Almaty’s public transportation system is reliable and easy to use. Buses, minibuses, trolleybuses, and trams make up the public transportation system, and they all operate according to set schedules. The Almaty Metro Corporation is in charge of the city’s public transportation. In addition, individual and shared taxi services are available from various companies in Almaty. In addition to its many bike shops, the city is also working on a bike-sharing program. There are discounts for students and the elderly on all forms of public transportation. Getting around Almaty is a breeze because of the city’s convenient public transit system.
Metro – Basic information
Almaty’s metro provides a quick and easy way to navigate about the city. The Zhetysu station is the hub of the metro system, where the Ak Zhol and Baykonur lines meet. Scheduled hours are 6:20 AM to 12 PM. There are now 11 stops, and it takes about three to four minutes to travel between any two nearby stations. The subway system provides an efficient and cost-effective means of navigating the metropolis. It’s also an excellent strategy for discovering Almaty’s rich cultural heritage.
Metro line A
After more than 23 years of construction, the system’s first line opened to the public on December 1, 2011. In April 2015, a 2.9-kilometer extension of the Metro to Moskva station opened, and in May 2022, another 3.1-kilometer extension opened to Bauyrzhan Momyshuly.
Map of Almaty Metro 2024 – Free Download
Click and download the map of Almaty’s underground system for 2024
In 2024, the already extensive, convenient, and reasonably priced Almaty Metro will grow even more. The free Almaty Metro 2024 Map in PDF format makes it easy for locals and tourists alike to plot out their transit options. Details about the surrounding area are included in addition to the proposed stops, lines, and transfer places on the map. Visitors to Almaty can make the most of their time thereby making use of this no-cost planning tool.
Public transport tickets – Best types for travelers & actual prices
In Almaty, buses serve as the backbone of the city’s public transit system. One-way tickets and tickets good for numerous trips are both available. A one-day ticket costs 50 Tenge, or about USD 0.13, and can be used as many times as you like. For 120 Tenge, or around USD 0.33, you can take 10 rides over 10 days.
Almaty also has trolleybuses and trams. Tickets for the tram cost 50 Tenge (about USD 0.13) while those for the trolley cost 80 Tenge (about USD 0.22) for each ride. Both tickets can only be used for one specific trip.
The greatest value for visitors staying in Almaty for three days is a multiple-ride ticket, which can be purchased for 120 Tenge, or around $0.33 USD. This ticket allows for 10 separate rides over the course of 10 days, thereby covering the full trip.
Timetables & Schedules of Almaty Metro
The Almaty subway is open every day from 6:20 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Each train travels the whole route, stopping at each of the 11 stations. A full lap around the track takes about 30 minutes. Because they offer the best access to the city center and other landmarks, the first and last stations on the circuit typically see the highest foot traffic. Long-distance travelers should factor in more time for their journey. Each station features a ticket booth or automated ticket machines where you can buy your tickets.
Other Options For Public Transportation
In addition to the metro, there are a number of alternative choices for getting around Almaty, Kazakhstan. Buses, trolleybuses, and marshutkas all fall within this category. The Almaty Department of Transport and Road Facilities operates the city’s buses, which serve as the primary means of intra-city and inter-district travel. The Transport and Road Facilities also runs trolleybuses, which are a more compact alternative to regular buses. Finally, there are minibuses called marshutkas, which passengers can hail on the street. You can get around the city with ease and convenience using any of these choices.
Almaty Bus Company (ABC) – public buses
The Almaty Bus Company (ABC) is in charge of the city’s public transportation system. ABC owns and runs more than a thousand buses, which it employs to transport over two million people daily. The buses are a great method to get around the city because they are new, clean, and cool.
Several bus routes serving different parts of town are provided by ABC. The 5, 11, 25, and 55 are the most traveled routes since they connect the downtown area to various hotspots throughout the city. The 10, 12, and 15 lines connect the downtown area with Almaty International Airport, making them an easy choice for airport shuttle service.
ABC also runs express bus routes in addition to the standard ones. These buses offer a more expedient service to specific locations, reducing travel time for their riders. The numbers 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18 are the express routes.
Those who need to travel at odd hours can take use of the ABC’s many night buses. Lines 13, 15, 16, and 18 are the ones serviced by the night buses.
ABC has a user-friendly website and mobile app for those who are not familiar with the Almaty bus system. Routes, schedules, and prices for buses are all available on the app and website. Travelers can also purchase tickets for the service via their computers or mobile devices.
How do the public TRAINS work in Almaty
In Almaty, public trains play a significant role in the city’s overall transportation system. They offer a convenient and inexpensive means of getting around town. Almaty’s public rail system connects the city’s suburbs with major thoroughfares. Suburban trains operate between downtown and the suburbs, while intercity trains link Almaty to other major cities in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Atyrau, Aktobe, Kostanay, Pavlodar, and Astana are the most frequently used links from Almaty by train. These cities are all within a reasonable day trip from Almaty, giving tourists plenty of options for seeing the surrounding area. Some overseas locations are also accessible. These include Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia.
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the country’s national railway operator, is in charge of running the public trains in Almaty. Train tickets can be relatively cheap, depending on the type of train and the distance traveled. In addition, there are frequently special prices for students and other organizations.
Taking one of Almaty’s public trains is a fantastic opportunity to see the city and its environs. They meet all of your needs and are easy to fit within your budget. If you’re going to Almaty, think about using the public train system to navigate around the city.
How To Get From Almaty International Airport (ALA) To The City Center With Public Transport?
