Almaty Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Almaty Metro Information

The second metro system to open in Central Asia after the Tashkent Metro in Uzbekistan, the Almaty Metro is a rapid transit metro system operating in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. After nearly two decades, the Almaty Metro opened to the public on 1 December 2011. Currently, there is only one metro line with a length of 11 kilometres, serving 9 stations. The Almaty Metro has an annual ridership of approximately 6.56 million. If all goes according to plan, the Almaty metro will be a huge metro system of about 45 kilometres in length. It is considered to be one of the cleanest and most beautiful metro systems in the world, with marble floors and artwork adorning the walls of the stations.

The Almaty Metro system is an integral part of the city’s daily commute and serves 30,000 passengers daily. The metro operates from 6:00 to 00:00 (M-D) and provides reliable service throughout the day.

Details of air conditioning, the ability to walk between platforms, the presence of driverless trains and screen doors on platforms are not specified.

The metro provides an average speed of 40km/h. The cost of a journey is a reasonable 80 Tenge. The entire system is efficiently managed by Almatymetrokurylys / Hyundai.

Almaty Metro Map

Map of Almaty Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Almaty Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Almaty Metro has a total length of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles). There is currently a single line with 9 stations. However, an expansion project is underway that will extend the metro by 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) and add 19 stations by 2025.

There are also plans for a second line with 10 stations to complement the existing line. The new line will be identified by the colour green, while the existing line will continue to be identified by the colour red.

Stations of the Almaty Metro

Raiymbek Batyr (Райымбек батыра): Opened on 1 December 2011, this station is located between Furmanov Street and Raiymbek Avenue. Its construction was aimed at merging the city’s present with its history.
Zhibek Zholy (Жибек Жолы): Located below Panfilov Street, between Zhibek Zholy and Gogol Streets, this station’s name pays homage to the ancient Silk Road that once traversed the country. Its interior features traditional Kazakh urban decoration, including beige marble walls decorated with artificial rock elements. The station opened to the public on 1 December 2011.
Almaly (Алмалы): Inaugurated on 1 December 2011, this station is located under Furmanov Street, between Bogenbai Batyr and Kabanbay Batyr streets. The walls, covered with marble mosaics, represent the pride of the nation.
Abay (Абая): Located at the intersection of Abay Avenue and Furmanov Street, this station has a remarkable artistic flair. Florentine mosaics, marbled walls, brown granite floors and bronze reliefs telling the history of the area add to its grandeur. The station opened on 1 December 2011.
Baikonur (Байконур): Located under Abay Avenue, between Masanchi and Baitursynov Streets, this station has a high-tech design that pays homage to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Inaugurated on 1 December 2011, the station features blue and light grey metal walls and a giant 16-panel LED screen.
Auezov Theatre (Театр имени Мухтара Ауэзова): Located below Abay Avenue at the intersection of Zhandosova Street, this station is a testament to national pride. Opened on 1 December 2011, it features wall and column decorations, medallions and a fascinating mosaic at the end of the platform.
Alatau (Алатау): Located south of Abay Avenue, between Gagarin Avenue and Zharokov Street, this station opened on 1 December 2011. Its design aims to embody the ancient traditions of Kazakhstan, with white and green marble wall decorations and Roman-style mosaics at the end of the platform.
Sayran (Сайран): Located below Abay Avenue, between Brusilovski and Tlendiev Streets, this station is named after the nearby Sayran Reservoir. It was one of the latest additions to the Almaty Metro, opening on 18 April 2015.
Moskva (Москва): Located under Abay Avenue in the Auezov neighbourhood, between Utegen Batyr and Altynsarin streets, this station pays tribute to Almaty’s positive relations with Russia. Its name, ‘Moskva’, is the Russian name for Moscow. The station was opened on 18 April 2015.

Schedule

The Almaty Metro operates from 6.20am to 11.30pm, although the exact time of arrival of the first train varies from station to station.

