Getting Around Astana
Astana offers several transport options for visitors navigating the city. The most practical and widely-used methods include public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services, with rail connections for longer journeys. Walking is viable in parts of the city, particularly the newer southern districts, though distances can be substantial.
Arriving at the Airport
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) is located approximately 15 km south of central Astana. Several transport options connect the airport to the city centre.
Public buses are the most economical choice. Bus 10 and Bus 12 connect the airport to the city centre at least twice hourly, with a flat fare of 90 tenge. You can find timetables at the bus stops directly in front of the main entrance to Terminal 2 (domestic), which is just a one-minute walk from Terminal 1 (international).
Taxis are also readily available, with fares to the city centre typically around US$20.
Public Buses
Public buses (operated by Astra Bus) are an efficient and comfortable way to explore the city. The buses operate on a flat fare system: 210 tenge per journey, regardless of distance. You can pay using a dedicated app, a city card, or MasterCard.
The fleet is mixed—some buses date from the 1990s, while newer vehicles from the past decade match modern city standards. Buses frequently reach capacity during peak hours, so expect crowding.
To navigate the bus network, download the Astrabus smartphone app, which provides route maps, timetables, and real-time location updates. The 2GIS app is also useful for transport planning. When boarding, tell the conductor your destination; they will either indicate when to exit or direct you to another bus if a transfer is needed.
Several key routes serve tourist destinations. Bus 12 loops through the new city area with major landmarks including palaces. Bus 19 departs from the railway station, runs down Beibilitsky Street through the city centre, and continues past the National Museum. Bus 50 connects Nurly Zhol railway station to the city centre.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
An elevated light rail line is under construction between the airport and Nurly Zhol railway station. As of May 2026, final station construction and train trials are underway, though the line is not yet operational for passengers.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful and operate in two main forms.
Ride-hailing apps: Yandex Taxi is the dominant service and widely available throughout the city. As of January 2023, Uber is no longer operating in Astana. Rides through these services typically cost between 1,000 and 3,500 tenge for journeys within the city. Wait times are usually very short, typically under 5 minutes even in difficult weather.
Street taxis: You can hail taxis directly from the roadside by standing at the side of any road. They will typically arrive within 3 minutes. Negotiate the fare before entering the car. Street taxis are significantly cheaper than official services, costing around 1,000–1,500 tenge for longer cross-river trips. Exercise caution with unlicensed street taxis and consider travelling in groups when using this method.
Train Stations and Regional Rail
Astana has two main railway stations serving different routes. It is advisable to check locally which station serves your intended destination, as this can vary by destination and timing.
Astana 1 Railway Station is located on the north side of the city. As of autumn 2019, trains from Russia are still using Astana 1, including the direct Moscow service, and some domestic routes.
Astana Nurly Zhol Railway Station opened in 2017 and is located 10 km east of the city centre. Many intercity trains now terminate here, including the fastest services to Almaty and the weekly train to Urumqi in western China. Bus 50 runs frequently from this station to the city centre, and Bus 48 connects the two railway stations. The station is modern and spacious, featuring free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
For timetables and ticket bookings, visit the national railway booking website. Three direct trains run daily between Almaty and Astana, taking 20 hours overnight. A direct train service to Moscow operates (not daily) via Petropavlovsk. A weekly train connects to Urumqi in western China via Karagandy, Aktogai, and Dostyk.
Saparzhay Bus Station is adjacent to Astana 1 Railway Station and serves long-distance buses to other major cities in Kazakhstan, nearby regions in Russia and Central Asia, and distant destinations such as Tashkent and Yekaterinburg.
Bike Sharing
A public bike-sharing scheme operates throughout the city, operated by the French company Smoove Bike, offering another option for shorter journeys and local exploration.
Walkability
The newer districts south of the Ishim River are more suited to walking, with wider streets and more developed infrastructure. However, distances between attractions can be substantial. The older northern districts may require more use of public transport for practical travel between sites.