Almaty to Shymkent by train, flight or bus

Every option, compared

Door-to-door times (flights include the time at the airports). Fares are typical ranges from the cheapest seat to the premium one.

• Flight, FlyArystan / SCAT / Air Astana: FlyArystan's cheapest fares carry only a small bag (add a checked bag online); Air Astana includes one.
• Train, Overnight train Almaty–Shymkent (platzkart / coupé / SV): Several trains a day on the line to Shymkent and Tashkent, most overnight (ESTIMATE times and fares). Kazakhstan Temir Zholy: buy on bilet.railways.kz or the app with your passport details; summer and holiday trains sell out.
• Bus, Overnight bus from Sayran bus station: Buses leave Almaty's Sayran station in the evening; the train is more comfortable.

Booking links open the route on the country's transport booking site for trains, buses, boats and transfers, and a flight search for flights, dated about two weeks out; change the date there.

What it costs your group, one way

Fares × people; a private car is priced per car, one car per four people.

Once you’re in Shymkent

• Best time: April – May, September – October
• Typical stay: 1 day
• November: Mixed month: November is outside the recommended season (April – May, September – October). Nothing in our data flags November as a problem, but it isn't the season the place is best in.

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