The metro system operates seven trains to meet passenger demand. On weekdays, there is a train every 10 minutes. During rush hours, the frequency increases to one train every 8 minutes to prevent overcrowding. At weekends, trains run every 15 minutes. LED screens in the boarding areas show the time remaining until the next train arrives.

Trains travel at an average speed of 40 km/h, with the first journey from the depot to Raiymbek Batyr station taking 16 minutes.

The first train arrives at each station according to the schedule below.

Raiymbek Batyr (Райымбек батыра): The first train to Moscow arrives at 6:24.

Zhibek Zholy (Жибек Жолы): The first train to Raiymbek batyr arrives at this station at 6:49 a.m. In the opposite direction, to Moskva, it arrives at 6:27 a.m.

Almaly (Алмалы): The first train to Raiymbek batyr arrives at this station at 6:46 a.m. The first train to Moskva arrives at 6:29 a.m.

Abay (Абая): The first train to Raiymbek Batyr arrives at 6:46 a.m. The train to Moskva arrives at 6:29 a.m.

Baikonur (Байконур): The first train to Raiymbek Batyr arrives at 6:41 a.m., and the train to Moskva arrives at 6:35 a.m.

Auezov Theatre (Театр имени Мухтара Ауэзова): The first train to Raiymbek Batyr arrives at this station at 6:38 a.m. In the opposite direction, to Moscow, it arrives at 6:27 a.m.

Alatau (Алатау): The first train to Raiymbek Batyr arrives at this station at 6:36 a.m. The train to Moscow arrives at 6:29 a.m.

Sayran (Сайран): The first train to Raiymbek batyr arrives at 6:32 a.m. The train to Moskva arrives at 6:33 a.m.

Moskva (Москва): The first train to Raiymbek Batyr arrives at this station at 6.30am.

Fees

Passengers of Almaty Metro can pay with prepaid cards or with disposable or reusable tokens. Both prepaid cards and tokens can be purchased from smart fare machines located at each station.

A standard trip costs 80 tenges or 80 KZT (approx. USD 0.24), whether it’s a simple yellow ticket or charged to a prepaid card. A prepaid card costs KZT 100 (about USD 0.30) and is valid for three years.

The card, which is MasterCard certified for security, is guaranteed to work efficiently at the turnstiles. It can be recharged for up to 60 journeys and when it expires it must be replaced by contacting a metro operator.

Reusable tickets can be used throughout the day by simply topping up at smart fare machines.

For children between the ages of 7 and 15, the fare is KZT 40 (about USD 0.12). The cards and the corresponding tickets are coloured red. Minors must present a certified copy of their birth certificate or a student card. Without the necessary documents, they must pay the standard fare without exception. Children under the age of 7 travel free of charge.

Future expansions

An extension of Line 1 to the west is currently underway, with four additional commercial stations that will add 8.64 kilometres (5.37 miles) to the existing line. The first two are scheduled to open between 2018 and 2019, with the remaining two expected to open between 2020 and 2021.

Line 1 will also be extended northwards, adding six new stations to the network. It will cover an additional 8.76 kilometres (5.44 miles) and will be the only ground-level line on the route. Work is expected to start in 2022 and be completed by 2025.

A second line with 10 stations is also part of the city’s plans: Duman, Central Park, Dostyk, Zheltoksan, Baitursynuly, Auezova, Tau 2, Zhandosova, Kablukova and Orbit. Work on this line is expected to begin between 2024 and 2026 and to be completed by 2035.

A third line is also in the pipeline, with design expected to start in 2025 and construction to be completed by 2030.

There are also plans for a circular line, but the exact start date has yet to be decided. Design work could start in 2035, followed by construction, but not before the first three lines are completed.

Connection to the airport

The Almaty Metro does not have a direct connection to Almaty International Airport. In particular, there is no metro station at the airport terminal. However, there are several bus lines, such as lines 86, 106, 79 and 92, that serve the airport. These routes depart from the Sayakhat bus station in the city centre, near Almaty railway station.

