There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Alma-ata into a quick city adventure. From ALA, the Bus can get you into town in around 80 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave ALA:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Kazakhstan. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Alma-ata takes about 80 minutes by Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is KZT. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Alma-ata from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~80 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~100 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Bus is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your Alma-ata Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Alma-ata layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$9 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$24 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Alma-ata, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Alma-ata, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
If you’d rather stay inside ALA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Lounge
- Duty Free Shopping
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Alma-ata.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe and Terminal Restaurant will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Bag Storage Near ALA
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At ALA, you’ll find bag storage at Look for ‘Left Luggage’ services in the Arrivals hall for baggage storage..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ALA should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Kazakhstan and you’re good to go.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at ALA.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Alma-ata count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ALA. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.