Taxis in Kazakhstan: how the taxi and marshrutka system works
- Damian Brzeski
- 6 hours ago
- 13 min read
Road transport in Kazakhstan is a fascinating lesson in adaptation to extreme geographical conditions and the digital revolution.
Imagine a country with an area of over 2.7 million square kilometers, where the population density is one of the lowest in the world – where classic public transport with a timetable simply does not work.
In this guide, I will guide you through the intricacies of the Kazakh taxi system, with particular emphasis on the phenomenon of shared taxis and marshrutkas, which are the lifeblood of Central Asia.
You will learn how not to overpay, how to travel safely and why the Toyota Alphard is the local equivalent of a limousine.
What are taxis like in Kazakhstan?
The taxi landscape in Kazakhstan is a clash of two worlds: ultra-modern technologies and the post-Soviet "free American."
In metropolises like Almaty and Astana, the digitalization of transportation services puts many European capitals to shame, while in the countryside, cash, handshakes, and face-to-face negotiations still reign supreme. Understanding this duality is your first step to a successful trip.
Visually identifying a vehicle can be a challenge because in Kazakhstan , literally any car can become a taxi .
Yes, there are official fleets like Blue Sky Taxi with their distinctive beacons and side numbers, but that's just a drop in the ocean. The vast majority of the market is private passenger cars .
The driver of a luxury SUV or a thirty-year-old Lada can opt for a commuter ride at any time. This phenomenon, a legacy of the transformation of the 1990s, makes the line between private and public transport extremely fluid.
What is the taxi fare system?
Payments in Kazakhstan's taxis have recently undergone a true fintech revolution, changing the rules of the game almost overnight.
Currently, the market is divided into three spheres of influence: ride-hailing apps, ubiquitous QR codes, and traditional cash.
The method of settlement depends largely on whether you are moving within the center of a modern metropolis or traveling through the steppe wilderness.
Ride-hailing applications (Yandex Go, InDrive, Uber)
In large cities, the Russian giant Yandex Go reigns supreme. It operates on a fixed-price model, which is beneficial for tourists – you know the cost before you get in the car.
This eliminates the risk of being scammed and the need for haggling. Yandex offers a wide range of classes, from "Economy" to "Business."
The second player is InDrive (formerly inDriver), which operates on a real-time bidding basis.
You propose a rate, and the driver accepts or counters it. It's a digital version of a bazaar—great for long journeys, as long as you know the real market rates.
Kaspi.kz Revolution and QR Codes
The most interesting phenomenon is the absolute dominance of the banking "super-app" Kaspi.kz . Cash is becoming a thing of the past in Kazakhstan – even informal "bombils" (unlicensed taxi drivers) have a QR code stuck to their dashboards.
Until recently, the system was closed to foreigners, but 2024-2025 saw a breakthrough thanks to integration with Alipay+ .
If you have a digital wallet that complies with this standard, you can pay by scanning Kaspi codes directly from your foreign account.
Nevertheless, always carry some cash (tenge) with you , especially when traveling to the steppe where internet coverage can be fickle.
What does the marking of legal taxis look like?
Verifying the legality of a taxi in Kazakhstan is a process where theory rarely meets practice. While the law requires licensing and insurance, on the street, there's a lot of freedom.
Take a look at the breakdown of the fleet you will encounter:
Licensed Taxis: You'll find them mainly at airports and in the centers of Almaty and Astana. They have yellow license plates , checkerboards, and ID badges. They're the safest, but also the most expensive.
App-based vehicles: Cars from Yandex Go or InDrive are digitally verified. Although they may look like private vehicles from the outside, the app gives you full access to driver and vehicle data. It's a balance between price and security .
Gypsy Cabs: The largest group. Anyone who stops at your beck and call. They lack markings, often lack rear seatbelts, and are in poor condition. Be especially wary of aggressive touts at train stations – their prices are often unrealistic.
What are taxi prices in Kazakhstan?
Prices of transport services in Kazakhstan are very attractive for Poles, which makes taxis (especially shared ones) the primary means of tourist transport.
Remember, however, that prices are dynamic – they depend on the weather (the harsh winter in Astana drives up the prices), the time of day, and your negotiating skills.
Below I have prepared a summary of estimated costs for 2025. Values in foreign currencies are indicative (assumed exchange rates: 1000 KZT = 8 PLN / 1.90 EUR).
