Bicycle Rentals in Astana: Astana Bike, Private Rentals, and Routes

1. Astana Bike vs. Private Bike Rentals—Which Should a Tourist Choose?
2. Which Bike to Choose
3. Astana Bike (velobike.kz) — City Bike-Sharing
4. Private Bike Rental Shops
5. E-bike Rental in Astana
6. What’s Included in the Rental, Deposit, and Insurance
7. Traffic Rules and Cyclist Safety
8. Best bike routes
9. Seasonality—When to Ride
10. Common Mistakes
11. Tips for Bike Tourists
12. Frequently Asked Questions

Astana Bike vs. Private Bike Rentals — Which Should Tourists Choose?

Astana offers two fundamentally different options: the Astana Bike automated city bike-sharing system and traditional private bike rentals located near parks, the waterfront, and hotels. The difference is significant—both in terms of price and accessibility.

Conclusion for tourists: If you’re planning short rides between different parts of the city, Astana Bike is a better deal if you have a subscription (the first 30 minutes are free). For a 2–3-hour ride without needing to return to the same location, private bike rentals are simpler and more convenient: arrive, pick up, ride, return.

Which Bike to Choose

Not all types of bikes are available in Astana—the city is new and flat, so most rental services focus on city bikes.

For most tourists in Astana, a standard city bike is sufficient: the terrain on the left bank is completely flat, and the waterfront and boulevard are wide and comfortable. You’ll only need a mountain or off-road bike if you plan to ride outside the city.

Astana Bike (velobike.kz) — City Bike-Sharing

Astana Bike is the official city bike-sharing system, operating since 2012. The operator is City Transportation Systems LLP (CTS). The 2025 season opened on April 15 and is scheduled to end on October 31.

Network size: 155 stations and 833 bikes throughout the city. The locations of all active stations are shown on the interactive map at velobike.kz.

How to Register and Get Started

1. Register on the velobike.kz website (you’ll need a phone number and a bank card).
2. Activate your account by uploading a photo of your ID.
3. Receive an SMS with your ID and PIN code.
4. Purchase a subscription online or through Kaspi.kz.
5. At the station: enter your ID and PIN on the bike’s display → wait for the message “Start successful, have a safe ride!” → remove the bike.
6. Return: Place the bike in an available slot at any station → wait for the SMS “Return. OK.”

Important for tourists: During registration, the system requires you to upload a valid ID. Foreign nationals can use their passport—check the current registration terms and conditions at velobike.kz or by calling 109 (CTS call center). You will not be able to use the system without a verified registration.

Astana Bike Rates (current as of this writing)

In addition to the subscription: minimum account balance—500 tenge. RFID card—1,000 tenge (refundable). For the daily rate—a deposit of 37,500 tenge (refundable at the end of the term).

Time-based charges for use exceeding 30 minutes (deducted from balance):

• Up to 30 minutes — free
• 31–60 minutes — 100 tenge
• 61–120 minutes — 250 tenge
• 121–180 minutes — 500 tenge
• Each hour beyond 3 hours — 1,000 tenge

Life hack: By returning the bike to the station every 30 minutes and taking a break of at least 30 seconds, you can ride all day practically for free—each trip up to 30 minutes is free. The system operates 24/7.

50% discount: Kazakhstani retirees, Kazakhstani students, and Kazakhstani individuals with a Group 3 disability—upon presentation of valid documentation.

Private Bike Rental Locations in Astana

Private bike rental shops in Astana are concentrated near parks, the waterfront, and shopping centers. Most are open only during the warmer months (May–October). To rent a bike, you’ll need your passport and a deposit (usually 5,000–10,000 tenge or another form of collateral). Prices are current as of the time of publication.

The rental shop at the “Keruen” shopping center is the best spot for tourists

Located a two-minute walk from the Baiterek Monument—the perfect starting point for a stroll along Nurzhol Boulevard and the waterfront. Rates: 30 min — 500 tenge, 1 hour — 1,000 tenge, 2 hours — 1,700 tenge, 3 hours — 2,600 tenge, 4 hours — 3,500 tenge, 5 hours — 4,300 tenge, 24 hours — 6,000 tenge. What’s included: a lock. For a helmet and map, please inquire on-site. Deposit: please inquire (usually a passport or 5,000–10,000 tenge in cash).

Park Hotel Astana — with delivery at a convenient time

The bikes at Park Hotel Astana (2 Turan Ave.) are convenient for those staying in this area. The “from evening until 4:00 PM the next day” rate—3,500 tenge—is ideal for long routes. Bonus: Rent for 3 hours and get the 4th and 5th hours free. Bikes: recreational (800 tenge/hour) and professional (1,000 tenge/hour).

Velik.kz — if you need a serious bike

The Velik.kz store and rental shop (44 Abay Ave., Sports Palace) is the only place in Astana where you can rent a mountain or hybrid bike (MTBs with 26-, 27.5-, and 29-inch wheels). Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Check velik.kz for current prices. Ideal for those planning to ride outside the city on dirt roads.

E-bike Rental in Astana

As of the date of publication, there are no specialized e-bike rental services in Astana. Some private rental companies occasionally add e-bikes to their fleet—check availability on 2gis.kz by searching for “electric bike rental Astana.”

