Kazakhstan
General train travel information for KAZAKHSTAN. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
The first railroads in Kazakhstan were built in the late XIX - early XX century, when the region was part of the Russian Empire. In 1899, the first railroad line was opened, connecting Orenburg with Tashkent and passing through the modern territory of Kazakhstan. This was an important step in industrialization and connecting different regions of the country.
In the period after the Second World War, during the Soviet Union, extensive work was carried out in Kazakhstan to develop the railroad infrastructure. New lines were built and existing lines were improved, which helped to ensure transportation accessibility for the country's residents. Passenger trains became the main means of transportation for many, and this continued even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when Kazakhstan became an independent republic.
Nowadays, in modern times, railway transportation continues to play an important role in passenger transportation in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZh) is the main operator of railway transportation in the country. It is actively working to modernize and develop the passenger rail network, introducing new technologies, improving comfort conditions and expanding the network of routes to provide the population with more efficient and convenient passenger transportation.
General Information and Statistics
The main carrier of railway passenger transportation in Kazakhstan is Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZh). At the end of 2022, more than 14 mln passengers were transported.
There are 16614 kilometres of railway lines in Kazahstan. Along the railroad there are 720 stations and passing points.
About 5 thousand kilometers of tracks are electrified tracks (33%).
What connections to other countries there are.
You can travel by train from Kazakhstan to four foreign countries – Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Are trains fast in Kazahstan in general? How much time to cross the country?
The Tulpar-Talgo train, produced in Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Spanish company Talgo, is considered to be the highest-speed and most comfortable train
The journey from Nur Sultan to Petropawl takes 6:19 hours and from Pavlodar to Aktobe 41:30 hours.
What railway companies are available?
There are 9 companies engaged in passenger transportation in Kazakhstan. Of these, 2 are national: JSC Passenger Transportation and JSC Suburban Transportation (subsidiaries of KTZ). The rest are private: Arlan-Trans-Astana LLP, Arai Trans KZ LLP, Maral-Nur LLP, Nomads LLP, Turan Express Passenger Company LLP, Saryarka Company LLP, Turksib Astana LLP.
What train types are available in Kazahstan
Kazakhstan Railways JSC has an extensive fleet of locomotives and passenger cars that run daily throughout the country. The most popular and in demand are the modern Tulpar-Talgo and Otyrar trains, and standard trains with speeds of up to 100 km/h are also widely used.
• Tulpar-Talgo
A high-speed comfortable train produced in Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Spanish company Talgo. Average speed is 130 km/h. It runs on the three most popular directions: Astana-Almaty, Astana-Shymkent, Almaty-Shymkent.
• Otyrar
The high-speed train, which got its name from the ancient settlement Otrar in the south of Kazakhstan. It is a comfortable train with standard compartments and cheap seats in platzkarte. It connects the southern cities of the country - Almaty and Shymkent.
• Standard train
The basic train of the company "Kazakhstan Railways", which has cars with the usual 4-seat compartments and plackart cars with beds without dividers. Its main disadvantage is the average speed with frequent stops on the way.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
The Tulpar-Talgo train, produced in Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Spanish company Talgo, is considered to be the highest-speed and most comfortable train. The average speed is 130 km/h.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Kazahstan are Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, Kostanai, Atyrau, Pavlodar.
Websites to buy train tickets for Kazakhstan?
https://bilet.railways.kz/, aviata.kz, https://tickets.kz/gd
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy has its own mobile application "KTZh Tickets".
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Kazakhstan?
Tickets can be purchased through the following sales channels;
- the official website of JSC NC KTZh -www.bilet.railways.kz;
- mobile application "KTZh Tickets" Android;
- third-party websites;
- ticket offices at railway stations;
-agent ticket offices;
-automated cash systems (terminals) at railway stations;
- Qiwi terminals, Kassa 24;
- post offices of Kazpost JSC;
Also, it is allowed to issue tickets by the train conductor in suburban trains, except for luxury cars, as well as in common cars of passenger trains.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
There's no such opportunity.
Return the ticket.
Return of an electronic travel document (ticket) is made on the website in the client's personal cabinet not later than 1 hour before departure from the initial station of the train route or in ticket offices on the territory of Kazakhstan upon presentation of an electronic ticket or the number of the electronic ticket/order and the passenger's identity document.
Train ticket prices
There are one way tickets, round trip tickets, and discount cards available.
Train tickets from Nur-Sultan to Almaty will cost from 21.20 €
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
The cheapest option to get to the neighboring country from Kazakhstan by rail – train from Petropavlovsk to Omsk, the cost of the ticket will be from 13.80 euros.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://bilet.railways.kz/post/schedule
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
If you know when you want to travel to Kazakhstan or neighboring countries, buy your ticket now. The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper it will cost.
