Rental Car | ~30–40 minutes driving (plus pickup paperwork) | Exploring wider Astana region or onward road trips |
| 🏷️ Cost: small car from ~€25–40 per day » compare NQZ car rentals | scooters & bikes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Cheapest / Local experience: Airport bus 10/12 are incredibly inexpensive and run frequently through the Left Bank and Expo area, but they are slower and can be crowded at peak times.
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi or ride-hailing from the terminal rank or via apps like Yandex Go or inDrive; journey time is usually 30–40 minutes to the Expo district.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-door: Prebooked private transfers with meet-and-greet at arrivals, fixed fare and English-speaking drivers—good after long flights or with kids.
- Most Flexible for Wider Travel: Self-drive rentals from the airport if you plan to visit Burabay, other Astana districts, or continue by road across Kazakhstan.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Plan your arrival time: Airport buses 10 and 12 usually run from around 05:50–22:30; for very late or very early flights, plan on a taxi / ride-hail or private transfer.
- Use trusted taxi and transfer services: Street taxis may be unlicensed and meterless—use apps like Yandex Go, inDrive, or prebook through Welcome Pickups Astana or GetTransfer Kazakhstan for clear pricing.
- Cash and cards: Bus tickets are paid in cash (small KZT bills) or with a local transport card; taxis and small shops may be cash-preferred, though cards work widely in Astana.
- Winter conditions: In deep winter, roads are cleared but can be icy; allow extra time and strongly consider a private transfer or reputable taxi rather than driving yourself.
- Luggage storage if you’re on a layover: If you want to explore the Expo site during a long connection, look for left-luggage options at the airport or in the city; you can also browse citywide storage partners on Radical Storage.
- Onward travel from Astana: For trains and buses to other Kazakh cities like Almaty after your Expo visit, compare routes and tickets on 12Go Kazakhstan routes.
- Where to stay near Expo 2017: The district around Nur Alem has many modern hotels and apartments—compare options on Booking.com Astana stays or Trip.com Astana hotels.
- Sightseeing add-ons: Combine your Expo visit with Astana city tours or night panoramas using curated experiences on GetYourGuide Astana activities or Trip.com things to do.
🚌 Option #1 — Airport Bus 10/12 (Cheapest, Local Experience)
Very low cost Frequent Slower, basic comfort
- Overview: Municipal buses 10 and 12 connect Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport with Astana’s Left Bank and city centre, passing close to the Expo 2017 / Nur Alem area. Expect roughly 45–70 minutes depending on traffic and how far past the Expo stop you travel.
- How to pay (with price): A single ticket is about KZT 180–250 per person; pay cash to the driver or use a local transport card. Tickets cannot usually be bought online—just board and pay on entry.
- Best stop for Expo 2017: Aim for stops signed for EXPO, Nur Alem or the Mega Silk Way mall; from there it’s a short walk into the Expo complex and museum pavilion.
- Pros: By far the cheapest option; good for solo travellers and backpackers with light luggage. Frequent departures during the day.
- Cons: Slower than taxis; buses can be busy at peak times, and there may be limited luggage space. Signage is mostly in Kazakh/Russian—keep a map or translation app handy.
- Official info: Check route details via Astana’s official public transport resources such as the city’s bus information pages or the Yandex Go transit map linked from local authorities, and cross-check with the airport’s ground transport section on NQZ’s official website.
Step-by-step: Airport Bus 10/12 to Expo 2017 Site
- After clearing arrivals at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, follow signs for “Bus / Public Transport” on the first floor of the terminal’s left wing.
- Look for buses signed 10 or 12. Confirm with the driver that the bus passes the Expo 2017 / Nur Alem area (show “Nur Alem” or “EXPO 2017” written down if needed).
- Board through the front door, keep your luggage close, and either tap your transport card or pay the driver in cash (small KZT notes/coins).
- Use an offline map or Yandex Go transit view to track your progress. Get off near the stops for Expo / Nur Alem / Mega Silk Way—typically on Mangilik El Avenue or nearby roads.
- From the bus stop, walk 5–10 minutes following signs toward the spherical Nur Alem building and main Expo pedestrian zone.
- When returning to the airport, locate the bus stop on the opposite side of the road and repeat the process, allowing extra time for traffic and possible waiting.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stop & Expo Stops)
- Airport bus stop: Located directly outside the main passenger terminal (T1/T2) on the ground level; look for municipal buses and signage for routes 10 and 12.
- Expo / Nur Alem stops: Stops along Mangilik El Avenue and near Mega Silk Way mall serve the Expo district; check maps or ask staff at the mall or museum for the nearest stop back to the airport.
