Intercity Passenger Transport from Almaty

AlaGo runs intercity transfers from Almaty in a Toyota Hiace minibus with a driver, for up to 13 passengers. We take groups all over Kazakhstan, as well as to Kyrgyzstan and Russia: with pickup at your door, climate control and a driver who knows the road.

Lake Balkhash: ~470 km, 5–6 hours, from 150,000 ₸

A trip from Almaty to Lake Balkhash is a summer route to the water: sandy beaches, fishing and warm water. The drive takes 5–6 hours; we stop for snacks and rest wherever you ask. From 150,000 ₸ for the whole minibus, round trip. Details are on the Lake Balkhash trip page.

Lake Alakol: ~600 km, 7–8 hours, from 110,000 ₸

People go to Alakol for its mineral-rich water and the black pebbles credited with healing properties. A transfer to Lake Alakol in a Hiace is a relaxed way for a family or a group to get there: 600 km with climate control and soft reclining seats. From 110,000 ₸ round trip; for details, see Almaty to Lake Alakol.

Chundzha hot springs: ~250 km, 3–4 hours, from 140,000 ₸

The Chundzha hot springs are a year-round wellness destination, just 3–4 hours from Almaty. It is easy to go for the weekend with a big group and come back the same day or stay overnight. From 140,000 ₸ round trip, from 70,000 ₸ one way. For details, see Chundzha from Almaty.

Konaev and Kapchagay: ~70 km, about an hour and a half, from 60,000 ₸

The closest water destination: beaches, resorts and water parks on the Kapchagay Reservoir by the city of Konaev (formerly Kapchagay). A frequent booking for a birthday, a company outing or a family day out in nature. From 60,000 ₸ round trip; see the Kapchagay trip and Konaev pages.

Bishkek and Issyk-Kul: Kyrgyzstan, from 90,000 ₸

Bishkek is about 240 km and 4–5 hours away, including the border crossing, from 90,000 ₸ one way. Farther along the same highway is Lake Issyk-Kul (Cholpon-Ata, ~450 km, 7–8 hours, from 150,000 ₸ one way). Passengers cross the Kordai border checkpoint on foot, the minibus crosses separately, and on the other side we drive you right to your resort. If someone is meeting you on the other side, we will take you only to the crossing; that is shorter and cheaper. More on the Bishkek, Kordai border checkpoint and Issyk-Kul pages.

Taraz, Shymkent and Turkestan: southern Kazakhstan, from 110,000 ₸

Along the western highway we drive to Taraz (~500 km, 6–7 hours, from 110,000 ₸), Shymkent (~700 km, 8–9 hours, from 150,000 ₸) and the country’s spiritual capital, Turkestan, with the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (~870 km, 10–11 hours, from 250,000 ₸). For long routes we usually leave early in the morning so most of the drive is in daylight. Route pages: Taraz, Shymkent, Turkestan.

Taldykorgan and Astana

Taldykorgan, the center of the Zhetysu region, is ~260 km and 3–4 hours away on a good road, from 90,000 ₸ round trip. The capital, Astana, is about 1,200 km and 15–16 hours away: we plan a trip like this with stops and, if needed, an overnight stop for the driver, from 200,000 ₸ round trip. Pages: Taldykorgan, Astana.

North and east: Karaganda, Pavlodar, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk

Along the northern and eastern highways we drive to Karaganda, Pavlodar, Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk, and for a vacation, to Burabay (Borovoe). These are long runs of 12–18 hours: we leave early in the morning and plan the driver’s overnight stop in advance.

International routes: Kyrgyzstan and the border with China

Besides Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, we drive to Karakol on the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul, a base for trips to Jeti-Oguz and Altyn-Arashan. Heading east, we take you to the Khorgos checkpoint on the Chinese border and to nearby Zharkent. Passengers cross the Chinese border themselves, and the minibus waits in the parking lot by the checkpoint or goes back, as agreed. We price these trips by route, number of days and waiting time: tell us your dates and we’ll calculate right away.

We drive to Russia in the same minibus: to Novosibirsk via Semey and Barnaul (about 1,800 km) and to Omsk via Pavlodar (about 1,850 km), with an overnight stop on the way. The guide rate is about 150 ₸ per kilometer, including the return run; routes and the border are covered on the trips to Russia page.

What an intercity trip includes

• Fuel, the driver’s work and toll sections are already in the price;
• Climate control, soft reclining seats and a roomy luggage compartment;
• Stops for snacks, photos and rest whenever you like;
• Pickup from your address in Almaty and drop-off right at your destination.

The city you need is not on the list? Tell us the route, and we’ll work out the cost and travel time. The same vehicle can meet a train at an Almaty railway station or pick up your group at the airport before the long drive, and the full price list is on the prices page.