How to get from Turkistan Airport to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
Kazakhstan · Religious & Pilgrimage · Urban & Cultural · Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum · Turkistan · Turkistan Airport
Turkistan’s Hazrat Sultan International Airport (HSA) lies around 25–30 km from central Turkistan; from the terminal you can reach the UNESCO-listed Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum by metered airport taxi or ride-hailing app, pre-booked private transfer, cheap public bus/minibus, or rental car if you’re continuing a wider road trip around southern Kazakhstan.
At A Glance (Turkistan Airport to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing | ~25–35 minutes door-to-door | Most travelers, late arrivals, minimal hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~3,000–5,000 KZT per car (≈US$7–11) | ||
| 🚐 Pre-booked Private Transfer | ~25–35 minutes door-to-door | Comfort, families, people with lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~7,000–12,000 KZT per car depending on size and time of day; compare cars on GetTransfer | ||
| 🚌 Airport Bus / Minibus | ~35–50 minutes including city stops | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~300–600 KZT per person, pay in cash to driver | ||
| 🚗 Rental Car (Self-Drive) | ~25–35 minutes driving, flexible for side trips | Road-trip itineraries around Turkistan Region |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~15,000–25,000 KZT per day plus fuel; check regional deals on Booking.com Car Rental | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Airport taxi or ride-hailing takes you straight from arrivals to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum with no changes.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Pre-booked private transfer gives you a named driver waiting with a sign and a fixed price, ideal after late-night arrivals or with family.
- Cheapest: Airport bus or marshrutka into central Turkistan plus a short walk/taxi to the mausoleum is the lowest-cost option if you’re not in a hurry.
- Best for Wider Sightseeing: Rental car is great if you’re continuing to Sauran, Otrar or other Silk Road sites and want full flexibility.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Plan your flights and overnights: If you’re flying into Turkistan, compare fares and schedules to Hazrat Sultan International Airport on Trip.com (HSA airport page) and combine with hotels in Turkistan on Booking.com.
- Consider a private car if arriving late: For arrivals after dark or with kids, pre-book a transfer through GetTransfer so your driver tracks your flight and waits at the terminal.
- Use ride-hailing apps locally: Yandex Go and inDriver are commonly used across Kazakhstan; they often undercut casual taxi quotes and show an estimated fare up front.
- Carry some cash: Small notes in KZT are useful for buses, marshrutkas and quick snacks. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall at the airport and in the city center.
- Dress respectfully for the mausoleum: The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is an active pilgrimage site; cover shoulders and knees, and bring a light scarf if you plan to step into prayer areas.
- Booking guides & day tours: If you’d like a guided visit or onward day trips, browse Turkistan-region excursions on GetYourGuide or experiences starting from Shymkent and Almaty on Klook.
- Arriving via long-distance train or bus: If you’re connecting onward after your flight, compare intercity trains and buses across Kazakhstan on 12Go before you travel.
🚕 Option #1 — Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Most Popular, Direct)
Door-to-door Available late Costs more than bus
- Overview: Official taxis wait outside the arrivals hall at Hazrat Sultan (Turkistan) International Airport and run directly to central Turkistan and the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Expect a 25–35 minute ride depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Walk to the taxi rank and agree on a metered or fixed fare before boarding. Typical prices are around 3,000–5,000 KZT per car to the mausoleum area. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go or inDriver for slightly cheaper, app-quoted fares. For a more premium pre-arranged car, you can also compare sedan and minivan options with fixed pricing on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Quick, direct, easy with luggage, runs until late flights. Cons: More expensive than bus; a bit of haggling may be needed if the driver prefers a fixed price instead of the meter.
- Official info: The airport’s website lists arrival services and taxi guidance under its arrivals section; check Turkistan International Airport arrivals information before your trip.
Step-by-step: Airport Taxi / Ride-Hailing
- After clearing immigration and collecting your bags, follow the signs to the main exit of Hazrat Sultan International Airport’s arrivals hall.
- Look for the official taxi stand or drivers with airport-authorized badges. If using Yandex Go or inDriver, connect to airport Wi-Fi or mobile data and set your destination as “Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum” or “Azret Sultan Museum-Reserve.”
- Before you get into the car, confirm whether the ride will be metered or a fixed fare and ask for a rough total in KZT. For ride-hailing, simply accept the app fare estimate.
- Share your hotel or exact drop-off point inside or near the Azret Sultan complex (many visitors stay around the new Karavansaray complex or hotels near the mausoleum) with your driver.