Types of tickets.
To date, Kazakhstan offers a savings program for passengers in the form of Sayakhatshy discount cards, as well as Altyn and Zhastar (electronic) cards, which provide discounts for travel on JSC Passenger Transportation trains.
In order to receive Sayakhatshy discount cards it is necessary to make trips on high-speed trains with total cost from 100,000 to 150,000 tenge, from 150,001 to 200,000 tenge or over 200,001 tenge for the last 12 months to receive corresponding discounts of 10%, 15% or 20%.
The Altyn discount card provides a 25% discount on all Passenger Transportation JSC trains. The cost of the card is 19 999 tenge and it is valid for 1 year from the date of activation.
Zhastar" discount card (electronic) applies to commercial trains of Talgo, including various routes. It provides a 25% discount for travel in the "Tourist" (2D) and "Seat" (2C) class cars. The cost of the card is 3,000 tenge and it is also valid for 1 year from the date of activation.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Kazakhstan
Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available.
Saver price.
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy does not offer any special discounted tickets. The traveler has an opportunity to buy one-way, round-trip tickets.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are not available.
Rules of boarding.
When boarding the train, you must present the original identity document: for adults it is a passport, for children – a birth certificate.
Discounts for group travel.
On the website bilet.railways.kz there is an opportunity to apply for reservation of seats in passenger trains for organized groups of passengers, organized groups of children.
Organized group of passengers - a group of at least 10 (ten) passengers travelling to the same destination in one passenger train, including cars of different categories.
Organized group of children - an organized group of passengers consisting of children under the age of 15 (fifteen) years, travelling accompanied by at least one responsible adult per 10 (ten) children and one medical worker per group of children.
Age groups and discounts.
There are the following conditions for children on trains in Kazakhstan:
• Children under 7 years old can travel free of charge if they do not occupy a separate seat. If a child under 7 years of age occupies a separate seat, it is necessary to purchase a children's travel document (ticket).
• Children between 7 and 15 years of age can travel with children's travel documents (tickets). In this case, the fare is 50% of the fare established for adult passengers.
• Children from 15 years of age and older purchase travel documents (tickets) in the same way as adults.
In interstate traffic:
• Children up to 5 years old without providing a seat travel free of charge.
• Children from 5 to 10 years old pay the fare at the children's fare.
• Children from 10 to 15 years old pay 50% of the full fare for travel on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the cost of a fee for the entire journey. On the territories of other states pay the full fare.
It is important to note that when issuing a ticket to a child without a seat on an interstate train, provided he/she crosses the border, it is obligatory to provide a ticket.
JSC NC KTZh issues railway discount cards for privileged categories of passengers:
• "Zhastar" for youth from 16 to 25 years old - 30% discount;
• "Kurmet" for people 60 years old and older - 30% discount;
• "Kamkor" for disabled people of I and II group - 50% discount;
• "Ardager" for participants and invalids of the Great Patriotic War - 99% discount;
• "Ardager+" for persons equated to participants and invalids of the Great Patriotic War (including participants of local wars, liquidators of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster) - 50% discount;
• "Ardakty ana" for mothers of many children with 6 or more children and state awards "Altyn alqa", "Kumis alqa" - 30% discount.
Taking into account discounts for early booking, the discount on cards can reach 75%.
Discount cards can be purchased at ticket offices at the stations of major regional centers. The price is from 200 to 1000 tenge. Bring your ID card and a document confirming the right to benefits.
Age limitations for minors.
Children 15 years and older are allowed to travel unaccompanied.
Handicapped passengers.
Persons of all disability groups, as well as children with disabilities are entitled to 50% of the cost of the travel document on socially important routes, and on commercial routes at the Carrier's discretion.
Seat reservations in trains in Kazakhstan.
When you purchase your ticket you have the option to choose your seat, this is included in the ticket price.
Comfort classes on the trains.
Kazakhstan's railroad trains have the following comfort classes:
• Plackart (3P) - This is the most common and affordable class. In a plackart carriage there are open sleeping places separated by partitions. Usually there are 54 seats (upper and lower shelves) in one plackart compartment. This class is suitable for those who prefer economical traveling and are willing to sleep in open compartments.
• Coupe (2K) - The compartment car has separate enclosed compartments with four sleepers (two upper and two lower shelves). This class offers more comfort and privacy compared to a parlor car, making it more popular with passengers.
• Seating (2C) - This class provides seating without sleeping compartments. The carriage usually has seats along the aisle. Seating can be used for short trips when passengers do not plan to spend the night on the train.
• Tourist (2D) - This is a comfortable class that provides a higher level of comfort. Tourist class cars usually have compartments with two berths and private bathrooms. This class is designed for traveling with higher requirements for convenience and comfort.
