Astana-1 Railway Station (Old Station)
Upon seeing the old Astana railway station for the first time, it becomes evident that its age is not as apparent as one might expect. The station complex consists of two distinct buildings, each representing a different era in its history: one constructed during the Soviet era, and the second built in the 1990s.
Building No. 1
When the first train arrived in Astana, formerly known as Akmolinsk, in November 1929, there was no station building present. However, within two years, a small, two-storey structure, typical of that time, was erected to serve as the station.
As the years passed, the town experienced significant growth and transformed into a vital transportation hub and administrative center. In 1961, a new train station was constructed, five times larger than its predecessor, making it one of the largest in Kazakhstan at the time.
Building No. 2
The second building was added in 1990, expanding the terminal's capacity to accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers per day. This capacity sufficed for some time, even after Astana became the capital in 1997. However, in 2004, a major reconstruction project took place to enhance the station's throughput. Following the renovation, the station was able to handle over 5,000 passengers per day.
The most recent reconstruction of the old station occurred in preparation for the EXPO-2017 international exhibition. Until that point, the railway station was the sole station serving the city. A new station, named Nurly Zhol, was subsequently built in another district of the capital. This new station is eleven times larger than the old one.
Presently, long-distance trains to neighboring countries, as well as trains for domestic travel, primarily depart from the old station. Adjacent to the railway station, there is a bus station from which buses depart to nearby cities and villages.
How to get there?
Address: 1 W. Goethe St.
The old station can be reached by buses #3, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 22, 22A, 23, 25, 26, 31, 37, 40, and 48.
From the Astana-1 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 #3: This bus will take you to the bustling Respublika Avenue that passes by the scenic Esil River Embankment. From there it’s easy to reach Central Park, Atatürk Park, and Military History Museum. Then the bus goes to the newer areas of the city and passes by Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – the pyramid-like architectural marvel, Kazakh Drama Theater named after K. Kuanyshbayev, end eventually stops at the Nurly Zhol railway station.
Bus #7: This bus goes to remote residential areas and doesn’t pass by any notable attractions.
Bus #9: This bus goes to remote residential areas and doesn’t pass by any notable attractions.
Bus #10: This bus has the most scenic route as it passes by many landmarks. First, it will take you to Respublika Avenue, then it will pass by the Jetysu Park, Baiterek Monument – the symbol of Astana, Temir Zholy Tower, Emerald Towers, Astana Opera, Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center – an iconic creation of Sir Norman Foster, Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque, Botanical Garden, Astana Arena, Alau Ice Rink, MEGA Silk Way Shopping Mall – the largest in Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana Grand Mosque – the largest mosque in Central Asia, and finally N. Nazarbayev International Airport – the only airport in Astana.
Bus #12: This route is similar the route #10. Take it to reach Central Park, Ailand Entertainment Center which features an oceanarium and a big Ferris wheel, Astana Opera, Temir Zholy Tower, Emerald Towers, Baiterek Monument, the House of Ministries – a long building that can be called a horizontal skyscraper, Keruen Shopping Mall, Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque, Saryarka Velodrome, Botanical Garden, Astana Arena, Alau Ice Rink, MEGA Silk Way Shopping Mall, Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy – the biggest sphere-shaped structure in the world, Astana Grand Mosque, and N. Nazarbayev International Airport. This bus will take you to the very heart of Astana a little bit quicker than bus #10.
Bus #14: This bus passes by Khazret Sultan Mosque, Shabyt University of the Arts, Palace of Independence, and then goes to the Nurly Zhol railway station.
Bus #19: It will take you to Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Presidential Park, and the House of Ministries. The bus then goes to residential areas.
Bus #21: This bus connects the old railway station and the new Nurly Zhol railway station. On its route, it passes by Central Park, Astana Circus, Ailand Entertainment Center, Baiterek Monument, the House of Ministries, and Akorda Presidential Palace. The bus then goes to the right bank of the Esil River and passes by the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Khazret Sultan Mosque.
Bus #22: This bus goes to remote residential areas and doesn’t pass by any notable attractions.
Bus #22a is very similar to bus #22.
Bus #23: This bus goes along Respublika Avenue and stops near the Esil River Embankment and the Military History Museum.
Bus #25 is very similar to bus #23.
Bus #26: Take this bus to reach Central Park, Ailand Entertainment Center, KeruenCity Shopping Mall, Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center, Barys Arena, Astana Arena, Qazaqstan Athletics Complex, EXPO Park, and Astana Ballet Theatre.
Bus #31: It will take you to Respublika Avenue.
Bus #37: It goes along Respublika Avenue, then passes by Astana Circus, Round Square, Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque, Botanical Garden, and MEGA Silk Way Shopping Mall.
Bus #40: This bus goes through residential areas before passing by such attractions as Khazret Sultan Mosque, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the House of Ministries, Baiterek Monument, Keruen Shopping Mall, Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque, Asia Park Shopping Mall, Astana Arena, Barys Arena, Qazaqstan Athletics Complex, MEGA Silk Way Shopping Mall, Nazarbayev University, and finally Astana Grand Mosque. If you want to get to Astana's most notable attractions quickly, this route is not for you as it will take you a long time to reach the left bank with its iconic landmarks.
Bus #48: This bus will take you to the Nurly Zhol railway station but, unfortunately, you won’t see any attractions along the way.
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