Astana's Public Transportation: How to Get Where You Need to Go

In 2026, Astana’s transportation system underwent significant changes: in May, a light rail transit (LRT) system was launched, connecting the airport to the Nurly Zhol train station via key areas of the city. Together with buses and taxis, this offers tourists several convenient ways to get around—let’s take a closer look at each one.

Types of Transportation and Prices: Table

Exact fares are periodically adjusted—it’s a good idea to check the current prices on the transcard.kz website or in the Avtobys app before your trip.

Payment Methods on Astana Public Transportation

The main payment method is the Transcard/LRT transit card (available at ticket counters and vending machines at stations and kiosks). You can also pay via the Avtobys mobile app (validation via QR code, Bluetooth, or by entering the vehicle number), Visa/Mastercard directly at the turnstile or on the bus, and—on some forms of public transportation—via QR codes in the Kaspi and Halyk banking apps. You can pay the fare in cash directly to the driver on the bus, but this is always more expensive than paying by card.

LRT — Astana Light Rail Transit

Astana’s light rail transit system officially opened on May 16, 2026—after several years of delays, the project finally became operational. The 22.4-kilometer line includes 18 stations and runs in a loop through key areas of the city, connecting Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport with the Nurly Zhol railway station. The trains are driverless, four-car sets.

For tourists, the LRT is the most reliable way to travel between major destinations in the city, especially during rush hour when the roads are congested. The fare is 110 ₸ when paying by card or through the app, and 180 ₸ in cash; the ticket is valid for 60 minutes after validation.

Since the system was launched recently, some stations and routes may still be under adjustment—please check the current line map on the cts.gov.kz website before your trip.

Buses

The bus network remains the backbone of the city’s public transportation system and serves areas not yet covered by the LRT. Fares are 110 ₸ when paying with a Transcard/LRT card or via Avtobys, or 180 ₸ in cash to the driver. Express routes and route taxis (minibuses) cost more—250 ₸ regardless of payment method—but they travel faster and make fewer stops.

It’s convenient to track the schedules and movements of specific routes via Avtobys or Yandex Maps—both platforms show the current location of vehicles on the city map.

Taxis

Taxis in Astana are booked through mobile apps—this is more convenient and offers more predictable pricing than hailing a cab on the street. An average ride within the city costs between 800 and 1,500 ₸, depending on the distance and time of day (prices are higher in the evening and during rush hour due to increased demand). Hailing a taxi on the street is not prohibited, but the fare is not fixed in advance in this case—it’s safer for tourists to book through an app, where the route and cost are visible before the ride.

From the Airport to Downtown

There are three ways to get from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport to the city center: by LRT (the most reliable option in terms of travel time, since the line connects the airport directly to the Nurly Zhol train station), by express buses No. 10, No. 12, and No. 100 (90 to 250 ₸ depending on the route), or by taxi (starting at ~2,500 ₸; travel time is 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and your destination).

For a first visit to the city, especially with luggage, a taxi from the airport is the easiest option; for experienced travelers without much luggage, the LRT or bus is cheaper and just as reliable in terms of travel time.

Useful Transportation Apps

• Avtobys —the official app for paying fares on buses and the LRT via QR code or Bluetooth, as well as for tracking public transit in real time.
• 2GIS —a convenient city map with public transit schedules and route search.
• Taxi-booking apps—install them in advance, before your trip, so you don’t waste time at the airport signing up.

Common mistakes tourists make when using Astana’s public transportation

• Paying with cash instead of a card costs 60–70 ₸ more per trip; over the course of several days, this adds up to a significant difference.
• Trying to hail a taxi on the street without an app during rush hour—the fare may be higher and not fixed in advance.
• Ignoring the LRT in favor of a taxi on routes that the LRT covers directly—during peak hours, the LRT may be faster.
• Not knowing the exact validity period of your ticket (60 minutes after validation)—transferring after this time will require a new fare.

Transportation Tips for Astana

• Buy a Transcard/LRT card on your first day—it works on both buses and the light rail, and pays for itself after just a few trips.
• Download the Avtobys and 2GIS apps in advance, before your trip, so you don’t waste time downloading them while on the go.
• In winter, it’s better to take public transportation for distances that are easy to walk in summer—plan this into your route in advance.
• If you have an early morning flight, book a taxi in advance—it’s more reliable than hoping to find a car on the spot during the early hours.

FAQ

How much does public transportation cost in Astana?

110 ₸ when paying by card and 180 ₸ in cash for a regular bus or LRT route, 250 ₸ for express routes and route taxis.

When did the LRT launch in Astana?

May 16, 2026. The 22.4-km line with 18 stations connects the airport to the Nurly Zhol railway station.

How do I get from Astana Airport to the city center?

By LRT, by express buses No. 10, No. 12, or No. 100, or by taxi (starting at ~2,500 ₸, 20–30 minutes).

Can you pay for public transportation in Astana with a credit card?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted directly at LRT turnstiles and on some buses; you can also pay via the Avtobys app or using Kaspi and Halyk QR codes.

Is it safe to take a taxi hailed on the street in Astana?

It’s better to order a taxi through a mobile app—the price and route are visible in advance, which is safer for tourists than negotiating on the spot.