From the north, near Raiymbek Batyr station, you can take the metro for a standard ticket price of 80 KZT ($US 0.24) and board the train to Moscow. The Sayakhat bus stop is two metro stops away, on the surface above the metro. From here you can take bus no. 86, 106, 79 or 92 for 70 KZT ($US 0.21). The journey from the city centre to the airport takes approximately 40 minutes, during which you can enjoy views of the city and surrounding countryside.

From the airport to the city centre, there is a bus stop 400 metres (about a 5-minute walk) from the main terminal. Buses 86, 106, 79 and 92 provide direct service to the city centre and stop at the Almaty Metro station. Note that this is the Almaty 1 route, as there is also an Almaty 2 bus terminal outside the city.

Alternatively, taxis are available from the airport and car rental companies offer a quicker and more comfortable option. The cost of a taxi is incredibly reasonable given the exchange rate.

Regulations

The Almaty Metro has a number of rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for all passengers. These rules have been implemented to maintain the architectural integrity of the city’s metro system and to promote safe and courteous behaviour among passengers. The following are the standard rules of use and behaviour within the system:

Baggage, including suitcases and handbags, should be carried with care so as not to inconvenience other passengers. Security staff have the right to remove luggage from the metro if it is not handled carefully.
Passengers with large rucksacks should carry them at their side or in front of their body.
Animals are not allowed on the Underground. Certain exceptions may be made in the case of injuries that require a passenger to be accompanied by an animal.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in metro trains and stations.
The transport of chemicals or naturally flammable objects is not allowed within the system’s facilities. Failure to comply may result in fines or legal action.
Passengers must keep a safe distance from the yellow line on the platform. Standing too close to the tracks may result in removal from the station.
Consumption of alcohol on Metro premises or entering the system under the influence of alcohol is prohibited and will be prosecuted by the city authorities.
Consumption of or being under the influence of illegal drugs on metro premises is strictly prohibited and will be prosecuted by the city authorities.
Running on station escalators or platforms is not permitted and offenders may be reprimanded.
To avoid inconvenience to other passengers, passengers should try to fold prams and pushchairs before entering stations.
In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, passengers should follow the instructions of the operational staff.
When moving around stations, passengers should move to the right to facilitate movement for all.
Headphones must be used with any music media device to avoid disturbing other passengers.
In order to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of the stations, passengers are not allowed to sit or lie on the grounds surrounding the metro facilities.
Unauthorised placement of posters, banners or leaflets on station walls and trains is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate fines.

Notable facts

Almaty Metro’s prepaid cards bear a striking resemblance to standard credit cards, both bearing a serial number and the MasterCard logo.
When Line 1 was inaugurated in 2011, the Russian Embassy suggested that some of the stations be named Brateevo to commemorate the historic battle fought by the Soviets in 1941. However, the city authorities decided instead to name one of the metro stations Moskova (Moscow) to symbolise the community between the two communities.
Unlike most of the world’s metro systems, which offer special facilities for the elderly or disabled, Almaty’s metro currently has no such provisions. However, officials have expressed their intention to develop some special plans in the future. Currently, children under the age of 7 can travel free on the metro.

Tourist attractions

In the heart of the city, not far from Zhibek Zholy railway station, stands the enchanting Cathedral of the Assumption. This stunning architectural marvel is famous for its great altar, adorned with striking images of saints. With its mesmerising exterior and lush surrounding gardens, the cathedral stands as a beacon of beauty and tranquillity in the midst of the bustling metropolis. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the aesthetic appeal of the building alone is worth a visit.

Nearby, just outside Abay railway station, is the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. This prestigious institution hosts a wide range of scientific and academic events throughout the year. The outdoor fountain in front of the Academy provides a tranquil spot for thoughtful contemplation, perfectly complementing the intellectual atmosphere of the building. Whether you choose to spend the afternoon absorbed in a good book or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while observing the nuances of Kazakh daily life, this academic enclave offers a uniquely enriching experience.