Type of Service | Route / Trip Type | Cost (KZT) | Cost (PLN) | Cost (EUR) | Comments |
City Taxi (App) | Short course in the center | 500 – 1,500 | 4 – 12 PLN | 1 – 3 € | Price depends on class and demand (surge). |
Airport Transfer | Almaty Airport – Center | 2,500 – 5,000 | 20 – 40 PLN | 5 – 9.5 € | Via Yandex Go. Hand-drawn taxis can charge 2-3 times as much. |
Shared Taxi | Almaty – Bishkek (border) | 3,000 – 5,000 | 24 – 40 PLN | 6 – 9.5 € | Price for 1 seat. |
Shared Taxi | Astana – Karaganda | 2,500 – 5,000 | 20 – 40 PLN | 5 – 9.5 € | Fast motorway route. |
Shared Taxi | Shymkent – Tashkent | 2,000 – 3,000 | 16 – 24 PLN | 4 – 6 € | Short distance, high rotation. |
Shared Taxi | Aktau – Zhanaozen | 2,000 – 3,000 | 16 – 24 PLN | 4 – 6 € | Route in the west of the country. |
Whole Car Rental | Almaty – Bishkek (“Salon”) | 20,000 – 25,000 | 160 – 200 PLN | 38 – 47 € | Purchase of 4 seats for privacy. |
With InDrive and when hailing a ride on the street, the price is always negotiable. Knowing the above rates ( "go rates" ) is your shield against overpaying.
What are the share taxis like in Kazakhstan?
Shared taxis are more than just transport – they are a social institution in Central Asia, filling the gap between expensive private transport and slow mass transit.
In a country where distances are measured in thousands of kilometers and the railway does not reach everywhere, this system is the only chance for mobility for millions of people.
The role of marshrutkas as the main form of taxi
Although technically a "marshrutka" is a minibus (e.g. a Mercedes Sprinter) driving on a fixed route, in everyday speech the term is confused with a collective (passenger) taxi.
The function is the same: to provide fast, frequent, and affordable intercity transport. For you, as a tourist, they are the key to the most interesting places.
Want to see the Charyn Canyon or the Kolsai Lakes ? The train won't get you there, but a shared taxi definitely will. They connect remote auls (villages) with civilization, transporting people to work, schools, and doctors.
Differences between a marshrutka and a classic taxi
The main difference lies in the payment and privacy model.
"Per Seat" Model: You pay only for your seat ( mesto ), sharing the journey with strangers. This drastically reduces costs.
Departure time: Here, you wait for the car, not the car waiting for you. The vehicle departs only after it has completed its journey ( "full cabin" ).
Route flexibility: Instead of door-to-door , the system usually operates hub-to-hub (from station to station), although the driver may drop you off along the way.
The importance of share taxis in the transport system of Kazakhstan
This system is brilliant in its simplicity and self-regulation. Supply responds immediately to demand. If there are many people on a given route, buses depart every 15 minutes, whereas a scheduled bus would run once a day.
Moreover, a passenger car covers the route much faster than a lumbering coach or train , which saves hours on Kazakh distances.
Organization and principles of operation of marshrutkas
While the taxi station may seem chaotic at first glance, it's governed by precise, unwritten rules. Understanding the dynamics of a "full salon" will allow you to navigate this system without stress.
When do we move? The full living room rule
It's a firm rule: there's no timetable . The bus departs when all seats are sold.
Filling dynamics: On popular routes (e.g., Almaty-Bishkek in the morning), it takes 15-20 minutes. In the evening or on side routes, you could wait for hours.
Purchase option: Missing one passenger and everyone else already wanting to go? The standard method is to "cash in" for the missing ticket. You can also purchase the entire "lounge" (all 4-7 seats) at once to set off immediately and have the car to yourself.
Fixed route and flexible stops
Marshrutkas operate along specific corridors, but the stops are fluid. It's easiest to board at the initial hub, but you can also hail along the route (if there are available seats).
Crucially for travelers, you can request to be dropped off at any point ("Ostanovite zdes, pozhaluista"). This is ideal if you want to get off at the intersection leading to the national park.
Typical vehicles used as marshrutkas
The fleet of shared taxis is diverse, and the vehicle you choose directly impacts the price and the condition of your back after the trip. It's worth knowing what you're getting into to avoid disappointment.
Minibuses and their dominant role
The Mercedes Sprinter is the workhorse of this region. Unfortunately, they're often modified with extra rows of seats, which drastically reduces legroom. Luggage? It often ends up on the roof or in the aisle. It's cheap, but it can be tiring.
Passenger cars as an alternative
For longer journeys, passengers prefer sedans. The standard configuration is 1+3 (one passenger in the front, three in the back). Seat etiquette: The seat next to the driver is the VIP zone. It offers the best views and doesn't cram you in.
Often, you have to pay extra for them or simply be the first to occupy them. Local custom dictates that you give up your seat to elderly people or women traveling alone.
