Nurly Zhol Railway Station
2017 marked a significant milestone for Astana as it hosted the international specialized exhibition, EXPO-2017. In preparation for this grand-scale event, a new train station was constructed to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors from both Kazakhstan and abroad. The previous station had become inadequate in handling the increasing number of trains and passengers, thus necessitating the development of a new facility.
Named «Nurly Zhol», meaning «bright, clear path» in Kazakh, the new train station commenced operations on June 1, 2017. Notably, this station stands out as the first in the country to feature an exceptional architectural design where trains directly enter the terminal building, housing the platforms.
The station boasts six boarding and departure routes, each with its dedicated exit, allowing for the efficient service of up to 35,000 passengers on a daily basis. While the current visitor flow may not yet reach this capacity, the station was constructed with foresight, considering Astana's growth and the increasing number of trains expected in the future.
During the station's construction, environmentally friendly or «green» technologies were employed. The building incorporates energy-saving elevators and escalators, while its ample interior space is heated using thermal springs. This innovative approach ensures a comfortable environment throughout the year, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
To enhance visitor convenience, the Nurly Zhol station offers various amenities. These include a medical center, a hotel, a capsule hotel, a bar, a translation agency, a notary office, an insurance center, as well as stores selling clothing, footwear, and cosmetics.
The station plays a pivotal role in Astana's transportation infrastructure, accommodating 60% of the trains arriving in the capital. It primarily serves routes with Astana as the final destination, while the old station predominantly handles transit trains.
How to get there?
Address: 8 M. Tynyshbayuly St.
Nurly Zhol railway station can be reached by buses #2, 3, 11, 14, 21, 32, 48, 50, and 60.
From the Nurly Zhol railway station, you can reach several notable attractions in Astana using various bus routes. Here's a breakdown of the buses and the attractions they can take you to:
Bus #2: This bus will take you to Respublika Avenue, a lively street with shops and cafes. It is also close to the Esil River Embankment, Military History Museum, Atyrau Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, and Central Park. Get off at the «Samal Microdistrict» bus stop.
Bus #3: This bus will take you to Independence Square, Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Palace of Independence. Get off at the «Shabyt Palace of Creativity» bus stop. This bus also continues to Respublika Avenue and the Astana-1 railway station.
Bus #11: This bus passes through remote residential areas and does not pass any notable attractions.
Bus #14: Take this bus to reach Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Independence, and the National Museum. The final stop of this route is the Astana-1 railway station. Note that Route #14 is less scenic compared to Route #3.
Bus #21: This bus will take you to Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the National Museum. It then crosses the left bank of the Esil River, which is known as Astana's most picturesque part. Along the way, it passes by the Akorda Presidential Palace, the House of Ministries, Baiterek Monument, Ailand Entertainment Center, and Central Park. The bus then returns to the right bank and reaches the Astana-1 railway station.
Route #32: This route is even more scenic than Route #21. It will take you to the same landmarks but also passes by the Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center, a stunning creation of Sir Norman Foster. Unlike Route #21, this bus also goes to Respublika Avenue and ends its route in remote residential areas.
Bus #48: This bus will take you directly to the Astana-1 railway station but does not pass any landmarks on its way.
Route #50: Similar to routes #32 and #21, this bus can take you to the center of Astana.
Route #60: This bus goes straight to the «EXPO area», where the EXPO-2017 exhibition was held. In this area, you can find landmarks such as the Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy, Mega Silk Way Shopping Mall, Astana Ballet Theatre, Botanical Garden, Alau Ice Rink, Astana Arena, and Saryarka Velodrome. The bus then proceeds to the Baiterek Monument, the heart of Astana, and continues to the right bank of the Esil River.
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