Almaty International Airport is the main hub for international flights into Kazakhstan. Direct connections exist from Istanbul, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, Dubai, and many Russian and Chinese cities. From most European capitals, the flight takes eight to ten hours, usually routed through Istanbul or Moscow. Turkish Airlines and Air Astana cover the largest number of routes.
Kazakhstan requires a visa for most nationalities, though citizens of around 60 countries — including EU members, the UK, the USA, and Japan — can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Check current requirements before travelling, as the list changes regularly.
From China, a rail connection runs from Ürümqi, though it is slow and the ticketing system is difficult for foreign travellers to navigate. The Moscow to Almaty train is a more straightforward option for those coming from Russia — the journey takes around three days. Overland buses connect Almaty with Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and other Central Asian capitals, though border crossings can involve delays.
From the airport into the city, the most reliable option is a pre-booked taxi from the airport's official taxi desks. Avoid the unmetered drivers who approach you in arrivals — agree on a price before getting in. The journey to the centre takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.