How to get to Kokshetau

Situated in the north of Kazakhstan, the cosy and green city of Kokshetau is known as an important cultural centre and the main gateway to the famous lakes of the Burabay resort. If you are planning a visit to this city, a developed transport network is at your service: you can fly here comfortably by plane, arrive by train, or travel by bus or private car. The choice of route depends entirely on your budget and preferences, as every road opens up its own views of the picturesque steppe landscapes.

The fastest way to reach Kokshetau is by air. The city is served by Kokshetau International Airport (KOV), located just a few kilometres from the centre, ensuring easy access to key locations for travellers. Regular flights connect this transport hub with major cities in Kazakhstan and select international destinations.

As an alternative for planning your route, you might consider flying into neighbouring regions if direct tickets are unavailable. Tourists often choose the airport in Astana, which is approximately 275 kilometres away and receives numerous international flights. Petropavlovsk is also located relatively close by, from where you can comfortably continue your journey by land.

Rail travel is a reliable and popular way to get to Kokshetau. The city is served by the Kokshetau-1 station, which is a major transport hub in the north of the country. Direct trains regularly arrive here from Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and other major cities, as well as transit trains from neighbouring states.

Travelling by train is particularly convenient due to its predictability and the option to choose your level of comfort: from standard carriages to modern high-speed express trains. The station building is conveniently located relative to the city infrastructure, allowing tourists to quickly reach their hotel by taxi or public transport immediately after stepping onto the platform.

Bus services connect Kokshetau with neighbouring regions, offering travellers a budget-friendly and convenient method of transport. The most popular route runs from the capital: the trip from Astana usually takes about 3–4 hours. During this time, the bus covers a distance of approximately 300 kilometres along a high-quality highway, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the calming views of the boundless steppes of Kazakhstan.

Trips from other settlements in the region are no less in demand. The journey from Petropavlovsk, located to the north, lasts about 3 hours, as the cities are separated by less than 200 kilometres. Regular connections are also established with the city of Atbasar and other district centres, making the bus an accessible option for spontaneous trips around the region.

Travelling by car across Kazakhstan offers a sense of freedom and opens up magnificent views of the vast steppe expanses. The most popular and comfortable route leads from Astana: along a quality multi-lane highway, you will cover 300 kilometres in approximately 3–3.5 hours. If you are heading from the north, the road from Petropavlovsk will take even less time — about 2.5 hours for a distance of 190 kilometres along the A1 highway.

It is also convenient to get to Kokshetau from Atbasar: the distance is just under 200 kilometres, and the travel time usually does not exceed 3 hours. For those who do not plan to drive themselves, an intercity taxi is an excellent option, which is easily found at stations or through popular online services. The cost of the trip remains quite reasonable, especially if you choose the format of sharing a ride with fellow travellers, which is common here and allows you to split fuel costs.

Preparing for your trip to Kokshetau will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and focus on your holiday. To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, we have compiled several useful recommendations relevant to this region.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate here is sharply continental, so the weather can be changeable. In winter, be sure to bring thermal wear, warm boots, and a windproof jacket, as temperatures often drop below -20°C. In summer, light clothing made from natural fabrics is useful, but be sure to bring a light jacket for cool evenings and protection from steppe winds.
2. Transport: It is convenient to move around the city by bus; the route network covers all main districts and stations. For greater comfort and to save time, we recommend using popular mobile taxi apps — they work reliably, and ride prices remain very reasonable.
3. Finances: The national currency is the Tenge. Supermarkets, shopping centres, hotels, and restaurants widely accept bank cards and contactless payments. However, it is better to carry some cash for paying fares on public transport or for purchases at small local markets.
4. Health and Safety: The city is calm and safe for tourists, but observing basic precautions is always wise. Pharmacies are frequently found and stay open late. Emergency medical assistance can be called by dialling 103, and the police by dialling 102.
5. Communication: The Russian language is widely spoken and understood by the absolute majority of locals, so communication issues are unlikely. The state language is Kazakh. English is spoken primarily by young people and staff at major hotels, so an offline translator on your smartphone may be useful for complex conversations.
6. Local Etiquette: Traditions in Kazakhstan imply deep respect for elders: it is customary to give up your seat on transport and let them pass first. Greetings between men are usually accompanied by a handshake. Hospitality is also highly valued here, so a polite attitude towards the local culture will always be met with gratitude.
7. What to Avoid: It is not recommended to drink tap water; it is safer to buy bottled water in shops. Also, try to avoid travelling to remote steppe areas alone without a navigation device and a fuel reserve, especially in winter when snowstorms are possible.
8. Trips Out of Town: Be sure to set aside a day to visit the Burabay (Borovoye) resort zone, which is just an hour's drive away. This is the region's main natural attraction, featuring lakes and picturesque rock formations, easily accessible by commuter train or minibus directly from the city.

By following these simple tips, you can feel confident and get the most pleasure from exploring this hospitable land. May your journey be easy, safe, and full of vivid impressions!