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Astana to Almaty Distance: 1,232 KM (765 Miles)
The distance from Astana to Almaty covers roughly 1,232 kilometers (765 miles). And It takes about 16-hour by car and passes through major stops like Karaganda and Lake Balkhash, connecting the northern capital to the southern cultural center across the vast steppe.
Astana to Almaty Transportation: Which Option is Right for You?
| Travel Style | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Air Astana Flight | 1.5 hours vs. 20 hours. Reliable and comfortable. |
| Talgo Train | Talgo Train | See the landscape change from steppe to mountains. Comfortable sleeper cabins. |
| Standard Train | Standard Train | Cheapest option ($15–$20), but be prepared for a long, hot/cold journey. |
Option 1: Flying from Astana to Almaty (Fastest & Efficient) – 1.5-2 Hours
- Flight Duration: 5-2 hours
- Frequency: 24-35 flights daily
- Price Range: $60-100 USD
Flying is hands down the quickest way to cover this distance.The fastest flight takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and FlyArystan operate multiple daily flights between Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) and Almaty International Airport (ALA).
Flying with Air Astana or FlyArystan?
You should book with Air Astana when you need reliability. Air Astana provides better legroom and included baggage, which matters when you're hauling camera equipment.
When you're watching your budget, FlyArystan is a good choice. The low-cost carrier offers tickets as cheap as $50-60 if you book in advance.
They are extremely strict with baggage. The basic fare includes only 5kg of hand luggage. If your bag is even slightly overweight or oversized, you will be charged a hefty fee at the gate. Always pre-purchase baggage online.
How to Take a Astana to Almaty Flight?
- Astana Airport: Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ). Located about 17km south of the city center. Routes #10 and #12 connect the city to the airport. Terminal 2 is for domestic flights (This is where you go for Almaty).
- Almaty Airport: Almaty International Airport (ALA). For a budget-friendly option, take Bus No. 92, which runs directly to the city center for just 100 KZT ($0.20). It’s a 30-minute ride.
Both airports are well-connected to their city centers. In Astana, expect to pay around 2,000-3,000 KZT ($4-6) for a taxi to the city center. Almaty's airport is slightly farther out, with taxi fares running 4,000-5,000 KZT ($8-10).
Do not hail a taxi from the curb. Download the Yandex Go app (the "Uber" of Central Asia). It offers fixed prices and English support.
Important Tips for Flying
Documents: You must have your original passport ready.
Check-in: Timings are strict here. Counters close 40 minutes before departure, and gates close 15 minutes before.
How to Check-in: Airlines like Air Astana have self-service kiosks, but we recommend checking in early via the mobile app.
Security at Terminal 2: The process follows international standards. Please remove laptops and liquids from your bags.
Language: Most staff speak basic English, and signs are clearly marked in Kazakh, Russian, and English.
Option 2: Take the Train (Overnight Train is Recommended) – 16-24 Hours
- Duration: 16-24 hours (depending on train type)
- Frequency: 3-5 trains daily
- Price Range: $15-80 USD
For budget travelers, the train is the best way to cover this route—not because it's faster (it isn't), but because of the value. Overnight trains are safe, affordable, and let you sleep through the journey, saving a hotel night.
It always recommended take the evening departure (9-10 PM) to arrive fresh in Almaty by morning. The bonus? Watching sunrise over Kazakhstan's vast steppes gives you a real sense of the country's scale. The downside is the 16-24 hour journey time.
The Talgo (High-Speed Spanish Train) – Recommended
You will hear everyone talk about the "Talgo." This High-speed train is (by local standards), modern, and clean. It takes about 15–16 hours. It has a bar car and relatively modern toilets. Highly Recommended. Look for train numbers 001, 003, or 009.
But here is the catch: The Talgo is narrow. The carriages are compact. If you suffer from claustrophobia, it might feel tight. However, it is clean, modern, and efficient.
Most Talgo trains leave from Nurly Jol (Nur-Sultan 1). This is the new, shiny station south far from the old center. If your ticket says "Nurly Jol," do not go to the old station!
Which Seat Should You Buy?
- Grand Class (The "Hotel on Wheels"): If budget allows, this is the only way to fly. You get a private cabin for two with your own en-suite shower and toilet. Yes, a hot shower on a train. It transforms the journey from "transit" to "luxury."
- Business Class (Kupe): This is a standard 2-berth cabin. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want privacy (you can buy out the whole cabin). You have a sink in the room, but you share the toilet at the end of the car.
- Tourist Class (4-berth cabin): It’s tight. If you have large suitcases, you will struggle to find space for them. I only recommend this if you are on a strict budget or traveling with a group of four friends.
