Airport
Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Almaty International Airport is the main gateway to Almaty and southern Kazakhstan, serving the city centre and nearby destinations such as Medeu, Shymbulak, Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai Lakes. Compare transfer options to Almaty and surrounding areas and plan your onward journey with ease.
Passengers
Luggage
About Almaty International Airport
Almaty International Airport is Kazakhstan's busiest airport and the main international gateway serving Almaty, the country's largest city, and the wider southern region. Opened in 1935, it has developed into a key aviation hub for Central Asia and the modern Silk Road.
Located approximately 15 km northeast of central Almaty, the airport handles domestic and international traffic and is a main base for Air Astana. A new international terminal opened in June 2024 and serves international flights, while the domestic terminal handles flights within Kazakhstan.
The airport is connected to the city by public buses, taxis, the Yandex Go rideshare app, private transfers, chauffeur services, car rental and road links, making onward travel to the centre and surrounding areas relatively easy.
With duty-free shopping, dining, lounges, free Wi-Fi, family facilities and accessibility services across its terminal areas, the airport functions as a practical gateway for visitors arriving in southeastern Kazakhstan.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Almaty International Airport operates passenger services through two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. Terminal 2 opened in 2024, and the two terminals are connected landside.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Almaty International Airport
Transfers
Book private transfers from Almaty International Airport to hotels, the city centre, business districts and destinations across Almaty and southern Kazakhstan.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, events or journeys around Almaty.
Car Rental
Rent a car from Almaty International Airport for independent travel around the city and onward trips to destinations such as Medeu, Shymbulak and Charyn Canyon.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Almaty International Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Destinations
View all
Oral
Oral, the administrative center of Kazakhstan's West Kazakhstan Region, sits on the Ural River and carries a layered history of Cossack heritage, trade and borderland life. Its compact center pairs historic merchant architecture with riverside views, making it an easygoing base for exploring the region.
Ulytau
Ulytau, a historic town in Kazakhstan's steppe heartland, is known for ancient mausoleums, rock carvings and a deep nomadic heritage that shape its quiet, monumental landscape.
Turkistan
Turkistan, one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities, is a spiritual and historical centre on the Silk Road, known for the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and its rich architectural heritage.
Shymkent
Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities, pairs Silk Road heritage with bustling bazaars, leafy parks and a warm southern character.