For expats and foreigners arriving in Kazakhstan, it is important to understand the urban transport system to easily and comfortably navigate the cities. In major cities, there are various types of transport available, each with its own features and advantages.
Buses
Every major city in Kazakhstan has an extensive network of bus routes. Payment for buses and trolleybuses is made using transport cards, such as the Onay card in Almaty and TransCard in Astana. These cards can be purchased at bus stops, special kiosks, or directly from the drivers. The cards can be topped up at terminals located at bus stops or through mobile apps, which is particularly convenient for expats. In many cities, you can also pay for your ride using apps like Kaspi.kz or Halyk Bank, which eliminates the need to carry small change.
Bus schedules and routes are easily accessible through apps like 2GIS and CityBus, which support the English language. These apps provide real-time bus arrival information, allowing you to plan your routes with minimal delays.
Metro
The only metro in Kazakhstan is located in Almaty. It is a quick and affordable means of transportation, especially if you need to travel between the city's central districts. Although there is only one metro line for now, it passes through key areas such as the Republic Square and the "Almaty-2" railway station.
Taxi
Taxi services such as Yandex Go and InDrive are popular in Kazakhstan. These apps allow you to choose the payment method — either cash or card. For those who do not speak Russian, the in-app translation option can be useful. Taxi prices in Kazakhstan are relatively low compared to European countries, making this mode of transport affordable for daily use.
Carsharing
For those who prefer to drive themselves, carsharing is becoming increasingly popular. Services like AnyTime allow you to rent a car via an app in just a few minutes. These services are convenient for short trips or when you need to quickly reach a destination not served by convenient public transport routes. Keep in mind that local driving rules and road behavior may differ from what you are accustomed to, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations.
Bicycle Rentals
If you prefer an active lifestyle, bicycle rental systems like AstanaBike in Astana are an excellent choice. Bicycle lanes are being developed in the central areas of major cities, making rides safer and more comfortable.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are also becoming increasingly popular. Rental services like JET and Whoosh offer scooters on a per-minute basis, which is especially convenient for short trips around the city. The apps show the location of the nearest scooters and allow you to reserve them in advance.