The "Old Soviet" Train: The Slow & Steady
Alternatively, there are the standard trains (like the 043T). They take 24 hours. Why would you take this? Because the beds are wider, the ride is smoother (the Talgo can be jerky), and it’s half the price. Look for train numbers like 043 or 051.
Some slower trains leave from the old Astana-1 station. Check your ticket carefully!
Seating Classes Explained:
- Platskart (3rd Class - Open Berth): The most budget-friendly option at 8,000-10,000 KZT. This is an open-plan carriage with 54 berths arranged in bays of six (four face-to-face lower and upper bunks, plus two side bunks along the corridor).
- Kupe (2nd Class - 4-Berth Compartment): The sweet spot for most travelers at 12,000-15,000 KZT ($27-35). You get a private compartment with a lockable door, shared with three other passengers (two lower, two upper bunks).
- SV or Lux (1st Class - 2-Berth Compartment): Premium comfort at 20,000-25,000 KZT ($45-55). You share with just one other passenger, with more spacious compartments, better bedding, and sometimes a small sink. Perfect for couples.
Almaty-1 vs. Almaty-2: Where Does the Train Stop?
You want to arrive at Almaty-2. This is located right in the city center. Almaty-1 is an industrial transit hub far from the city. Always try to book tickets to Almaty-2.
How to Buy Train Tickets
Use the official Kazakhstan Railways website (railways.kz) or the mobile app. You can also book through Asia Odyssey Travel, which offers assistance with bookings and can arrange your entire Kazakhstan itinerary, including hotels and tours in both cities.
The website is available in Russian, Kazakh, and English. You'll need your passport number to book. Tickets usually go on sale 45 days before departure, and popular dates (weekends, holidays) sell out quickly.
Option 3: Budget Option But Tried
- Duration: 16-20 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures
- Price Range: $20-35 USD
Several bus companies operate between Astana and Almaty, with fares around 10,000-15,000 KZT ($20-30). Buses typically depart from Astana's main bus station (Saparzhai Bus Station) in the evening.
While it's the cheapest option, it's also the most exhausting. The buses are reasonably comfortable with reclining seats and rest stops every 3-4 hours, but 18 hours on a bus is tough on your body.
This option makes sense if you're on a very tight budget or if train tickets are sold out. Otherwise, I'd recommend spending the extra money for the train, where you can at least lie down properly.
What to Do Once You Arrive in Almaty
After making the journey from Astana, you'll find Almaty to be a completely different experience. Where Astana is modern and somewhat sterile, Almaty has soul, history, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
The Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort are accessible via cable car—even if you don't ski, the mountain views are incredible.
The Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazaar) is where travelers always go for fresh produce, traditional foods, and local atmosphere. Panfilov Park and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, built entirely of wood without nails, shouldn't be missed.
For day trips, Charyn Canyon (200km east) rivals America's Grand Canyon in beauty, while Big Almaty Lake offers stunning turquoise waters surrounded by peaks.
12 Best Things to Do in Almaty & Top Attractions: The 2026 City-to-Mountain List
Frequently Asked Questions about Transportation Between Astana and Almaty
1. How Long is the Train from Astana to Almaty?
Train journey time varies by type. The premium Tulpar-Talgo trains take 12-13 hours, while standard overnight trains need 16-18 hours. Some older services can take up to 24 hours.
2. What is better, Astana or Almaty?
They're completely different cities, so "better" depends on what you want. Astana is modern, futuristic, and all about grand architecture—think Dubai vibes with harsh winters.
Most travelers prefer Almaty because it feels like a real city where people actually live, not a planned capital. But Astana is worth seeing for its wild architecture alone. Visit both if you can.
3. How Do I Go from Almaty to Astana?
Exactly the same options as Astana to Almaty, just in reverse. Fly (1.5 hours, $60-200), take the train (12-24 hours, $18-80), or catch a bus (16-20 hours, $20-35). The routes, prices, and schedules are basically identical going either direction.
4. How Long Does It Take to Fly from Almaty to Astana?
The actual flight time is 1.5-2 hours. But factor in getting to Almaty airport (30-45 minutes from city center), arriving 1.5-2 hours before departure, then getting from Astana airport to wherever you're staying (20-30 minutes). Total door-to-door time is around 4-5 hours.
Plan Your Perfect Adventure from Astana to Almaty With Asia Odyssey Travel
Kazakhstan is massive, and logistics can be tricky for the uninitiated. If you want to explore the futuristic architecture of Astana and the breathtaking canyons of Almaty without the stress of booking separate tickets and navigating language barriers, consider a package tour.
Asia Odyssey Travel offers expert-led tours that combine both capitals. We handle the domestic transfers, ensuring you move between cities in comfort and style. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey across the Great Steppe!
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