Popular models such as Volkswagen Transporter and Toyota Alphard
Here we come to the king of Kazakhstan's roads – the Toyota Alphard . This car has revolutionized travel comfort. Why is it so prized? It's a luxurious minivan with velvet seats and an incredibly plush suspension.
Routes and coverage
The shared taxi network covers all of Kazakhstan, but from a tourist's perspective, a few major transport corridors and transfer hubs are crucial. Learn about the most important ones:
Intercity transport: popular destinations and travel times
Here are the routes you will most likely use:
Almaty – Shymkent (approx. 700 km): The main artery of the south. The route is long (8-10 hours), so it is usually served by comfortable minivans.
Astana – Karaganda (approx. 220 km): A very busy route connecting the capital with the industrial giant. Thanks to the highway, the journey takes only 2-3 hours, and taxis run almost like a metro. The hub in Astana is Saparzhay Station .
Aktau – Zhanaozen (approx. 150 km): A key section in the Mangystau region, leading to unusual rock formations. Travel time: 1.5–2 hours. 4x4 vehicles are common here.
International transport: connections with neighboring countries
Kazakhstan is the gateway to Central Asia. Taxis serve key border crossings, usually using a transfer system.
Almaty – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): The most popular tourist route. Start at Sairan Station . A taxi takes you to the border in Kordai. You cross on foot, and on the Kyrgyz side, catch another shuttle to central Bishkek (about 20 km). The cost to the border is approximately 3,000-5,000 KZT (24-40 PLN / 6-9.5 EUR) .
Shymkent – Tashkent (Uzbekistan): Departure from Kolos or Samal train stations. Arrival at the Zhibek Zholy border, crossing on foot, and transfer to the Uzbek side.
The role of marshrutkas in cities and rural areas
In metropolitan areas, marshrutkas are giving way to modern buses, but in smaller towns (Taraz, Kyzylorda) they are still the basis of transport, stopping on request.
In the deep countryside, where asphalt is just a memory, indestructible Soviet UAZs ( "Buhanki" ) rule – the only vehicles capable of overcoming the steppe mud.
Marshrutkas as an alternative to public transport
The "train or shared taxi" dilemma isn't just a matter of price, but also of travel strategy. Each mode has its place in the ecosystem, and it's worth knowing when to choose a particular option.
Replacing unavailable bus connections
After the fall of the USSR, Kazakhstan's bus system fell into serious decline. Old, slow buses and a sparse network created a niche that was quickly filled by share taxis.
They provide connectivity where a large bus would be uneconomical. This means that even small towns are not cut off from the rest of the world.
Importance in developing countries and the former USSR
The phenomenon of "marshrutkization" is typical of the entire post-Soviet region. It's the result of market deregulation and the entrepreneurial spirit of drivers seeking income in difficult times.
Today, this system is evolving – the arrival of InDrive Intercity digitizes this informal sector, introducing a touch of modernity to the traditional model.
Comparison with other forms of public transport
Characteristic | Train (KTZ) | Cruise Bus | Shared Taxi |
Price | Low/Medium | Very low | Average (more expensive than a bus, cheaper than a taxi) |
Speed | Slow (unless Talgo) | Very slowly | Fast (drivers drive dynamically) |
Availability | Limited (large cities) | Average (rigid distributions) | Very high (departures on a regular basis) |
Comfort | High (bed, toilet) | Low/Medium | Varied (tight, no toilet) |
Security | Very high | Medium | Low/Medium (driving style, road condition) |
Socio-cultural and historical context
Traveling by shared taxi in Kazakhstan is not just about getting from point A to point B. It is entering a specific social sphere where modernity mixes with tradition.
Heritage, specificity and local jargon
The current system is a direct result of the collapse of the centrally planned economy. The void left by the state-owned giants has been filled by the "wild capitalism" of small carriers.
Today, the state tries to regulate it, but the informal nature of the sector is deeply entrenched. In a shared taxi, you're part of a temporary community.
Helping ourselves to food, chatting about family and politics are commonplace. The driver is not just a service provider, but the "captain" of this small vessel for the duration of the voyage across the steppe.
A glossary that will make your life easier:
Showroom: The whole car (“Buy a showroom” = rent a whole car).
Mesto: Seating place ("Is there one mesto?").
Pyatachok (Пятачок): Informal taxi stand.
Bombila: A driver who moonlights on the left.
Kuda edem?: Where are we going?
Practical information for passengers
How to find a marshrutka, avoid getting ripped off, and survive the journey? Here are some battle-tested tips.
How to find and use a marshrutka
Forget about searching online (unless you use InDrive). You have to physically go to the station (hub).