- On arrival, pay in cash (for street taxis) or via the app if using ride-hailing. Small tips are appreciated but not mandatory.
Getting to the main embarking points (Turkistan Airport)
- From central Turkistan to the airport: Ask your hotel to call a trusted taxi, order Yandex Go / inDriver from your phone, or arrange a set-time pickup the day before if you have an early flight.
- From the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum area: Taxis often wait near the main car park of the Azret Sultan reserve; negotiate a rate to the airport or request a car via a ride-hailing app.
- Peak times: Before morning and evening flights, demand can spike; allow extra time or pre-book to avoid waiting.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Pre-booked Private Transfer (Comfortable, Fixed Price)
Meet-and-greet Great with luggage Higher cost
- Overview: A private transfer is a pre-arranged car (sedan, SUV, or minivan) with a driver waiting at arrivals holding your name sign. It’s ideal if you value comfort, are traveling with kids or older relatives, or arrive very late.
- How to book (with price): Expect around 7,000–12,000 KZT per car depending on vehicle type and time of day. Compare and pre-book online with fixed prices on GetTransfer or arrange a pickup through your hotel in Turkistan (you can contact properties such as Rixos Turkistan or Karavansaray Turkistan via Booking.com messaging after reserving your room).
- Pros: Fixed fare in advance; English-speaking drivers often available; no need for local SIM or cash on arrival. Cons: More expensive than casual taxis; you must book ahead and provide correct flight details.
- Official info: For airport facilities and VIP lounge details if you’re booking premium services, see the official pages of Turkistan International Airport.
Step-by-step: Pre-booked Private Transfer
- Before your trip, choose your hotel in Turkistan on Booking.com and see if they can arrange an airport pickup, or book a car directly through GetTransfer.
- Provide your flight number, arrival time, and the exact drop-off location (for example, “Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum main parking” or your hotel address).
- Receive confirmation with the driver’s name, vehicle details, and meeting point (usually in the public arrivals area just outside customs).
- On arrival, look for your name sign. If you can’t find your driver, use airport Wi-Fi or roaming to call or message them through the booking platform.
- Ride directly to the mausoleum or your hotel. Pay as agreed—often online in advance—so there is no need to handle cash after a long flight.
Getting to the main embarking points (Turkistan Airport / City Hotels)
- From Turkistan hotels: Ask reception to schedule a private transfer back to the airport, especially useful for early morning departures.
- From other regional towns (e.g., Shymkent): You can book long-distance transfers into Turkistan via GetTransfer and have the same car bring you to the airport or directly to the mausoleum.
- Meeting points: Agree on a clear spot such as your hotel lobby, the main entrance of Karavansaray, or the parking lot at the Azret Sultan complex.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus / Minibus (Cheapest, More Local)
Budget-friendly Local experience Less space for luggage
- Overview: Depending on the time of day and season, an airport bus or marshrutka (shared minibus) may run between Hazrat Sultan Airport and central Turkistan. From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk or a short taxi ride to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum and the Azret Sultan museum-reserve.
- How to book (with price): Tickets are usually bought on board in cash—expect roughly 300–600 KZT per person. There is no need to book in advance; just board and pay the driver or conductor. Schedules may be limited on late evenings or early mornings.
- Pros: Very cheap; a chance to ride alongside locals. Cons: Can be crowded; limited luggage space; less reliable timetable than taxis; may not serve very early/late flights.
- Official info: Check the “Visit Turkistan” or “Taxi/Transport” sections of the airport arrivals page or ask at the airport information desk on arrival for the latest bus details.
Step-by-step: Airport Bus / Minibus
- After exiting arrivals, look for bus or marshrutka signs, or ask airport staff “bus to Turkistan city?” to confirm the stop and route number.
- Have small KZT notes ready to pay the driver when boarding; card payment is uncommon.
- Place large suitcases where directed by the driver so they don’t block the aisle, and keep valuables with you.
- Get off at a central stop near Tauke Khan Avenue or the main city bazaar, from which the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is a short taxi ride or a 20–25 minute walk.
- If you’re unsure of your stop, show a photo or map of the mausoleum to passengers or the driver; people are generally helpful and will tell you when to get off.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stop / City Center)
- From the city to the airport: Ask your hotel about the nearest bus stop for airport-bound buses or marshrutkas; they’ll usually know if a route currently serves the airport.
- From the mausoleum to the bus stop: Walk to the nearest main avenue or take a short taxi to a central bus stop where airport buses depart.
