Kazakhstan’s vast landscapes and sprawling cities make local transport both a practical need and a cultural experience. From speedy metros in Almaty to rugged shared taxis in the countryside, each mode tells a different story of Kazakh life. Whether you’re city-hopping or heading to remote lakes, here are the top ways to get around like a local in Kazakhstan.
1. Metro in Almaty
Why ride: Clean, efficient, and perfect for exploring the city’s main districts.
Highlights: – Air-conditioned coaches – Cheap flat fare – Beautiful station architecture
Timing: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Entry: ₹20–₹25 per ride
2. City Buses and Marshrutkas
Why ride: The most common and affordable way to move around urban and semi-urban areas.
Highlights: – Hundreds of routes – Frequent service – Great for people-watching
Timing: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: ₹15–₹30 depending on city and distance
3. Yandex Go (Taxi App)
Why ride: Kazakhstan’s go-to taxi app—reliable, cashless, and language-friendly.
Highlights: – Works like Uber – Transparent pricing – English-friendly app interface
Timing: 24/7
Entry: ₹100–₹300 per city ride; varies by distance
4. Shared Taxis (Intercity)
Why ride: For budget travelers, these are fast, flexible taxis shared with locals heading to nearby towns.
Highlights: – Leave when full – Faster than buses – Talk to locals en route
Timing: Early morning to afternoon
Entry: ₹400–₹800 depending on route
5. Long-distance Trains
Why ride: An iconic way to travel across Kazakhstan’s long distances with comfort.
Highlights: – Sleeper classes – Scenic countryside – Economical for overnight routes
Timing: Based on schedule
Entry: ₹600–₹1,500 for common intercity routes
6. Domestic Flights
Why ride: For far distances (like Almaty to Nur-Sultan), flying is time-saving and fairly priced.
Highlights: – Frequent connections – Budget airlines available – Online booking options
Timing: Daily schedules
Entry: ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on city pair and time
7. Bicycle Rentals (Almaty & Tourist Zones)
Why ride: Ideal for exploring parks, lakes, and urban trails at your own pace.
Highlights: – Available in tourist hubs – Mobile app stations – Great for families
Timing: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: ₹100–₹200 per hour
8. Car Rentals for Self-Drive
Why ride: A great choice for groups or exploring remote areas like Kolsai Lakes or Charyn Canyon.
Highlights: – Flexible itineraries – GPS-equipped options – Good road network in most areas
Timing: Daily rental
Entry: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per day
9. Tourist Shuttle Vans (Seasonal)
Why ride: These operate between popular attractions during peak tourist months.
Highlights: – Stops at lakes and canyons – Pre-booked seats – Local guides onboard
Timing: April to October
Entry: ₹300–₹800 depending on destination
10. Hitchhiking (Rural Regions)
Why ride: A traditional but unofficial transport method, often practiced in villages and open highways.
Highlights: – Locals often stop – Small tip expected – Great for spontaneous travel
Timing: Daytime only
Entry: ₹50–₹200 as a courtesy tip