An alternative is renting an electric scooter: several kick-sharing operators (electric scooters) operate in the city, and during the season, they are available near the waterfront and the boulevard. It’s not a bicycle, but it’s suitable for short trips. Check 2gis.kz for a list of current operators.

If you’re set on an e-bike, contact velik.kz in advance: the store periodically updates its fleet and may have e-bikes available at the time of your visit.

What’s Included in the Rental, Deposit, and Insurance

Standard equipment for private rentals

• Lock (1) — included with most rentals
• Helmet —not always included. Please check in advance. Under Kazakhstani law, helmets are not mandatory for adult cyclists but are strongly recommended
• Route map or QR code — Astana Bike provides a map of stations on its website
• Repair kit / first-aid kit — check on-site. Private rental services usually do not provide these

Deposit

At private rental shops in Astana—either an ID (passport) or a cash deposit of 5,000–10,000 tenge. The deposit is refunded when the bike is returned undamaged. At Astana Bike, for the daily rate, the deposit is 37,500 tenge (automatically refunded at the end of the rental period). Please confirm the deposit amount before picking up the bike.

Insurance

Most bike rental services in Astana do not offer separate insurance—this is not standard practice in Europe. If the bike is damaged, you may be required to cover the cost of repairs. Please confirm the terms before renting. If a bike is stolen while you are renting it through the Astana Bike system, the renter is liable according to the system’s rules.

Sample calculation for a private one-day rental

Renting a city bike for one day at the “Keruen” shopping center: 6,000 tenge (rental fee) + passport as a deposit (refundable). Total cash payment upon pickup: 6,000 tenge. If returned undamaged, no additional charges apply.

Traffic Rules and Cyclist Safety

In Kazakhstan, Section 24 of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Traffic Rules, which pertains to cyclists, is in effect. Key rules for tourists:

Where to Ride

• If there is a bike lane, ride only in it. Riding on the roadway when a bike lane is available is prohibited.
• If there is no bike lane, ride along the right-hand edge of the roadway (like cars, but in the far-right lane). You may also ride on the shoulder or sidewalk—as long as you do not obstruct pedestrians.
• Riding on the sidewalk is permitted as long as you do not pose a danger to pedestrians. If you do, dismount.

Age

Riding on the roadway or shoulder is permitted only for those 14 years of age and older. Children under 14 may ride only on a bike path, sidewalk, or pedestrian walkway (when accompanied by an adult).

What Is Prohibited

• Riding without keeping at least one hand on the handlebars
• Carrying a passenger (except for a child under 7 years old in a special child seat)
• Turning left or making a U-turn on roads with more than one lane in that direction
• Riding while intoxicated

Lighting

Headlights and taillights are required after dark. The Astana Police also recommend using reflective elements.

Helmet

Kazakhstani law does not require adult cyclists to wear a helmet. For children, it is strongly recommended. In practice, most cyclists in Astana ride without a helmet—this is the norm. However, bike rental shops advise you to bring a helmet.

Parking

You can lock your bike to any suitable pole or fence, provided it does not obstruct pedestrians. There are few dedicated bike parking areas in Astana—mostly at Astana Bike stations.

Fines

A cyclist who violates traffic rules faces a fine of 2 MPR (check official sources for the current MPR rate). If the violation results in property damage or injury, the fine is 10 MPR.

The Best Bicycle Routes in Astana

Astana is a flat city, which is a huge plus for cyclists. There’s practically no elevation. The main downside is that it gets hot in the summer (+30–35°C), so plan long rides for the morning or evening.

Route 1 — The Left Bank Classic

Start: “Keruen” Shopping Center (or the Astana Bike station near Baiterek). Length: ~8 km. Time: 1–1.5 hours. Terrain: completely flat. Route: Baiterek → Nurzhol Boulevard (pedestrian promenade with fountains) → Khan Shatyr → Lovers’ Park → Atyrau Bridge → Esil Embankment → back. Best time: evening—the boulevard is illuminated, and the fountains are in operation (May–September). What to bring: water, sunscreen in the summer.

Route 2 — Esil Embankment to the Botanical Garden

Start: “Atyrau” Bridge. Distance: ~12 km round trip. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Terrain: flat. Route: “Atyrau” Bridge → Esil Embankment along the left bank → Botanical Garden (free admission; bike rentals available at the entrance; you can leave your bike there) → return along the right bank. Sights along the way: “Starry Sky” Park, “Stolichny” Central Park, the monument to the girl drawing. Ideal for: families with children and couples.

Route 3 — EXPO and Nur Alem Sphere

Start: Botanical Garden or the Astana Bike station on Kabanbay Batyr Avenue. Distance: ~15–18 km. Time: 2–3 hours. Terrain: flat, partly along the road (right side). Route: Left Bank Center → Kabanbay Batyr Avenue westward → EXPO grounds (pedestrian zone; leave your bike at the entrance) → Nur Alem Sphere → return. For whom: for those who want to see the EXPO without paying extra for a taxi. Important: part of the route is on the roadway; traffic flows on the right—stay in the far-right lane.