- Backup plan: If buses are infrequent or full, switch to a taxi or ride-hailing car so you don’t risk missing a departing flight.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car (Best for Side Trips)
Flexible Ideal for day trips Driving in unfamiliar country
- Overview: If Turkistan is part of a wider Kazakhstan itinerary, renting a car gives you freedom to visit nearby sites like the ruins of Sauran, Otrar, and other points in the Turkistan region at your own pace, with the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum as one of your main stops.
- How to book (with price): Daily rental rates usually start from around 15,000–25,000 KZT for a compact car, excluding fuel. You’ll find the best selection at larger hubs like Almaty or Shymkent, but you can often arrange one-way rentals or regional pickups via aggregators such as Booking.com Car Rental. Always check cross-region and one-way fees in advance.
- Pros: Total freedom with timing; easy to combine airport transfers with regional sightseeing. Cons: Extra paperwork, deposits and insurance; need confidence driving on Kazakh roads and in changing weather.
- Official info: For broader tourism ideas and self-drive inspiration across the region, browse routes suggested by Kazakhstan’s tourism authorities on Kazakhstan Travel.
Step-by-step: Rental Car (Self-Drive)
- Before flying in, search for rental cars at your arrival city (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent or Turkistan) using Booking.com Car Rental. Check that international driving licences are accepted and confirm deposit/insurance requirements.
- Pick up your car at the agreed location (airport or city office). Inspect the vehicle carefully and take photos of any existing scratches or dents.
- Set your GPS or offline maps app with the route from Hazrat Sultan International Airport to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Main roads are generally paved and signposted in Kazakh and sometimes Russian.
- Drive to Turkistan, park in the main car park near the Azret Sultan museum-reserve entrance, and visit the mausoleum on foot.
- Continue your road trip to secondary sites like Sauran or Otrar, or head onward to other cities in Kazakhstan as per your itinerary.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Offices / Parking)
- Airport pick-up: If your rental company has a desk at Turkistan airport, follow signs to “Car rental” in the arrivals area; otherwise, a representative may meet you with keys and paperwork.
- City pick-up: Some renters may require you to collect in town; in this case, use a taxi from the airport to the rental office and start your driving from there.
- Parking at the mausoleum: There is a main parking area near the entrance to the Azret Sultan complex; follow local signage and avoid blocking bus/taxi lanes.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Turkistan Airport to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum)
What is the easiest way to get from Turkistan Airport to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum?
For most visitors, an airport taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest option: walk out of arrivals, head to the taxi rank, and ride directly to the Azret Sultan complex in about 25–35 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers are a great alternative if you want a driver waiting with your name sign.
How much should I expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the mausoleum?
Typical fares are around 3,000–5,000 KZT per car, depending on the time of day and your bargaining skills. If you use a ride-hailing app such as Yandex Go, the app will show an estimated price before you confirm the ride.
Is there public transport from Hazrat Sultan International Airport into Turkistan?
Depending on current schedules, airport buses or marshrutkas sometimes connect the airport with central Turkistan. They are cheap but less frequent than taxis and may not operate very early or very late, so always ask at the airport information desk if a bus is running when you land.
How long does the journey take?
By taxi, private transfer or rental car, expect around 25–35 minutes door-to-door between the airport and the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Public buses or shared minibuses can take 35–50 minutes depending on stops and traffic.
Is it safe to arrive late at night?
Turkistan is generally calm, and the airport is small and manageable. For late arrivals, it’s wise to pre-book a private transfer or use an official taxi from the airport taxi stand rather than negotiating with random drivers in the parking lot.
Can I visit the mausoleum straight after landing, before checking into my hotel?
Yes, you can go directly from the airport to the mausoleum, but keep in mind that you will have your luggage with you. Some hotels near the Azret Sultan complex will store bags for their guests before check-in, and if you are transiting via bigger hubs like Almaty or Astana you can look into luggage storage services or apps such as Radical Storage in those cities before continuing to Turkistan.
Do I need a guide for the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum?
You can certainly walk around independently, but a licensed guide helps you understand the religious and historical significance of the site. To find official guides across Kazakhstan, you can consult the national register on Kazakhstan.travel’s guide platform or ask staff at the Azret Sultan museum-reserve entrance about guided tours.
Where can I find official information about the mausoleum’s opening hours and tickets?
The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum is part of the National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Azret Sultan”; you can check current information about the museum-reserve and its sites on the official website at azretsultan.kz.
Where can I read more about the airport and entry requirements to Kazakhstan?
For airport services such as check-in times and facilities, see Turkistan International Airport’s official website. For visas and entry rules, consult the Visa-Migration Portal of the Republic of Kazakhstan.