Almaty Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital and largest city, is served by one main international airport and a smaller general aviation field. As the country’s busiest aviation hub, it connects Kazakhstan to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

This guide explains every airport serving Almaty, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Almaty International Airport (ALA)

Overview: Almaty International Airport (IATA: ALA) is Kazakhstan’s primary and busiest airport, serving as the main hub for Air Astana and SCAT Airlines. Located approximately 15 km (9 miles) northeast of Almaty’s city centre, the airport has been extensively modernised and now features a modern international terminal handling growing transit traffic between Europe and Asia.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (Domestic and Some Regional Flights): Handles selected domestic and regional services, particularly for low-cost and regional carriers.
• Terminal 2 (New International Terminal): The main terminal for international flights and most full-service domestic operations, including Air Astana. This is where the vast majority of travellers will arrive and depart.

Note: The terminals are separate buildings connected by a free shuttle bus. Most passengers will use Terminal 2, but always confirm your terminal with your airline.

Getting to and from Almaty International Airport (ALA):

• Official Airport Taxi Desk:
  The most secure and hassle-free taxi option. Purchase a fixed-fare voucher from the official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall, then proceed to your driver. Expect to pay around 4,000–6,000 KZT for a 30–45 minute journey to the city centre.
• Ride-hailing (Yandex Go):
  Yandex Go is the local equivalent of Uber and is extremely popular, reliable, and often cheaper than official taxis. Using the app provides a fixed price and avoids negotiation. A local SIM card is strongly recommended for this option.
• Pre-booked Private Transfers:
  Hotels and tour operators offer private transfers with drivers meeting you in arrivals. This is convenient for groups, families, or late-night arrivals.
• Car Rental:
  International and local rental companies operate from the arrivals hall. Renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore the Almaty region, including Medeo, Shymbulak, and nearby mountain areas.
• Public Bus (Routes 92 and 106):
  Buses connect the airport to various parts of the city for a very low fare. This option is best suited for budget travellers with light luggage, as buses can be slow and crowded during peak hours.

Best for: All international travellers and most domestic passengers visiting Almaty and southern Kazakhstan.

Boraldai Airport (General Aviation Only)

Overview: Boraldai Airport is a small airfield closer to the city used for private flights, air taxis, and general aviation. It does not handle scheduled commercial airline traffic.

Which Almaty Airport Should You Choose?

For all scheduled airline travel, Almaty International Airport (ALA) is the only airport serving the city.

Boraldai Airport is relevant only for private or charter aviation.

Important Considerations for Almaty International Airport (ALA)

International to International Transfers:
ALA is an important transit hub between Europe, Central Asia, and China. Transit passengers typically remain airside and pass through a security screening without clearing immigration.

International to Domestic Connections:
Passengers must clear immigration, collect baggage, pass customs, and re-check in for domestic flights, which may require transferring to Terminal 1. Allow at least 3 hours for this process.

Visa and Entry Requirements:
Citizens of many countries can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short stays, including travellers from the EU, UK, and US. Always check the latest requirements before travel.

Currency:
The Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) is the local currency. ATMs and exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city, but cash is useful for taxis and smaller purchases.

SIM Cards and Connectivity:
Local SIM cards from operators such as Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2/Altel are sold in the arrivals hall and are highly recommended for ride-hailing and navigation.

Facilities:
Terminal 2 offers cafés, restaurants, duty-free shopping, free WiFi, and airline lounges including the Air Astana Lounge and paid-access lounges.

Arrival and Departure Tips:
For international flights, arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5–2 hours is generally sufficient.

Altitude Note:
Almaty lies at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The city itself is around 700–900 metres above sea level, while nearby mountain destinations are much higher — acclimatise gradually if planning outdoor activities.

Bottom line: Almaty International Airport’s Terminal 2 is modern and efficient. For the smoothest arrival, get a local SIM card and use Yandex Go for a reliable, low-cost ride into the city, or use the official taxi desk if you prefer a fixed-price option.