How to Get to Almaty: Flights, Visas and Transportation Guide
Planning how to get to Almaty? Here’s the no-fluff checklist for flights, entry rules, and Almaty airport transport—optimized for travelers from the USA and Europe.
Flights to Almaty from USA/Europe
From Europe: Nonstops run from Frankfurt (FRA) to Almaty (ALA) several times per week (Air Astana; Lufthansa also serves the route). London has seasonal/direct options; otherwise connect via hubs.
From the USA: No nonstop; the quickest routings connect via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Dubai (Emirates/flydubai)—all with same-day arrivals into ALA.
Airport note: Almaty opened a new international terminal on June 1, 2024; expect faster processing and more gates.
Kazakhstan visa for US citizens / Germans
Book Almaty & Kazakhstan Tours
Live availability, prices, photos, and full itineraries — open our booking widget.
U.S. citizens:Visa-free up to 30 days per entry (non-work purposes). Keep total stays within 90 days per 180-day period.
German citizens (and most EU):Visa-free up to 30 days per entry under Kazakhstan’s resumed program for 50+ countries (same 90/180 rule). Verify your nationality on official lists before travel.
Tip: Rules can change—check the Kazakh MFA or your embassy site a week before departure.
Almaty airport transport (ALA → city)
Ride-hailing:Yandex Go (widely used) gives fixed-price estimates; order in-app at curbside. It’s the simplest way to avoid haggling.
Taxis & transfers: Many hotels arrange pre-booked transfers. If taking a street taxi, confirm the fare beforeboarding.
Payments: ATMs and currency exchange are in arrivals; cards work broadly in the city, but carry small tenge for tolls, markets, or park gates.
Getting around Almaty
In-city: Combine metro (simple, cheap) with ride-hailing for hills and late evenings.
Day trips: For Big Almaty Lake, Medeu/Shymbulak, Issyk, or Charyn Canyon, consider a private driver or guided tour—it saves time at park gates and on routing.
Connectivity: Buy a local eSIM/SIM at the airport; download offline maps (mountain signal can be patchy).
Practical timing
Best months for flying/hiking: late April–June and September–mid-October (clear views, mild temps). Winter is great for Medeu skating and Shymbulak skiing—pack traction for ice.
Documents: Passport valid 6+ months; keep a digital copy.
Emergency: Dial 112.
Bottom line: Book the fastest connection via IST/DOH/DXB or a direct FRA–ALA, confirm your visa-free eligibility, and use Yandex Go or a hotel transfer on arrival. You’ll be downtown in ~25–40 minutes and ready to explore.
Please check the latest information about visa requirements before your trip. You can check available tours here Almaty Tours