How to get from Tashkent to Almaty

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Uzbekistan · Almaty · Tashkent

Tashkent to Almaty is a classic Trans-Central Asia hop. You can fly in under two hours, ride a comfortable overnight train, take a money-saving bus/minivan combo via the border near Shymkent, or hire a private car/driver for door-to-door ease. Below are the best routes, how to book, and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Tashkent to Almaty)

Mode Duration Best For
✈️ Flight (TAS → ALA) ~1h30–1h50 in air (+ airport time) Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~US$70–220 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | Trip.com
🚆 Overnight Train (Tashkent – Almaty) ~17–20h (direct) Scenic, relaxed travel
🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–80 by class/date » check schedules | Uzbekistan Railways (official)
🚌 Bus/Marshrutka via Shymkent Border ~12–16h total (connections) Lowest cost, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–45 total (segments) » compare options
🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door) ~9–12h driving + border time Families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~US$240–500 per vehicle (route/size) » request quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly TAS→ALA and taxi/ride-hail into Almaty.
  • Comfort + budget balance: Overnight train with a proper berth and city-center arrival.
  • Cheapest (time-rich): Bus/minivan via border—fine if you don’t mind changes and negotiating taxis.
  • Door-to-door: Private car/driver—no transfers; good for groups or bulky gear.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Tickets & timing: Flights can be cheapest 2–6 weeks out (Booking.com Flights, Trip.com). Trains may appear 30–60 days ahead on Uzbekistan Railways; check also 12Go.
  • Border notes: Carry passport, visas if required, and small cash for snacks. Phone signal can dip at the checkpoint—download offline maps.
  • Local rides: Yandex Go/inDriver operate in both cities. For fixed long-distance pricing, compare GetTransfer.
  • Baggage storage: If you have time to sightsee before/after, see Radical Storage Tashkent and Radical Storage Almaty.

🚆 Option #1 — Overnight Train (Comfortable, Scenic)

Sleeper berths City-center to city-center Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Direct international trains connect Tashkent’s main station to Almaty (Almaty-1/Almaty-2). Expect ~17–20 hours depending on service and season.
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$35–80 by class/date. Check schedules on 12Go and buy on eticket.railway.uz (official). For the Kazakhstan leg, see Tickets.kz (official partner).
  • Pros: Lie-flat sleeping, no airport transfers, scenic steppe. Cons: Limited departures; border checks at night can briefly wake you.

Step-by-step: Overnight Train

  1. Get to Tashkent Railway Station by metro/taxi; arrive 45–60 minutes early with passport and e-ticket (QR).
  2. Choose berth class (platskart/kupe/1st). Book via Uzbekistan Railways or compare on 12Go.
  3. Board when the platform opens; keep passport handy for outbound/inbound border checks overnight.
  4. Arrive at Almaty-1/Almaty-2; use Yandex Go or taxi to your hotel. For stays, browse Almaty hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tashkent Station / Almaty-1, Almaty-2)

  • Tashkent Station: Metro “Toshkent”/taxi; security screening at entrance—have your ticket/ID ready.
  • Almaty arrival: Both Almaty-1 (north) and Almaty-2 (central) connect easily by taxi or bus.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

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

1h30–1h50 airtime Multiple airlines Airport transfers

  • Overview: Frequent nonstops from Tashkent (TAS) to Almaty (ALA). Upon landing, it’s 25–45 minutes by taxi/ride-hail to most city hotels.
  • How to book (with price): Typical fares ~US$70–220 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Fastest total journey; many departures. Cons: Airport processes; checked-bag fees on some fares.

Step-by-step: Flight TAS→ALA

  1. Ride to Tashkent International Airport (TAS) by taxi/ride-hail; arrive 2 hours early.
  2. Book/check in online via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; verify baggage rules.
  3. Fly TAS→ALA (~1h30–1h50). On arrival, purchase a local SIM or use eSIM; ATMs are in the arrivals hall.
  4. Take Yandex Go/taxi to your hotel; for stays see Almaty hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (TAS Airport / Almaty Airport)

  • TAS departures: Allow for security/exit formalities; keep passport and booking confirmation handy.
  • ALA arrivals: Official taxis and ride-hailing are signposted; many hotels offer paid pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Bus/Marshrutka via Border (Cheapest, Most DIY)

Budget Frequent local links Multiple changes

  • Overview: Go Tashkent → border (Gisht Kuprik/Chernyaevka) by city bus/taxi, cross on foot, then shared taxi/minibus to Shymkent. Continue by long-distance bus or train Shymkent→Almaty.
  • How to book (with price): Buy segments on the spot; total typically US$20–45 depending on transport type. For the Shymkent→Almaty leg, you can pre-check trains on 12Go (KZ trains) or Tickets.kz.
  • Pros: Very cheap; departures all day. Cons: Border waits, bargaining for taxis, variable timings.

Step-by-step: Bus/Minivan via Border

  1. From central Tashkent, ride bus/metro+taxi to the Gisht Kuprik (UZ) / Zhibek Zholy (KZ) checkpoint.
  2. Cross the border on foot; after entry, take a shared taxi/minivan to Shymkent (agree price before leaving).
  3. From Shymkent, continue by train or coach to Almaty (check Tickets.kz or 12Go for train times).
  4. On arrival in Almaty (Almaty-1/2 or Otogar), use Yandex Go to reach your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tashkent → Border → Shymkent)

  • Tashkent to border: Combine metro + taxi or direct taxi to Gisht Kuprik; carry small cash and water.
  • Shymkent hub: Shared taxis/minivans congregate at roadside stands; trains depart from Shymkent Station.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Flexible)

Custom timing Great with luggage Border stop

  • Overview: A driver picks you up in Tashkent, waits at the border, and continues to your Almaty address. Ideal for families or late-night travel.
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$240–500 per vehicle depending on size/date. Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: No transfers, space for bags, hotel-to-hotel. Cons: Cost; still subject to border queues.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm what’s included (border waiting time, fuel, night surcharge) and share live location on the day.
  3. Have passports/visas ready at the checkpoint; after entry, continue directly to Almaty.
  4. Arrive at your hotel/apartment; pay any balance due per booking terms.

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

  • Pickup: Any Tashkent address or TAS airport/hotel.
  • Drop: Any Almaty address (city center, Medeu, airport).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tashkent to Almaty)

Is flying or the train better?
Flying is quickest end-to-end; the overnight train is more relaxed, with a berth and city-center arrival.

How early should I buy train tickets?
Sales typically open 30–60 days before departure. Check Uzbekistan Railways and compare on 12Go.

Which Almaty station will I arrive at?
International trains may use Almaty-1 or Almaty-2—your ticket shows this. Both connect easily to the center.

Can I rent a car and drive across the border?
Most rental agencies do not allow cross-border use, or charge high fees. Consider a private transfer instead.

What about luggage storage?
If you have hours to kill before departure/after arrival, see Radical Storage Tashkent and Radical Storage Almaty.

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