How to get to Balkhash

When planning a journey through Kazakhstan, many tourists wonder how to get to Balkhash — a city located on the picturesque coast of a unique lake. This destination attracts travellers with the opportunity for seaside relaxation and fishing, and you can get here by various means: by plane, train, bus, or private car. Before travelling to Balkhash, it is worth exploring the available routes to choose the most comfortable option to begin your adventure.

The quickest way to reach the coast is by air. The city has its own airport, Balkhash (BXH), which receives regular domestic flights. Most often, tourists arrive here via direct flights from the country's major aviation hubs — Almaty and Astana.

The flight takes on average about one and a half hours, which allows you to save significant time compared to ground transport. The terminal is located just a few kilometres from the city limits, so a transfer by taxi to the city centre or the recreation areas will take only a few minutes.

Travelling by train is a popular and affordable way to get to Balkhash. Unlike many remote corners of the country, railway connections are well-developed here. There are two stations functioning within the city limits — Balkhash-1 and Balkhash-2, which regularly receive passenger trains.

You can arrive here from major cities in Kazakhstan, such as Karaganda, Astana, and Almaty. The trip will take longer than a flight, but it will save your budget and allow you to enjoy views of the endless steppes from the window. From the stations, it is easy to get to the city centre or directly to the resorts on the lake coast by taxi or local public transport.

Bus services connect the lake coast with neighbouring regions, turning the road into an atmospheric journey through the endless steppes of Kazakhstan. One of the most in-demand and convenient routes is the service from Karaganda: comfortable buses cover the distance of about 380 kilometres in an average of 5–6 hours.

You can also reach the city from Taldykorgan, from where the journey takes about 8–10 hours, or from the settlement of Zhairem. All intercity buses arrive at the city bus station, from where travellers can easily take a taxi to any hotel or recreation centre in Balkhash.

Travelling by car to the lake offers a sense of total freedom amidst the vast steppe expanses. The most popular and comfortable route runs from Karaganda: the distance of 380 kilometres along the M-36 highway is usually covered in 4–5 hours of calm driving. If you are departing from the settlement of Zhairem, the journey of about 370 kilometres will take around 5–6 hours and allow you to see non-tourist corners of the region.

The road from Taldykorgan requires more time and endurance, as you will have to drive over 500 kilometres, which usually takes from 7 to 9 hours depending on the condition of the road surface. For those who do not plan to drive, an excellent alternative is an intercity taxi: drivers often pick up fellow travellers at stations, and the cost of a seat in the car starts on average from 5,000–7,000 tenge.

A trip to Balkhash requires a little preparation to ensure your holiday on the shores of this unique lake is as comfortable as possible. We have compiled useful recommendations to help you plan your journey, avoid minor inconveniences, and feel confident in any situation.

1. Clothing and Climate. Summers here are hot and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding +30°C, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing made of natural fabrics. However, due to steppe winds, evenings can be cool — a light windbreaker or hoodie will be useful. If you are travelling in winter, prepare for severe frosts and piercing winds.
2. Transport. The city is small, and public transport is provided by buses, but they are not always convenient for tourists due to service intervals. The optimal way to get around is by taxi. Popular ride-hailing apps and local services operate here, and prices for trips around the city are quite reasonable. For distant recreation areas, it is better to arrange a transfer in advance.
3. Finances and Payment. The national currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge. In supermarkets, hotels, and cafes in the city centre, bank cards are accepted without issues. However, for visiting markets, small shops near the beach, or paying for taxis, it is strongly recommended to carry cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety. The main challenges for a tourist at the lake are the active steppe sun and insects. Be sure to use cream with a high SPF and bring quality repellents for mosquitoes and midges, which can be numerous near the water, especially in the evening. There are pharmacies in the city, but it is better to bring specific medicines with you.
5. Communication. There is no language barrier for Russian-speaking tourists: the Russian language is widely spoken and understood everywhere. The state language is Kazakh. Not everyone knows English, so it is better to rely on Russian when communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. The people of Kazakhstan are famous for their hospitality. It is customary to treat elders with respect. Although this is a resort zone, in the city itself (in shops, public parks), please dress modestly and avoid walking around in swimwear or trunks — keep beachwear strictly for the coast.
7. What to Avoid. It is not recommended to drink tap water; it is better to buy bottled water in shops. Also, avoid swimming in unequipped places, especially near the city's industrial zones, to avoid injury from the rocky bottom or construction debris.
8. Culinary Advice. While in the city, be sure to try the local fish. Smoked asp, catfish, or pike-perch are considered the gastronomic calling card of the region. You can buy fish at the city market or try it in local cafes.

Observing these simple rules will help you focus on the main thing — enjoying the warm waters of the lake and the atmosphere of the steppe land. May your journey leave only pleasant and vivid memories!