Getting around Almaty

Updated October 2026Sources

Yandex GoBest app

How to get around Almaty

Metro is small, buses are cheap but slow in traffic; app taxis are cheap and the practical default. Ski and hiking trips need a taxi or bus.

Ways to get around Almaty

Walkable center

Option	Fare	Good to know
Taxi (Yandex Go, inDrive)	1,500–2,800 KZT for 5 km	Cheapest practical option; prices rise in snow and rush hour
Bus (Onay card)	About 100–180 KZT	Dense network; use 2GIS for routes
Metro	About 120–180 KZT	One line, useful for a few central stops only

Ride-hailing apps in Almaty

A 5 km ride costs about ₸1,500–2,800 ($3.4–6.3).

App	Notes
Yandex Go	Most cars, reliable pickups, cash or card
inDrive	Name your fare; good for longer trips

Hailing street cabs invites overpricing. Use an app, or agree a price before getting in.

Arriving in Almaty

Almaty International (ALA)

Yandex Go or taxi to center about 3,000–6,000 KZT, 25–45 min; bus 106 and 92 run to the city for roughly 150 KZT.

Driving and onward travel

Scooters: Rented scooters are uncommon; city e-scooters exist in summer but paths are patchy. Not worth it.
Driving: on the right. Bring an IDP with your licence; car rental works in Almaty and Astana, and traffic police checks are frequent.
Onward travel in Kazakhstan: Distances are vast: fly between Almaty, Astana and the west, or take overnight trains. Shared taxis and buses cover shorter hops around Almaty.

Quick answers

Is there Uber in Almaty?

No. Use Yandex Go, inDrive instead.

What's the best way to get around Almaty?

Metro is small, buses are cheap but slow in traffic; app taxis are cheap and the practical default. Ski and hiking trips need a taxi or bus.

How do I get from the airport to Almaty?

Yandex Go or taxi to center about 3,000–6,000 KZT, 25–45 min; bus 106 and 92 run to the city for roughly 150 KZT.

Is Almaty walkable?

Walkable center.

More about Almaty

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Sources

Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.