Almaty International Airport is the largest airport in Kazakhstan and is located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport is well equipped with a range of facilities and services to make your journey comfortable. However, navigating the local transport system can be a bit daunting, especially if you are a first-time visitor. This guide is designed to make your journey from the airport to Almaty city center as smooth as possible.
Bus Services
One of the most cost-effective ways to reach the city center from Almaty International Airport is by bus. Bus number 92 operates from the airport to the city center, running every 15-30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 150 KZT (or approximately USD 0.35). You can purchase the ticket directly from the bus driver.
If you are traveling with heavy luggage or during peak hours, it’s worth noting that the buses can get quite crowded. Also, English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to have your destination written in Kazakh or Russian.
Train Services
Although there is no direct train service from Almaty International Airport to the city center, you can take a taxi or bus to the Almaty-2 railway station and then take a train to the city center. The train journey takes about 15 minutes, and trains run every 20-30 minutes from 6 AM to 11 PM. The fare is around 80 KZT (or approximately USD 0.20).
how to spend 3 days in Almaty? tips for Visitors!
First-time visitors to Almaty are likely to be overstimulated by the city’s abundance of attractions. Almaty is a terrific spot to go on an adventure, with its breathtaking mountain vistas and exciting nightlife. Take a look at this suggested agenda for your three days in Almaty.
Day One: See the sights early and get a feel for the place. Visit the world-famous Ascension Cathedral after marveling at the spectacular architecture of the Central Mosque. You may soak up some culture by going to the Republic Square fountains or the Kazakh State Museum of Arts. The locals recommend Beshbarmak for lunch if you want to sample authentic Kazakh cuisine.
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stroll after lunch, I recommend Panfilov Park. Then, ride the cable car up Kok Tobe Hill to take in the city’s panorama. Tandyr, a local favorite, serves up some of the best Kazakh cuisine in town, so it’s a good choice for dinner. Spend the night experiencing the city of Almaty’s thriving club scene. Have a drink at one of the many rooftop pubs before hitting up the renowned Hippodrome nightclub.
On the morning of day two, you can see a wide range of animals at the Almaty Zoo. After you’ve seen everything the museum has to offer, head to Big Almaty Lake. You can swim, go for a boat trip, or just relax by the lake and enjoy the scenery. If you’re looking for a great place to eat lunch, look no further than Indira.
Visit some of the city’s many gardens and parks in the afternoon. Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden after browsing the Green Bazaar for some one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Try some of the greatest regional cuisine at Old Bazaar, a popular restaurant in the area. This evening, treat yourself to a show at the renowned Almaty Opera House. After that, go on over to the Golden Apple disco for a night of dancing and revelry.
First thing on day three, head to the renowned Medeo Ice Skating Rink for some ice skating fun. Before hitting up Shymbulak Ski Resort, take some time to appreciate the stunning vistas. Skiing and snowboarding, not to mention the breathtaking scenery, are all possible here.If you’re looking for a great place to eat lunch, I highly recommend Rixos, where you can try some authentic Kazakh dishes.
Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s many cultural institutions. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Kazakhstan, and the Central State Museum. If you’re looking for a great place to eat dinner, look no further than Akshayuk, a local restaurant serving up some of the best traditional meals in the area. This city has a thriving nightlife that you should check out for the evening. Drink at one of the many bars before continuing the night at the trendy Tengri Club.
What other metro systems are nearby to Almaty?
Several other cities in Kazakhstan, including those near Almaty, have their subway systems. Almaty is near several cities with metro systems, including Astana, Karaganda, and Kokshetau. These cities are connected to Almaty by train and bus, but the metro system is the most time and cost-effective way to get between them. In addition, these cities’ metro systems are highly developed and serve as a convenient means of transportation.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO TOUR GUIDE ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN Almaty
Summary of our tour guide for Almaty
For the past five years, I’ve called Almaty home, so I’ve become familiar with the city’s public transit options. My experiences with the system’s buses, trams, and cabs have all been positive. I have always found the drivers to be friendly and accommodating, and the services provided are second to none. The picturesque paths that some of the buses travel are a pleasant surprise and a novel way to see the city. My experience with public transportation in Almaty has been mostly pleasant, and I would recommend it to anyone searching for a low-cost way to see the city.
Top 5 FAQs and answers about Almaty public transport?
Can you tell me about the different public transportation options?
- Marshrutkas (shared taxis), buses, trolleybuses, and trams make up Almaty’s public transportation network. Most people get around the city by using one of the many buses or trolleybuses that run on set routes. Trams mostly service the downtown area, while marshrutkas travel to the suburbs.
To what extent does it cost?
- Almaty’s public transportation is cheap and convenient. A ride on the bus or trolleybus will set you back 50 tenge ($0.14), while a daily pass would set you back 160 tenge ($0.45). Fares on marshrutkas are slightly higher, ranging from 80 tenge to 150 tenge (about $0.22 to $0.42 USD).
Thirdly, how do you plan on buying the tickets?
- Tickets can be purchased from the driver of a bus or trolleybus, or at a ticket vending machine at a bus stop. You can negotiate fares with the marshrutka driver before entering the vehicle. You can also download the “Kaspi Transport” app to your mobile device and use that to buy tickets.
May you tell me if there are any coupons I may use?
- A small number of discounts are offered, yes, but only to specific categories of passengers. Single discounted tickets are available for 25 tenge (about 0.07 USD) for students, seniors, and those with disabilities.
Five, how secure is Almaty’s public transportation system?
- In general, riders feel secure using Almaty’s public transportation system. However, as with any major city, it’s important to practice common sense safety measures like not venturing out late at night or if you’re by yourself.
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