Transportation Services
Bus Travel
Buses are one of the most common and affordable ways to travel within cities and between regions in Kazakhstan.
Urban Buses:
Found in all major cities like Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and Karaganda.
Operate daily from early morning to late evening (typically 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM).
Fare: 80–150 KZT (~$0.20–$0.35 USD), payable via transport cards, SMS, or cash.
Bus stops are marked, and many vehicles now have GPS and route announcements in Kazakh and Russian.
Intercity Buses:
Connect almost every city and town.
Depart from central bus stations (Avtovokzal).
Offer both standard and VIP coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or through platforms like Kassa24.kz.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, especially with ride-hailing apps.
Key Options:
Yandex Go (most popular app, fixed fare, reliable)
inDriver (set your own price, driver negotiates)
Maxim Taxi (used in smaller cities)
Tips:
Avoid hailing unregistered street taxis unless necessary—prices may vary.
Short city rides usually cost $1–$3 USD.
Apps offer route tracking and payment by card or cash.
Public Transport
Kazakhstan’s public transport is robust, with systems in place across major cities:
Main Options:
Buses: Backbone of city transport.
Trolleybuses: Operate in cities like Almaty and Shymkent.
Metro: Currently available only in Almaty (clean, safe, modern).
Payment:
Transport cards (e.g., Onay in Almaty)
QR codes, SMS, or cash (less common)
Convenience:
Frequent services with designated stops
Peak hours: 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM
Apps like 2GIS help track routes in real time
Sea Travel (Limited)
Kazakhstan is landlocked, but it borders the Caspian Sea, providing some regional sea transport.
Aktau Port is Kazakhstan’s main sea gateway, used for freight and limited passenger travel.
Occasional ferry services operate to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, mostly seasonal and geared toward trade or long-haul travelers.
Not commonly used for domestic travel or student transit.
Driving Regulations
Kazakhstan follows right-hand driving and has standard road rules aligned with international norms.
Key Rules:
Speed Limits:
60 km/h in cities
90 km/h on highways
110–120 km/h on expressways
Seat belts mandatory for front passengers.
Zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.
Requirements:
International Driving Permit (IDP) or valid driver’s license (translated to Russian/Kazakh)
Vehicle insurance
Many road signs are in Kazakh and Russian, so basic familiarity with Cyrillic can help.
Pedestrian Safety and Tips
Pedestrian infrastructure is present in cities, but caution is advised:
Tips for Pedestrians:
Use designated crosswalks—many are marked but not signalized.
At non-signalized crossings, vehicles are not always guaranteed to stop, so cross carefully.
Sidewalks are generally available in cities, though uneven in rural areas.
Be cautious during winter, when sidewalks and streets may be icy.
Air Travels
Kazakhstan is easily accessible by air, with major international airports in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Atyrau. Students can fly directly from cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Once in the country, domestic flights between cities are frequent, fast, and affordable, making it easy for students to travel during holidays or academic breaks.
Air Astana and FlyArystan offer reliable service and budget-friendly options, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience for international students.