- Tickets & cards: If you’ll be using buses several times in Astana, ask at kiosks or major stops about city transport cards that offer discounted fares.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #2 — Taxi & Ride-hailing (Fast, Flexible)
Fast Door-to-door Fare negotiation
- Overview: Standard taxis wait outside the arrivals terminal and remain the classic way to reach Expo 2017 quickly. In addition, ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go and inDrive operate widely in Astana, often with clearer pricing and safer vehicles.
- Typical journey & cost: Expect about 30–40 minutes to the Expo area in normal traffic. Fares from airport taxis are usually around KZT 4,000–6,000 per car (negotiated before departure); app rides may be slightly cheaper depending on demand.
- Pros: Quick, direct, and comfortable; ideal with luggage or if you’re tired after a flight. Dropped right outside your Expo hotel, Nur Alem or Mega Silk Way.
- Cons: Street taxis are not heavily regulated; some drivers may overcharge or speak limited English. Always agree on a fare in advance or use an app to see the price up front.
- Official info: For orientation and official ground-transport pointers, consult the “How to get there” section on Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport’s website; it outlines taxi ranks and services from the terminal.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Ride-hailing to Expo 2017 Site
- After exiting customs, follow the “Taxi” signs toward the official taxi rank outside the terminal, or connect to airport Wi-Fi and open your chosen ride-hailing app.
- If taking a regular taxi, check indicative fares on signs in arrivals, then negotiate a total price to “EXPO 2017 / Nur Alem / Mega Silk Way” before getting in. Confirm the price covers all passengers and luggage.
- If using Yandex Go or inDrive, set Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport as your pickup point and “Nur Alem Museum” or your Expo hotel as the destination; confirm the app’s estimated fare, car type and license plate before boarding.
- Share your destination in writing or via a map if needed—many drivers speak limited English. Having the address “55/13 Mangilik El Ave, Astana” (Nur Alem) written down is helpful.
- On arrival at the Expo district, ask to be dropped as close as possible to Nur Alem or your accommodation; pay in cash or via app/terminal depending on the service.
- For your return, either book a return time with the same driver or request a new ride via your app from the Expo area back to NQZ.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Rank & Pick-up Zones)
- Airport taxi rank: Located directly outside the arrivals hall of the main terminal; follow taxi icons from baggage claim.
- Ride-hail pick-up at airport: Most apps will direct you to a dedicated pick-up area near arrivals; check the app’s map and driver messages for the exact meeting point.
- Drop-off at Expo 2017: Popular drop points include the main Nur Alem entrance, Mega Silk Way mall entrance, and nearby hotels—pick whichever is closest to your plans.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Prebooked Private Transfer (Comfort, Meet-and-greet)
Meet & greet Fixed fare Higher cost
- Overview: Private transfers prebooked online are ideal if you want someone waiting with a name sign, an English-speaking driver and a fixed price to the Expo district. Services typically monitor your flight and adjust for delays.
- How to book (with price): Expect from around €30–40 per car for 1–3 passengers. Compare options on Welcome Pickups Astana airport taxis, GetTransfer Nur-Sultan taxis & transfers, or dedicated airport transfer products on GetYourGuide Nursultan airport transfers.
- Pros: Fixed, prepaid fare; no negotiation needed; help with luggage; great if you arrive late at night or don’t speak Russian/Kazakh.
- Cons: More expensive than bus or regular taxi; you need to book in advance and provide flight details.
- Official context: Nur Alem and the wider Expo heritage are managed by QazExpoCongress; you can learn more about the site’s layout and venues on the official Expo heritage pages at Expo 2017 Astana – EXPO Objects and the dedicated Nur Alem description on QazExpoCongress Nur Alem.
Step-by-step: Using a Prebooked Private Transfer
- Before your trip, choose a provider and book online, entering Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) as pickup and “Nur Alem / Expo 2017 site” or your specific Expo-area hotel as the destination. Include your flight number and arrival time.
- Receive confirmation by email or app with the meeting point, driver contact and vehicle details. Save this offline.
- On arrival at NQZ, pass immigration and baggage claim, then look for your driver in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name or the company logo.
- Confirm your name and destination, then follow your driver to the car park. The journey to the Expo district takes roughly 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.
- Pay any remaining balance as per your booking (most are prepaid), collect your luggage, and ask your driver to point out the nearest access point to Nur Alem or the Expo pavilions.
- For departures, book your return pickup time from your Expo hotel back to the airport, leaving at least 2 hours before check-in cut-off for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones.
Getting to the main embarking points (Meet-and-greet Zones)
- Arrivals hall meeting point: Most private drivers wait immediately after customs or near the main exit doors—follow their instructions from your confirmation email.
