How to get from Astana to Burabay
Astana (Nur-Sultan) to Burabay (Borovoe) is an easy getaway: fast trains to Burabay-Borovoe station, frequent buses to Schuchinsk/Burabay, private transfers, or a simple self-drive up the A1/E125. Pick speed, budget, or flexibility—details and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Astana to Burabay)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train (Astana Nurly Zhol/Astana-1 → Burabay-Borovoe) | ~2–2.5h (direct) | Comfort, reliability |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 2,500–6,500 one-way (class/date). Official tickets: » KTZ e-tickets | Compare: Trip.com (trains) | ||
| 🚌 Intercity Bus/Marshrutka (Astana → Burabay/Schuchinsk) | ~2.5–3.5h (route-dependent) | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 2,000–4,000 one-way. Schedules at stations; curated picks: Trip.com activities | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-door) | ~2–3h (traffic/road) | Families, lots of luggage, odd hours |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 45,000–95,000 per vehicle. Instant quotes: » GetTransfer | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (A1/E125) | ~2–3h (270–290 km) | Flexibility, side trips |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 15,000–30,000/day + fuel. Compare: » Booking.com Car Rental | Trip.com Car Hire | ||
| 🎒 Guided Day Tour (Hotel pickup) | ~10–12h round trip | Hassle-free first visit |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KZT 25,000–60,000 pp (inclusions vary). Compare: » GetYourGuide | Klook | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most reliable: Train to Burabay-Borovoe, then short taxi to your lodge.
- Cheapest & frequent: Bus/marshrutka from Astana to Schuchinsk/Burabay.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private transfer—great with kids/gear or red-eye arrivals.
- Flex & photo stops: Self-drive via A1/E125 for lakes viewpoints on your own time.
- No planning: Guided tour with hotel pickup, guide, and park highlights.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Peak weekends: Burabay is popular with locals—book trains early on KTZ e-tickets or compare on Trip.com trains.
- First/last mile: In Astana, use Yandex Go/inDriver (apps) or prebook GetTransfer if you want a fixed English-language service.
- Winter & shoulder seasons: Roads can be icy—allow extra time and consider train/transfer over self-drive.
- Where to stay: Lakeside resorts fill quickly—browse Burabay stays or base in Astana and day-trip.
🚆 Option #1 — Train (Astana → Burabay-Borovoe)
Reliable Comfortable Fixed schedule
- Overview: Direct services run from Astana Nurly Zhol (and some from Astana-1) to Burabay-Borovoe station in ~2–2.5 hours. From there it’s ~20–30 minutes by taxi to lakes/resorts.
- How to book (with price): ~KZT 2,500–6,500 one-way depending on class/date. Buy on the official KTZ e-ticket site (passport needed) or compare on Trip.com trains.
- Pros: Fast, weather-proof, roomy seating. Cons: Tie-in to train times; short taxi needed at destination.
Step-by-step: Train
- Get to your departure station—Astana Nurly Zhol (main) or Astana-1—using a taxi/ride-hailing app or hotel car.
- Purchase or retrieve your e-ticket on KTZ or compare options on Trip.com; arrive ~30–40 minutes early for platform access.
- Ride ~2–2.5 hours to Burabay-Borovoe; on arrival, hire a station taxi to your accommodation (share your hotel name in the app if possible).
- For return, check evening departures in advance—weekend seats can sell out.
Getting to the main embarking points (Astana Stations)
- Astana Nurly Zhol: Modern terminus east of center; clear signage, cafés, ATMs.
- Astana-1: Older station; some regional trains still depart here—check your ticket.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus/Marshrutka (Budget & Frequent)
Budget Lots of departures Connection needed
- Overview: Buses and marshrutkas run from Astana Saparzhai bus terminals toward Schuchinsk and Burabay. Expect ~2.5–3.5 hours depending on stops/traffic; taxis connect the last 20–30 minutes to lakeside hotels.
- How to book (with price): Pay at station kiosks or via local apps; typical fares ~KZT 2,000–4,000. For curated options or tours, browse Trip.com activities.
- Pros: Cheapest, many departures. Cons: Less space; may require a taxi at the end.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Reach Saparzhai Bus Station (main) by taxi/ride-hailing from your hotel (allow buffer on weekends).