Route 4 — Independence Square and the Hazret Sultan Mosque

Start: Baiterek. Distance: ~10 km. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Terrain: flat. Route: Baiterek → Tawelsizdik Ave. → Independence Square (the “Kazak Eli” monument) → Palace of Peace and Harmony (Pyramid) → Hazret Sultan Mosque (photos from the outside; you can go inside) → Astana Opera → return. For: cultural tourists; first day in Astana. Best time: in the evening—when the architecture is illuminated.

Seasonality — When to Ride in Astana

Astana is one of the world’s most climatically extreme cities for cyclists. The bike rental season is strictly limited: most rental shops, including Astana Bike, operate from April through October.

Best months for cycling: May, June, and September. In July and August—only early in the morning or in the evening.

Common mistakes made by cyclists in Astana

1. Trying to use Astana Bike without prior registration.
   The system is fully automated: without the ID and PIN you receive when registering at velobike.kz, the bike won’t unlock. Register online before your trip—not on the day of your ride.
2. Planning a bike ride at noon in July.
   Riding along the open Nurzhol Boulevard at +35°C is torture, not a pleasure. Plan to start before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. This isn’t a problem in September.
3. Don’t check whether the rental service is open on a specific day.
   Private rental shops near parks and along the waterfront are informal spots. Most of them close after mid-October. Before your trip, check 2gis.kz or call to confirm.
4. Ride on the sidewalk without yielding to pedestrians.
   There are a lot of pedestrians on Nurzhol Boulevard on weekends. According to Kazakhstan’s traffic rules, if riding on the sidewalk poses a danger to pedestrians, you must dismount. Avoid conflicts: Astana is a city with many families with children.
5. Don’t forget to check whether a helmet is included in the rental price.
   At most bike rental shops in Astana, a helmet is either a paid option or not provided at all. Don’t assume it’s included—check before paying.

Tips for Bike Tourists

• For the Astana Bike system, download a map of the stations from velobike.kz in advance. Stations are unevenly distributed throughout the city: they’re concentrated in the center of the left bank but less common in the Old Town.
• The best app for planning routes is Google Maps (in “Bicycle” mode). It shows bike paths and the optimal route. Download an offline map of Astana—Wi-Fi is weak on some waterfront areas.
• Be sure to bringwater with you, especially in June–August. There are cafes and shops along the waterfront, but not everywhere. A bottle of water is the bare minimum.
• The best starting point for a route through the city center is the spot near the “Keruen” shopping mall or the Astana Bike station at Baiterek. From there, the entire boulevard and waterfront are just a 5-minute ride away.
• Carry your documents with you —bring your passport or a copy of it. Kazakhstani police may check a cyclist’s documents, though in practice this rarely affects tourists.
• Lock —Bicycle theft does occur in Astana, but it’s not as rampant as in some European cities. Nevertheless, don’t leave your bike unlocked for long periods of time. Rental bikes usually come with a lock included.
• Payment — Astana Bike accepts credit cards online or via Kaspi.kz. Private rental shops near parks mainly accept cash in tenge. Be sure to bring some cash with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Rentals in Astana

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Astana?
At private rental shops: from 500 tenge for 30 minutes to 6,000 tenge per day (as of this writing). With the Astana Bike system: a seasonal pass costs 10,000 tenge, plus the first 30 minutes of each ride are free. For tourists staying for a few days, it’s more cost-effective to use a private rental service or the Astana Bike daily rate.

What do you need to rent a bike in Astana?
At a private rental: passport (usually held as a deposit) + cash in tenge. Sometimes a cash deposit of 5,000–10,000 tenge is required. With the Astana Bike system: pre-registration at velobike.kz, uploading a document, and purchasing a pass online or through Kaspi.kz.

Can tourists use Astana Bike?
Formally, the system is open for registration provided you have a valid ID. Foreign citizens are advised to check the registration requirements in advance at velobike.kz or by calling the call center at 109—requirements are subject to change. If registration is unsuccessful, use private bike rental services: they are available without registration, requiring only a passport and a deposit.

Is it safe to ride a bike in Astana?
Generally speaking, yes—especially on the bike paths along the waterfront, Nurzhol Boulevard, and in the parks. On the road, be careful: some drivers aren’t used to cyclists. Stay in the far-right lane and obey traffic lights. Wearing a helmet is recommended, although it is not required by Kazakhstani law for adults.

Where can I rent a bike near the Baiterek Tower?
The closest rental location is at the “Keruen” shopping center (a 2–3-minute walk from Baiterek). There’s also an Astana Bike station there—provided you have a registered account on velobike.kz.

Can you rent an electric bike in Astana?
As of this writing, there are no specialized electric bike rental services in Astana. Private rental services pop up from time to time—check 2gis.kz for current listings (“electric bike rental Astana”). An alternative is electric scooter sharing, which operates along the waterfront and the boulevard during the season.

When is the bike rental service unavailable?
Astana Bike and most private rental services operate from April through October. Astana Bike officially opens on April 15 and closes on October 31. In winter (November–March), bike rentals in Astana are practically unavailable: temperatures as low as −40°C make cycling impossible.