Public transport of Almaty
Almaty, the most populous city in Kazakhstan, is a bustling urban center where various means of transport navigate the city streets daily, transporting people to their workplaces, homes, and public spaces.
The city's public transport system encompasses buses, trolleybuses, taxis, subway, and bicycles. Buses are the most widely used mode of transport. Serving hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors, buses offer affordable fares and extensive coverage throughout the city and its outskirts, boasting a network of 149 routes. For fare transactions, the Onay electronic ticketing system is recommended. Card payments are set at 100 tenge ($0.22), while cash payments require 200 tenge ($0.44) (data as of late 2023). You can purchase the card at the airport, train stations, subway ticket offices, and select kiosks that sell magazines and newspapers. You can top up the card at designated terminals or through the Onay mobile app, available on the AppStore and PlayMarket. The app also provides real-time bus tracking.
Almaty features nine trolleybus routes covering the southern, eastern, and western regions, establishing connections with Almaty-1 and Almaty-2 railway stations. Onay cards are also valid in trolleybuses.
The city's subway, opened in 2011, is the latest addition to its public transport. It now boasts 11 stations: Raiymbek Batyr, Zhibek Zholy, Almaly, Abay, Baikonur, Auezov Drama Theater, Alatau, Sairan, Moscow, Saryarka, and Baurjan Momyshuly. The Almaty Metropolitan app (Метрополитен города Алматы) and Yandex.Metro apps offer detailed train schedules and station information. The subway fare is 100 tenge for a ride. Read more about the subway in this article.
Almaty has 18 taxi companies, such as Yandex.Go, Uber, Maxim taxi, and Taxi Kolesa, each with varying tariff structures, some of which can be hailed using a mobile app.
While trams operated until 2015, ongoing major reconstruction of tram tracks is underway. The city administration contemplates a potential light rail project in the future.
Since 2016, Almaty has embraced an automated bicycle rental system named Almaty Bike, consisting of 50 stations and 270 bicycles. Comprehensive information about station locations and bicycle rental costs is available on their official website or through the Almaty Bike app.
Recommended tours:
View all offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty Tour: City")
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour where you'll explore Almaty's prominent attractions. Visit the Museum of Almaty, marvel at the exquisite Ascension Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of trade at the Green Bazaar.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty Tour: Mountains")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty One-Day Tour")
A fantastic option for a day-long adventure that involves discovering Almaty's most fascinating landmarks. This excursion allows you to explore the best attractions of Almaty and also takes you to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, providing a delightful experience amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes.