Almaty-1 Railway Station Luggage Storage

Almaty-1 Station at 1 Stantsionnaya Street receives trains from Astana, Pavlodar, and Uralsk. The current schedule can be tracked online on Tutu.travel and Tickets.kz websites, which allows you to check the flight status before leaving home.

Information boards inside the station building are located in the main hall above the ticket offices and near the platform exits.

Tickets can be purchased online through Tickets.kz, Tutu.ru, Aviata.kz, and Chocotravel.kz services, where convenient QR codes for boarding are also generated. If you prefer the traditional method, tickets are sold at the station ticket offices for cash or by card upon presentation of a passport.

Note that purchasing tickets 90 days before departure often provides an opportunity to get the maximum discount.

Kazakhstan’s trains offer several car classes so everyone can choose the right option:

• Platzkart: open cars with 54–56 seats, the most budget-friendly option (from $4).
• Kupe: closed four-seat compartments for more privacy (from $10).
• SV/Lux: two-seat compartments with an increased level of comfort.
• Talgo: high-speed trains with three subclasses: Tourist (4 seats), Business (2 seats), and Grand (2 seats with shower).

The cost of lower berths is generally higher than upper ones, especially in platzkart and kupe.

Tickets can be returned no later than one hour before the train’s departure from the initial station, depending on the ticket purchase service.

The refund amount depends on the cancellation time:

1. More than 24 hours before departure — full price is refunded.
2. From 6 to 24 hours before departure — 50% of the price is refunded.
3. Less than one hour before departure — 30% of the price is refunded.

If you miss your train, within one hour after its departure you can contact the ticket office with your passport and ticket to arrange a partial refund. It is recommended to arrive at the platforms 30 minutes before departure to calmly pass inspection and find your seat.

The station is located in the Turksib district, approximately 20 minutes drive northeast of the city center. There is no direct metro connection to the station. The nearest station, ““Raiymbek Batyr,”” is located at Almaty-2 Station.

From Almaty Airport (ALA) to Almaty-1 Station, it is most convenient to take a taxi; the trip will take about 25 minutes.

Public Transport to Almaty-1 Station

Many public transport routes run to the “Almaty-1” or “Abylai Khan” stops. This is the most economical way to get to the station.

Among them are several key routes that may be especially useful for tourists:

• Bus №41: runs from the station to the airport (the stop is located 300 meters away on Rikharda Zorge Street).
• Bus №71: will take you to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and the famous Green Bazaar.
• Trolleybus №7: goes to Mega Park shopping center, Almaty Museum, and the Botanical Garden.

You can pay for the fare in several ways. The most cost-effective is with the “Oңай!” transport card or via QR code in the ONAY app; the trip costs 100 tenge. Cash payment to the driver will cost more, 200 tenge.

The “Oңai!” card itself can be purchased at kiosks near metro stations and topped up through terminals or online. Public transport stops are located 200–300 meters from the station entrances; look for signs to Ablay Khan and Stantsionnaya streets.

Taxi and Private Car

For trips around the city, it is convenient to use taxi services through apps, such as Yandex.Taxi or Uber. The cost of a trip around the city starts from approximately 400 ₸. A trip from the airport will cost 5000–8000 ₸ for economy class.

During rush hours, from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00, travel time may increase, so plan your departure in advance. At the main entrance from Stantsionnaya Street, there are zones for short-term stops, and there is also a 24-hour parking lot.

The station has automatic luggage storage lockers offering three sizes of lockers: standard, medium, and large. They are located in the main hall, to the right of the entrance, near the information desk.

You can pay for the service by cash or card through a terminal located near the lockers. Storage lockers prohibit leaving perishable products, weapons, and other hazardous substances. The maximum storage period is 30 days.

Prices may vary depending on occupancy and season.

Qeepl Luggage Storage Service

As a modern alternative, travelers can use the international luggage storage service Qeepl. It operates on the principle of the sharing economy, allowing you to store luggage at a network of reliable partner locations such as hotels, cafes, and shops.

The booking process is completely online and very simple. On the Qeepl website or app, select the city and find the nearest storage point to Almaty-1 Station. Specify the number of bags and desired time. The exact address and all necessary information will become available immediately after payment of the booking.

To store luggage, depending on the selected location, show the staff the QR code from your confirmation or use it to open an automatic locker. The storage cost starts from ₸2,499 per bag. Each piece of luggage is insured for up to ₸100,000 against loss, theft, or damage, and the insurance is already included in the price. Cash payment on site is excluded.

Comparison with Traditional Luggage Storage

The main difference between partner services and traditional luggage storage lies in flexibility and convenience. Online booking takes just a couple of minutes and eliminates waiting in queues, especially during rush hours.

While station lockers may have limited operating hours, many partner locations are available until late evening. In addition, the partner network allows you to choose a storage location not only near the station but also near attractions or hotels, making logistics more convenient.

The station building, built in 1974 and renovated in 2007, has a simple and clear structure. The first floor is the operational area with ticket offices, a waiting room, and an information desk. The second and third floors house rest areas and food courts.

Exits to two platforms are located at the underground level, accessed by special tunnels. Station maps are displayed on stands near the entrances. Passengers have access to all necessary services, including mother and child rooms, waiting rooms, shops, cafes, ATMs, a pharmacy, and a medical station.

The official address of the station is: 1 Stantsionnaya Street. The 24-hour information service is available at the single number “105”.

At the entrance to the station building, there is mandatory screening of luggage and passengers. The procedure includes the use of X-ray scanners and metal detectors. The territory is patrolled around the clock by transport police officers.

The station is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: all entrances have ramps, and there are elevators in the building. For assistance with luggage or escort, you can contact the information desk or call “105”.

For personal safety, keep documents and valuables in inside pockets and watch your luggage. On platforms, do not cross the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop. Smoking throughout the station is strictly prohibited; violations are subject to fines.

Several minutes’ drive from Almaty-1 Station, there are many interesting places. To explore them light-handed, without being burdened by suitcases, travelers will find it convenient to use the Qeepl service for luggage storage during city walks.

Here are some attractions worth visiting:

• Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Here is the famous Ascension Cathedral, built of wood, as well as the Glory Memorial with the Eternal Flame.
• Green Bazaar. A colorful market where you can buy fresh local products, including the famous Almaty “aport” apples.
• Central Mosque. One of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, opened in 1999, is located near the bazaar.
• Kok-Tobe Hill. You can go up here by cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and visit the Beatles monument.

As for accommodation, there are options for every budget near the station. Apple Hostel is suitable for budget travelers, Royal Park Hotel offers three-star comfort, and Rahat Palace Hotel provides more premium conditions.

When ordering a taxi from the station to the hotel, use official apps such as Yandex.Taxi or Uber to get a fixed rate and avoid overpayment.