- Buy a ticket for Schuchinsk or Burabay at the counter; confirm your drop-off point.
- Board your bus/minivan; keep small cash for short stops.
- On arrival, take a local taxi or prearranged hotel pickup to your lodge by the lake.
Getting to the main embarking points (Astana Saparzhai & Schuchinsk)
- Astana Saparzhai: Several bays; arrive 20–30 minutes early to find your platform.
- Schuchinsk/Burabay stops: Taxis wait at arrivals; ride-hailing coverage varies—cash helps.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great with luggage Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Astana address/airport and drops you directly at your Burabay resort. Travel time ~2–3 hours depending on road conditions.
- How to book (with price): From ~KZT 45,000–95,000 per vehicle (size/time vary). Compare offers and vehicle sizes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: No transfers, hotel-to-hotel. Cons: Costs more than bus/train.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request quotes with your pickup time, address (or flight), and exact drop-off in Burabay on GetTransfer.
- Confirm what’s included (waiting time, child seats, winter tires) and share your contact number.
- Meet your driver at reception/arrivals; ride ~2–3 hours straight to your lodge.
- Arrange the return pickup time before you part ways (cell signal can be patchy by the lakes).
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Astana pickup: Any hotel/airport/home; drivers track flights on request.
- Burabay drop: Resorts are spread around lakes; share a map pin for accuracy.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (A1/E125 Highway, Most Flexible)
Freedom Scenic stops Winter caution
- Overview: Pick up a car in Astana and cruise the A1/E125 north to Burabay. Roads are generally good; watch for ice/wind in colder months.
- How to book (with price): From ~KZT 15,000–30,000/day (compact). Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Total flexibility, easy lakes loop on arrival. Cons: Winter conditions; parking policy varies by resort.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Collect your car (airport or downtown). Verify insurance, spare tire, and winter equipment if needed.
- Set navigation to Burabay National Park; follow A1/E125, keeping fuel topped up before leaving the metro area.
- Enter the park and continue to your chosen area (Katon-Karagay/Schuchye/Kishi Shabakty lakesides vary—follow lodge directions).
- For winter returns, plan daylight driving and check road advisories.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Park Gates)
- Astana depots: Airport counters offer longer hours; downtown offices may close early weekends.
- Park entry: Keep some cash for any local fees; mobile coverage can drop near the lakes.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🎒 Option #5 — Guided Day Tour (Hotel Pickup, No Planning)
Hassle-free Local insights Fixed schedule
- Overview: Small-group or private day trips from Astana cover key viewpoints, lakeshores, and short hikes, often with hotel pickup and a guide.
- How to book (with price): ~KZT 25,000–60,000 per person depending on inclusions. Compare on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: No logistics, stories/photospots. Cons: Less free time; set itinerary.
Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour
- Select a tour with clear inclusions (pickup, lunch, park fees) and book your date on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Be ready in your hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before pickup; carry water, snacks, and layers.
- Enjoy stops at lake viewpoints and short trails; ask your guide about sunset spots and return timing.
- Return to your hotel in Astana the same evening.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Pickup)
- Pickup radius: Most operators collect from central Astana hotels/apartments; outlying areas may require a meeting point.
- Drop-off: Usually back at the same hotel or central point—confirm when booking.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Astana to Burabay)
How long is the trip?
By train ~2–2.5 hours to Burabay-Borovoe; by bus ~2.5–3.5 hours; by car/transfer ~2–3 hours.
Which station should I use in Astana?
Most fast services leave Astana Nurly Zhol; some regional trains use Astana-1. Always check your ticket.
Do I need a car once I’m there?
Not strictly—taxis can shuttle between lakes/resorts. A car helps if you want to circle multiple lakes and viewpoints in one day.
Is winter travel feasible?
Yes—trains run reliably. Driving is fine with winter tires and daylight hours; watch ice and wind.
Where to stay in Burabay?
Lakeside resorts and guesthouses around Schuchye/Kishi Shabakty/Ulken Shabakty. Compare availability on Booking.com.
Are there tours with hotel pickup?
Yes—see day trips on GetYourGuide or Klook.