Car Rental in Astana: What Tourists Need to Know

Car rental in Astana is a practical option for trips outside the city and to Borovoye, but within the city itself, heavy traffic and the lack of free parking in the center often make it less convenient than a taxi or the LRT. Let’s take a look at the paperwork, rules, and reliable rental companies so you can rent a car without any hassle.

Is It Worth Renting a Car in Astana?

Renting a car in Astana makes sense if you plan to travel outside the city—for example, to the Borovoye resort (about 280 km away) or to the steppe areas around the capital, which aren’t served by public transportation. A car is also useful for families with children who find it inconvenient to constantly switch between taxis and the LRT, as well as for those who want to visit several cities in Kazakhstan in a single trip.

If, however, you’re staying within the city limits, a car is more likely to cause problems: during rush hour, the city center (the Esil district) is gridlocked, there are few paid parking lots, and free spots in the business district are almost impossible to find. In winter, another factor comes into play—extreme cold and strong steppe winds, which make driving in the city require extra caution and winter tires. At the same time, Astana has an LRT system and affordable buses that make it easy to reach most attractions—Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, Lovers’ Park, and the Astana Opera are all within walking distance of each other. For purely city-based itineraries, public transportation and taxis are usually more cost-effective and convenient than renting a car.

Who it’s for: trips outside the city (Borovoye, steppe locations), itineraries covering several cities in Kazakhstan, families with children and luggage, and those seeking a flexible schedule not tied to public transit timetables.

Not recommended for: tourists staying only in downtown Astana—traffic is heavy here, there’s little free parking, and the convenient LRT runs; those who will be experiencing winter driving for the first time at -20…-30 °C and aren’t prepared for it.

Documents and Driver's Licenses

The main question for foreign tourists is: What kind of driver’s license is required to rent a car in Astana?

• National Driver’s Licenses. Kazakhstan recognizes driver’s licenses from most countries that have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, but car rental companies in Astana almost always require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition, especially if the license is not in the Latin alphabet.
• International Driver’s Permit (IDP). It is recommended that you obtain one in advance in your home country. If your license does not include your first and last name in the Latin alphabet, the rental company may refuse to rent you a car without an IDP.
• Age and Driving Experience. The standard requirement for Kazakhstani car rental companies is that drivers be between 21 and 23 years old and have at least 3 years of driving experience. For premium and SUV classes, the age requirement may be higher—please check when making your reservation.
• Credit Card for the Security Deposit. The security deposit is held on your credit card; not all companies accept debit cards, and when they do, the terms are often less favorable.
• Additional documents. A valid passport and a printout or screenshot of your reservation are required when picking up the car.

If you plan to rent a car without a prior reservation, you can do so on-site at the airport, but the selection of models will be more limited, and the price will be higher than if you book online in advance. A rental company representative on site will verify the original documents, make copies, and ask you to sign a contract specifying the return policy, penalties, and insurance terms—be sure to read the section on the deductible carefully before signing.

Local Rules and Driving Guidelines

• Driving side: right-hand traffic, as in most CIS and European countries.
• Speed limits: in the city—usually 60 km/h; outside the city and on highways—up to 110 km/h (exact limits are indicated by signs; speed cameras are frequently in use in Astana).
• Drunk Driving: Kazakhstan has a zero-tolerance policy—the legal limit is 0.0 per mille. Any alcohol content in a driver’s blood is considered a violation.
• Toll Roads: Tolls are in effect on certain national highways; payment can be made at toll booths or via mobile apps.
• Winter tires: In winter (especially given the severe cold, with temperatures dropping to -30…-50 °C), wintertires are effectively mandatory—without them, rental companies may refuse to rent a car during the cold season.
• Parking: In downtown Esil, there are paid parking zones where payment is made via apps or SMS; violators’ vehicles will be towed.
• Fines for foreigners: The rental company may deduct the fine amount (plus a fee) directly from your deposit card, even after you return the car.
• Crosswalks and roundabouts: Astana has many wide avenues with roundabouts—when entering a roundabout, yield to vehicles already traveling on it; at uncontrolled crosswalks, you must yield to pedestrians.
• Headlights during daylight hours: It is recommended to keep your low beams on at all times, including during the day—this is common practice on CIS highways.

It’s a good idea to double-check the official Kazakhstan traffic regulations websites for speed limits, blood alcohol limits, and toll roads before your trip—local rules may vary.

