Almaty subway
- Opening date: December 1, 2011
- Length: 13.4 km (8 mi)
- Number of stations as of 2023: 11
- Interval between trains: 10-12 min.
- Average driving speed: 40 km/h (25 mi/h)
- Passenger traffic: about 86 thousand people per day
The Almaty subway is renowned for its impressive architecture and functionality. It has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful subways in the world and boasts unique styles and interiors for each station. These beautiful stations often play host to a variety of cultural events, including exhibitions, fashion shows, and television filming.
The construction of the Almaty subway began in 1988 when Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union, with the aim of becoming the second metro in Central Asia after Tashkent. Despite the late opening in 2011, the Almaty subway has proven to be the most technologically advanced and modern among the former USSR countries.
The subway opened on December 1, 2011 with 7 operational stations. Today, there is one line and 11 stations: Baurjan Momyshuly, Saryarka, Moscow, Sairan, Alatau, Mukhtar Auezov Theatre, Baikonur, Abay, Almaly, Zhibek Zholy and Raimbek Batyr. Plans are in place to extend the line in the north (to the Almaty-1 railway station) and west (to the Kalkaman microdistrict). The possibility of building a second line with transfer hubs at Sairan and Zhibek Zholy stations towards the Orbita-1-4 and Duman microdistricts is also being considered.
Payment methods
It's worth mentioning that the Almaty subway is known for its affordability and ease of payment options. Commuters can choose from a variety of payment methods, including reusable smart cards, single-use smart tokens, Onay transport cards, or by using a contactless Visa or MasterCard bank card. The cost of a single trip is 100 tenge, or approximately $0.22 as of late 2023.
The smart card can be recharged at metro stations or ticket offices using cash or a card. The smart card has a validity of 3 years, while tokens are only valid until the end of the day. On Wednesdays, passengers can exchange their expired tokens for new ones as it has been designated as the «Token Day.» The most convenient payment method is with the Onay card, which can also be used on city buses and trolleybuses. The card costs 500 tenge ($1.1) and comes pre-loaded with credit for several trips. You can top up the card at metro ticket offices, at designated terminals, or through the Onay mobile app.
How to navigate the subway?
A way to recognize a subway station is to look for a big red letter M which stands for Metro. The subway runs from 6:20 a.m. to midnight, with a 10-minute interval on weekdays and a 12-minute interval on weekends. You can keep track of the train schedule using the Metropolitan of Almaty (Метрополитен города Алматы) app, or Yandex.Metro app available for download on the Play Market and AppStore. Inside the cars, there are no partitions between them, but you can determine the next station by checking the station name signs above the doors or by reading the announcements in Kazakh, Russian, and English that are made over the loudspeaker. Additionally, signs indicating the station names can be found above the aisles between the cars.
All stations of the Almaty subway
1. Raimbek Batyr station is named in honor of the legendary Kazakh warrior who bravely defended his homeland from the Dzungarian invasions. Currently, it is the terminal station closest to the Almaty-2 railway station.
2. Zhibek Zholy station is named after the Great Silk Road, a historic trade route that passed through Central Asia. In the central hall of the platform, you can see a decorative panel that depicts the symbols of the countries along the Silk Road. The central office of the Almaty subway is also located here. The station is conveniently located near some of the city's top attractions, including the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the Ascension Cathedral, and the popular Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy pedestrian streets.
3. Almaly station. Named after the Kazakh word for «apple», this station is located in the Almaly district of Almaty, which takes its name from the old name of the area where the city is now located. The station is situated near popular tourist attractions such as the Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Victor Tsoi Monument, Astana Square, and more. Additionally, the station overlooks the bustling Panfilov pedestrian street.
4. Abay station is named after the renowned Kazakh writer, Abay Kunanbayuly. It is known for being the deepest station, located at a depth of 70 meters (230 ft). The station features a central design that pays homage to Abay with a fresco depicting him in full glory. If you're looking to visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, take a scenic cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Park, or stroll along Tulebaev Street, make sure to disembark at Abay station.
5. Baikonur station is named after the well-known cosmodrome and boasts a blue color scheme. The station was originally intended to be designed in the style of a space station. It is conveniently located near the Central Stadium and Baluan Sholak Arena.
6. Mukhtar Auezov Theatre station is named after the Kazakh and Soviet writer Mukhtar Auezov. This deep station, located 30 meters (98 ft) underground, is conveniently situated near the eponymous theater and the Almaty Circus. It is decorated with traditional national ornaments, making it a beautiful example of Kazakh cultural heritage.
7. Alatau station was once the terminus of the subway line. Foreigners sometimes stand at the wrong doors as the doors on this station open on the right. One unique feature of Alatau Station is that it is the only station with lateral platforms, allowing for an efficient flow of passenger traffic.
8. Sairan station is named after the Sairan Reservoir and is conveniently located next to one of the largest bus stations in the city.
9. Moskva station is designed to evoke the feel of the real Moscow, with its red color scheme and Kremlin wall motifs reminiscent of Red Square. In response, the Alma-Ata Station was also opened in Moscow. The station played a significant role in naming the nearby shopping and entertainment center, MOSKVA Metropolitan, and the surrounding area. So, if a local resident mentions they're heading to Moscow, don't be surprised.
10. Saryarka station is named after the Saryarka Steppe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Kazakhstan. The station technically opened at the end of 2021, but began serving passengers in the spring of 2022. There are no significant tourist attractions near the station as it is significantly removed from the city center.
11. Baurjan Momyshuly station, currently the terminal one, was opened in the spring of 2022, simultaneously with the Saryarka station. Baurjan Momyshuly was a participant in World War II, Hero of the Soviet Union, writer. Having gone through a terrible war, he valued peace like no one else. This was reflected in the design of the station – on its walls you can see the statements of various writers on the theme of peace and friendship.
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