- Vehicle pick-up area: Short-stay parking and designated pick-up lanes are a short walk from arrivals; your driver will lead the way.
- Drop-off at Expo 2017: Agree in advance if you want to be dropped at your hotel, at the Nur Alem museum entrance, or at another Expo facility (Congress Center, business district, etc.).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Self-drive / Rental Car (Maximum Flexibility)
Good for side trips Door-to-door Winter driving skills needed
- Overview: Renting a car at NQZ gives you full control over your schedule and is useful if you plan to explore Astana’s outskirts or destinations such as Burabay National Park. The drive to Expo 2017 follows major city roads and is straightforward with GPS.
- How to book (with price): Reserve in advance via Booking.com Car Rental at NQZ or compare scooters/motorbikes on BikesBooking Astana. Expect from about €25–40/day for a small car, plus fuel and parking.
- Pros: Full flexibility; easy to visit multiple sites (Baiterek, old city, Expo, out-of-town viewpoints) in one day; ideal for small groups.
- Cons: Navigating in winter and at night can be demanding; you’ll need to handle parking, local driving rules and potential snow/ice.
- Parking at Expo: The Expo district has large parking areas; follow local signage and note whether your accommodation includes secure parking.
Step-by-step: Driving Yourself to Expo 2017 Site
- Book your rental online and ensure your licence, International Driving Permit (if required) and payment card are accepted in Kazakhstan.
- On arrival at NQZ, follow “Car Rental” signs, complete paperwork at your chosen desk and inspect the vehicle for existing damage (take photos).
- Set your GPS or map app destination to “Nur Alem Future Energy Museum” or “Expo 2017 Astana” on Mangilik El Avenue.
- Exit the airport following signs toward Astana city; you’ll join the main highway toward the Left Bank and then follow city roads toward the Expo district.
- On arrival, follow parking signs for visitors or your hotel’s car park; keep your ticket for payment on departure.
- When returning the car, plan to arrive at the airport at least 30–45 minutes before your airline check-in opens to allow for refuelling, inspection and paperwork.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Car Desks & Parking)
- Rental car desks at NQZ: Typically located in arrivals; check your confirmation for the exact counter and opening hours.
- Expo district parking: Look for signed visitor car parks around Nur Alem and Mega Silk Way; some hotels also offer underground or guarded parking lots.
- Fuel & road conditions: Several fuel stations line the road between the airport and city; in winter, keep your tank reasonably full and drive cautiously on potentially icy surfaces.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Astana Airport to Expo 2017 Site)
What is the easiest way to get from Astana Airport to the Expo 2017 site?
For most visitors, a taxi, ride-hailing car or prebooked private transfer is the easiest—journey time is about 30–40 minutes and you’ll be dropped directly at Nur Alem or your hotel. If you’re on a budget and arrive during the day, the airport buses 10 and 12 are the cheapest option.
How long does it take from the airport to Expo 2017?
By taxi, ride-hailing or private transfer, plan on 30–40 minutes in normal traffic. Buses 10/12 can take 45–70 minutes depending on congestion and exact stop, plus any waiting time at the airport.
How much does the airport bus cost?
A single bus ticket on routes 10 or 12 from NQZ to the Expo area is usually around KZT 180–250, payable in cash to the driver or via a local transport card. There is no need (or option) to prebook bus tickets online.
Are taxis from the airport safe and regulated?
Official taxis at the airport rank are generally reliable, but many vehicles across the city are informal and meterless. Whenever possible, use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go or prebook with reputable companies such as Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer so prices and routes are clear.
Is there a train or metro from Astana Airport to the Expo site?
As of now, there is no direct rail or metro connection from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport to the Expo district. All transfers use the road network (bus, taxi, private car).
Can I visit Nur Alem during a long layover?
Yes—if you have at least 5–6 hours between flights, you can usually clear immigration, take a taxi or bus to the Expo area, visit the Future Energy Museum at Nur Alem, and return in time. Always check current opening hours on official sites like QazExpoCongress – Nur Alem before you go.
Where can I find official information about the airport and Expo 2017?
For airport facilities and transport, consult Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport’s official website. For the Expo legacy district and Nur Alem museum, see the official Expo heritage pages on Expo 2017 Astana and the dedicated museum description on QazExpoCongress.
Can I continue to other cities in Kazakhstan after visiting Expo 2017?
Yes. Astana is a major hub with flights, trains and long-distance buses to cities such as Almaty, Shymkent and Aktau. For onward rail or bus journeys, compare routes and fares on 12Go Kazakhstan routes or use national railway and airline sites alongside hotel and flight aggregators such as Booking.com Flights and Trip.com flights to/from Astana.