How to get to Zhezkazgan

Zhezkazgan, located in the very heart of Kazakhstan, is a major industrial centre and an excellent starting point for exploring the sacred sites of the Ulytau region. If you are planning a visit to Zhezkazgan, a well-developed transport network is at your service, allowing you to choose the optimal route by plane, train, or car. Below, we detail how to reach Zhezkazgan with maximum comfort, ensuring your acquaintance with the boundless steppes begins without any hassle.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Zhezkazgan is by air. The city has its own airport (IATA code: DZN), which provides regular air connections to the key transport hubs of Kazakhstan.

Direct flights are most frequently operated from Astana and Almaty. The flight takes very little time, allowing you to avoid a long journey across the steppe and save your energy for excursions. The air terminal is located in close proximity to the city, so a transfer to your hotel or the central streets by taxi will take literally 15–20 minutes.

For those who prefer the romance of rail travel, a trip to Zhezkazgan will be a comfortable and memorable journey. The city has a railway station that receives direct trains from the country's largest cities, including Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda. This allows you to reach your destination without unnecessary transfers or logistical difficulties.

Travel time can be significant due to the vast scale of Kazakhstan's territory; however, modern carriages provide the necessary amenities for passengers. Travelling by train offers a unique opportunity to witness the changing landscapes outside the window and feel the majesty of the steppe expanses even before arriving in the city. From the station building, you can easily reach the central districts or your hotel by taxi or public transport.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring provinces, offering travellers a budget-friendly way to enjoy the rugged landscapes of the Great Steppe. One of the key directions is the route from Kyzylorda: the bus covers a distance of about 430 kilometres in approximately 8–10 hours, allowing you to observe the shifting natural scenery. Tourists coming from Baikonur should note that direct trips may be unavailable, so it is better to plan the journey with a transfer in Kyzylorda.

For those located closer, a convenient option is travelling from Zhairem — this path is significantly shorter and takes just a couple of hours. The Zhezkazgan bus station is conveniently located relative to the centre, so upon arrival, you can easily get to your hotel via local taxi. Given the significant distances, schedules may change, so it is worth checking the current departure times and ticket availability at the bus station ticket offices in advance.

The driving route from Kyzylorda to Zhezkazgan runs through picturesque, albeit rugged, expanses: covering 430 kilometres along the A17 highway usually takes about 6–7 hours. Those departing from the famous Baikonur should allocate the entire daylight day for the road, as the 670-kilometre journey will require no less than 9 hours of driving, taking into account transit through the regional centre.

You can get there much faster from the settlement of Zhairem — a trip covering a distance of about 90 kilometres will take just an hour and a half. If you prefer a taxi, private carriers offer their services at the exits of populated areas; the cost of a seat is usually quite affordable, but it is best to agree on the price with the driver beforehand.

A trip to Zhezkazgan requires some preparation, considering its location in a zone with a sharply continental climate and its distance from other major centres. To ensure your stay in the city is comfortable and safe, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations.

• Climate and Gear: The weather in the steppe is changeable and harsh. Summers here are sweltering and dry, so headwear, sunglasses, and a supply of water are mandatory. Winters are frosty and very windy — warm windproof clothing, thermal underwear, and reliable footwear are necessary.
• Transport: Although buses run within the city, the most convenient and fastest way to get around remains the taxi. Prices for trips are quite reasonable, and both local dispatch services and popular mobile ride-hailing apps operate here.
• Finances: You can pay by bank card in supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. However, for purchases at markets, small convenience stores, or for paying fares, it is always better to carry small cash denominations.
• Water and Health: Drinking tap water is not recommended due to its high hardness and specific mineral composition; it is better to purchase bottled water in shops.
• Language Environment: The Russian language is widely spoken and understood by the absolute majority of the local population, so communication problems will not arise. Few people speak English, mostly the youth or staff at major hotels.
• Local Traditions: In Kazakhstan, it is customary to treat elders with special respect. Please give up your seat to elderly people on public transport and maintain politeness in communication.
• Safety Outside the City: Do not embark on independent trips far into the steppe without thorough preparation. The distances here are vast, and mobile coverage often disappears outside the city. Be sure to inform friends about your route, charge your phone, and take a supply of water and food.
• Space Context: Zhezkazgan is historically called the "cosmic harbour," as descent modules often land in this region. We recommend visiting Cosmonauts Boulevard and the Historical and Archaeological Museum to learn more about this unique feature of the city.