Reliable Car Rental Companies

In Astana, including at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, major international brands and car-sharing platforms are available. Most of them have counters located right in the arrivals area, allowing you to pick up a car within 10–15 minutes after landing, without having to travel to a separate office in the city. When booking through a major aggregator, you’re usually covered by a price-match guarantee and transparent cancellation policies.

Local Kazakhstani rental companies also operate in Astana and often offer lower prices, but when choosing such a company, it’s worth checking reviews, the condition of the fleet, and insurance terms more carefully—major international brands are more predictable in this regard.

Prices, Insurance, and Deposit

The base rental rate typically includes a limited daily mileage allowance and mandatory insurance (CDW—Collision Damage Waiver, and TP—Theft Protection); extended coverage with zero deductible costs extra and is usually selected as a separate option during booking.

The fuel policy is standard: “full tank to full tank”—the car is picked up and returned with a full tank. If the tank is not full upon return, the difference will be charged at the rental company’s premium rate, which is significantly higher than the price at a regular gas station. A deposit is held on your card and ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the car class; it is refunded after an inspection upon return of the car—usually within a few business days, depending on the bank.

Prices are approximate for the current year and may vary significantly depending on the season: in the summer and during major events in Astana, demand for cars is higher, and prices rise.

Hidden Costs

• Hidden fees: airport fee, surcharge for young drivers (under 25), optional GPS—be sure to confirm the total cost before paying.
• Inspect the car upon pickup—document all scratches and damage in the inspection report, and take photos of the car from all angles.
• An additional driver almost always incurs an extra fee.
• Traveling outside Kazakhstan in a rental car usually requires separate permission from the rental company—check in advance.
• Returning the car to a different city (for example, Almaty) usually incurs a one-way rental surcharge.
• The condition of the tires and the availability of winter tires are worth checking separately, especially when booking during the cold season: some local companies cut corners on changing their fleet’s tires.
• Road conditions outside the city and on some stretches of highway may be poorer than within the city itself—keep this in mind when planning your route and driving speed.

Tips for Travelers

• Book your car online in advance—you’ll have more options and lower prices than if you book in person.
• Verify the authenticity of the rental company’s website—make reservations only through official company websites or major booking platforms.
• Use a credit card, not a debit card—otherwise, your deposit may be rejected or frozen under unusual conditions.
• Take photos of the car before leaving the parking lot—this will simplify any disputes upon return.
• In winter, check with the rental company to see if winter tires are installed—temperatures in Astana can drop to extreme lows.
• Keep the rental company’s phone number handy—in case of a breakdown or accident on a highway far from the city, cell service may be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to download an offline map of your route in advance.
• Plan your refueling stops in advance: gas stations are less common on highways outside the city than within Astana.

FAQ

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Astana?

Formally, it’s not always required, but most rental companies in Astana require an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your first and last names aren’t written in the Latin alphabet on your national driver’s license. It’s easier to get an IDP in advance, in your home country.

What documents are required to rent a car in Astana?

A national driver’s license (preferably with an IDP), a passport, a credit card for the security deposit, and a printout or screenshot of your reservation confirmation.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Kazakhstan?

Most companies set a minimum age of 21–23 and require at least 3 years of driving experience. For premium and SUV models, the age requirement may be higher.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Astana?

Economy class—from $25 per day; mid-range—from $45; SUVs—from $55; premium models—from $90. The final price depends on the season, rental duration, and insurance coverage.

Which rental companies can you trust in Astana?

International brands such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget operate at the airport and throughout the city, as do booking platforms like rentalcars.com and DiscoverCars—they offer transparent insurance terms and price comparisons.

Is it worth renting a car in Astana, or is it better to use public transportation?

For trips within the city only, the LRT, buses, and taxis are more convenient—due to traffic jams and paid parking in the city center. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to travel outside the city, for example, to Borovoye.

Are Ukrainian driver’s licenses recognized in Kazakhstan?

Ukrainian driver’s licenses are recognized, but car rental companies in Astana almost always require an international driver’s license as well, especially if the information on the license isn’t also provided in the Latin alphabet. It’s best to check with the specific rental company in advance.

Pre-trip checklist

• Driver’s license + international driver’s permit (if required by the company)
• Passport and reservation confirmation
• Credit card for the deposit
• Valid insurance (CDW and TP) and an understanding of the deductible amount
• Photos of the car upon pickup and return
• In winter—proper winter tires