Main Hubs:
Almaty: Sairan Station (west/south: Bishkek, Shymkent) and Sayahat (east: Kolsai, Charyn Canyon).
Astana: Saparzhay Railway Station .
Shymkent: Samal Station (to Tashkent) and Aina/Kolos (local).
Procedure on the square:
Ignore the first aggressive touts at the entrance.
Go deeper into the square to the parked cars.
Ask about the price and – most importantly – how many people are missing to make a full set .
Choose a car that's almost full (e.g., one person is missing). This guarantees a quick start.
Prices, payment and travel comfort
Payment: Always carry small change ( 500, 1000, 2000 tenge ). Drivers often don't have change. Payment is usually made before departure or at the gas station upon departure.
Comfort: In summer, make sure your air conditioning is working . This is rare in old junk, and in the steppe, temperatures can reach +40°C.
Restrooms: Be prepared for poor sanitary standards during rest stops ("slawojki"). Your own toilet paper and antibacterial gel are essential.
Tips for tourists and first-time travelers
Use InDrive Intercity: If the chaos of train stations is a concern, the "City to City" option in the InDrive app is a lifesaver. You can book a seat with pickup from your hotel and see the driver's ratings.
Negotiate assertively: The first price you see on the street is the "tourist price." Haggle with a smile but firmly.
Women's safety: Solo female travelers should choose cars with other women already in them ( "scarves" - older ladies) and avoid cars with only men.
Hand Signal: Don't give a thumbs-up sign! In Kazakhstan (and throughout Central Asia), a car stops by extending your arm horizontally and gently waving your hand downwards (also known as "flapping").
The share taxi system in Kazakhstan, despite its specificity, is absolutely essential for getting to know this country.
While it requires a bit of patience and an openness to local customs, it gives you the freedom to go where others don't. Treat this not as a nuisance, but as an integral part of your adventure on the Great Steppe.
FAQ: Taxis and Transport in Kazakhstan – Questions and Answers
Below you will find specific answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling by marshrutka and taxi in Kazakhstan, covering prices, safety, and local customs.
What's the difference between a marshrutka and a shared taxi? A marshrutka is typically a minibus that runs on a fixed route, while a shared taxi is a passenger car that departs after loading passengers.
Does Uber operate in Kazakhstan? Yes, but the market is dominated by the Russian app Yandex Go and the auction system InDrive.
The best way to pay for your ride is by QR code through the Kaspi app (or Alipay+ for tourists) or by cash in the local currency (tenge).
What does the term "full cabin" mean? It refers to the moment when all seats in the vehicle are occupied and the driver decides to begin driving.
Do shared taxis have a timetable? No, the vehicles depart dynamically when they are fully booked, which takes 15 minutes during peak hours and up to several hours outside peak hours.
How much does a taxi from Almaty airport to the city center cost? When booking through Yandex Go, the price is typically 2,500–5,000 KZT (about 20–40 PLN); street drivers can charge significantly more.
Can women travel safely alone? Yes, but it's recommended to choose seats in cars where other women are already traveling (so-called "scarves") or use official apps.
What is the "Two-Leg" border crossing system? It's a two-stage journey: a taxi takes you to the border, the passenger walks across, and then catches another ride to the destination city on the other side.
How to hail a taxi on the street? Hold your arm out horizontally and make a gentle downward flapping motion; no thumbs-up gestures.
Can I rent the entire car for myself? Yes, you only need to pay for all the seats (so-called "showroom purchase"), which guarantees privacy and immediate departure.
Why is the Toyota Alphard so popular? This luxury minivan from Japan offers incredibly comfortable, reclining seats, perfect for long journeys across the steppe.
Do drivers speak English? Very rarely, so it's worth knowing basic Russian phrases or having a translation app ready.
How does the InDrive app work? Passengers propose a price for the ride, and drivers can accept it or offer a higher rate in real time.
Do taxis have air conditioning? Newer cars (Alphard, Camry) usually do, but older minibuses and minibuses often lack it or don't turn it on.
What is a "bombila"? It's a colloquial term for a private car driver who earns extra money unofficially as a taxi driver.
Can I get off anywhere along the route? Yes, share taxi drivers will stop upon request at any safe point along the established route.
Which car should you choose for challenging country roads? Where the asphalt ends, Russian UAZs ("Buhanki") or 4x4s are best.
Do I have to tip the driver? It's not required, especially if the price was negotiated before the ride ("fixed price").
Where do taxis to Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek) depart from? In Almaty, the main hub for this destination is Sairan Bus Station.
Do taxis have seat belts? The front seats usually have them, but the rear seats in older vehicles often lack them or are hidden.
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