Transport & Travel Essentials
Getting Around Kazakhstan
Taxis, buses, the metro, trains, flights, drivers and road trips — and why distance matters.
Quick Answer
- In cities, taxi apps and public transport cover most journeys.
- Between cities, flying is often easiest; trains suit people with more time.
- Distances are big — leave generous time, and expect traffic in Almaty.
What You Need to Know
In the city
Yandex Go
The most common taxi app. See the price in the app before you ride.
inDrive
You suggest a fare and drivers respond.
Buses
Public buses cover the cities; in Almaty you'll want the ONAY app or a local card to pay.
Almaty Metro
Almaty has a metro line. Check the current stations and hours before you rely on it.
Almaty traffic
Between cities
For long distances, flying is often the easiest option. Air Astana and FlyArystan both operate within Kazakhstan.
Trains are useful if you have more time and want to see how people actually travel between cities. Book through the official site, bilet.railways.kz.
Distances between cities can be substantial, so check the real travel time before you plan a day.
Drivers, car rental and road trips
For day trips and remote places, a private driver, a local tour or a rental car can be the practical choice. You can contact local guides and drivers directly on WhatsApp through my local contacts page.
Thinking about driving yourself? Read the car rental guide first.
Taxi prices
Practical Tips
- Keep some tenge for drivers who prefer cash.
- Book long train journeys and busy-season flights in advance.
- Check the travel time on a map app before you plan your day.
Sources & Checks
Frequently Asked Questions
For long distances, flying is often the easiest option.
Trains are useful if you have more time and want to see how people actually travel between cities.
For day trips and remote places, I'd look at a rental car, driver or local tour depending on the route.
Kazakhstan is big. Really big.
Last reviewed October 2026
Yandex Go is the "Uber" or "Bolt" of Kazakhstan for rides, food delivery and even e-scooters. It's reliable, safe, and lets you link your international card.
inDrive is the "haggling app": you propose your own fare and drivers bid. It's useful for city-to-city trips or when Yandex prices are too high.
In Almaty, the Onay app is essential for paying for buses and the metro (only if you have a local SIM card).
2GIS is the king of precise entrances and live bus tracking — use the web version if the app isn't in your store. And businesses in Kazakhstan run on WhatsApp, so it's worth having to book tours, tables and more.
Last reviewed October 2026
Yes — use the official ticket website of Kazakhstan's national railway, bilet.railways.kz. It's available in English as well as Kazakh and Russian, and there is an official app too (look for “БИЛЕТЫ КТЖ”).
Trains are useful if you have more time and want to see how people actually travel between cities.
Last reviewed October 2026
For long distances, flying is often the easiest option. Air Astana and FlyArystan both fly within Kazakhstan — book on their official websites or apps.
Other airlines may serve some routes, and operators change, so check the current options when you book.
Last reviewed October 2026
Almaty can be very congested at peak hours, and delays can be significant.
Leave extra time for journeys at busy times, and check the route on a map app first.
Last reviewed October 2026
Yes.
Almaty, Astana and the main cities are easy enough to do independently.
For remote places, mountain routes or Mangystau, I'd sometimes choose a local driver or tour simply because it saves a lot of time and logistics.
A few apps also make travelling much easier.
Last reviewed October 2026
Not always.
Almaty, Astana and the main cities are easy enough to do independently.
For remote places, mountain routes or Mangystau, I'd sometimes choose a local driver or tour simply because it saves a lot of time and logistics.
Last reviewed October 2026
Related Guides
Essential Apps for Travelling in Kazakhstan
The apps I'd download before you land — for maps, taxis, buses, trains, flights, translation and getting online.
Read the Full Guide →Renting a Car in Kazakhstan
What to check before you rent a car — and how to decide whether driving yourself is the right idea.
Read the Full Guide →Money & Payments in Kazakhstan
The tenge, cards, cash, ATMs and Kaspi — what's practical for a visitor, and what not to assume.
Read the Full Guide →