• SV (Sleeping Car) - This is the most comfortable class, offering enclosed compartments with two berths and private bathrooms. The SV class provides the highest level of comfort and personalized service.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Kazakhstan.
Currently, dining cars run on all railroad routes with a trip duration of more than 24 hours.
Night trains in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has night trains. Night trains provide an opportunity for passengers to travel between cities while they sleep, which makes the journey more comfortable and economical as it saves money on overnight accommodation.
Night trains in Kazakhstan usually offer different comfort classes such as parlor, compartment, tourist and SV (sleeping car). Depending on the route and class, overnight trains may have different levels of comfort and amenities such as sleepers, beds, linens, pillows, bathrooms, etc.
Important train routes in Kazakhstan.
Nur-Sultan – Almaty/ from 15:05 hours / from 11.80 EUR / 5 trains a day (August 2023)
Almaty – Shymkent/ from10:22 hours / from 8,80 EUR/ 8 trains a day (August 2023)
Nur-Sultan – Shymkent / from 17:50 hours / from 15,10 EUR / 4 trains a day (August 2023)
Aktobe-1 – Shalkar / from 5:38 hours / from 7,00 EUR / 3 trains a day (August 2023)
Almaty – Kyzylorda /from 17:54 hours / from 14,85 EUR / 6 trains a day (August 2023)
International train routes.
There are direct international trains from Germany to the Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Tourist / scenic routes in Kazakhstan.
There are several tourist and scenic train routes in Kazakhstan that offer unique journeys and an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of the country. Some of them include:
• Almaty – Shymkent: This route passes through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Zailiyskiy Alatau and offers unique views of the nature and cities of Kazakhstan.
• Almaty – Aktau: This route leads from Almaty to the shores of the Caspian Sea, where travelers can enjoy amazing landscapes and beaches.
• Astana – Pavlodar: A trip from the capital of Kazakhstan to Pavlodar will offer travelers picturesque steppe expanses and beautiful views of the Irtysh River.
• Astana – Aktobe: This route passes through the central regions of Kazakhstan and offers unique views of the steppe.
• Almaty – Turkestan: This route leads to the historic city of Turkestan, where travelers can visit ancient architectural monuments and cultural sites.
• Almaty – Taldykorgan: This route offers travelers views of the mountains and scenic landscapes of the Almaty region.
Luggage information.
Baggage is carried not exceeding 200 kilograms and is carried in the baggage car of the passenger train.
A passenger may carry hand baggage in addition to the established norm:
• Weighing up to 15 kg for a separate fee at the baggage tariff with the issuance of a receipt.
• Up to 50 kg per one additionally purchased seat in a compartment of a car with 2-seat and 4-seat compartments.
• Total weight up to 300 kg in a separate compartment with payment of the full cost of travel documents for four seats.
Bicycle on the train.
Against the established norm of hand baggage in passenger trains, except for trains formed from Talgo cars and similar cars, passengers are allowed to carry with them dismantled and packed baby carriages, kayaks, bicycles without a motor, if they can be placed on the places intended for hand baggage.
It is allowed to carry no more than one unassembled bicycle or child's or wheelchair in the vestibule of a train formed of cars with seats.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
It is allowed to carry a briefcase, handbag, binoculars, skis and poles, fishing rods, camera, umbrella, as well as other small items, the size of which does not exceed 100 cm in the sum of three dimensions, free of charge.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Kazakhstan.
In addition to ticket offices, the station buildings in major cities have waiting rooms, cafeterias, mother and baby rooms, luggage rooms, small retail and catering stores and, of course, offices.
Lost and Found Items.
If a passenger finds that he/she has forgotten his/her belongings in the carriage and the train has already left, the following instructions should be followed:
1) Go to the station duty officer and write a written statement to the station manager. It is necessary to specify the number of the carriage and the seat occupied by the passenger, and also describe in detail the forgotten things with a request to send them to the passenger's location.
2) The stationmaster will send a service telephonogram to the head of the train to the nearest station where the duration of parking is not less than 10 minutes.
3) All expenses, including telephonogram submission, packing, transportation of things, are paid by the owner.
Pets on the trains.
Transportation of small pets, dogs and birds in trains of all categories is allowed only in separate compartments of carriages of all categories. In this case, the passenger pays the cost of travel documents (tickets) according to the number of seats in the compartment. Transportation of animals and birds in trains is allowed upon presentation of veterinary certificates of the established form.
Small pets, dogs and birds are transported in crates, baskets, cages, containers.
During transportation of small domestic animals, dogs and birds their owners or accompanying persons ensure compliance with sanitary and hygienic regime in the car.
It is not allowed to carry wild animals as hand luggage in trains and cars of all categories.
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