Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Almaty Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
I didn’t actually sleep in the building and they’d probably turf anyone out that was silly enough to try. -chris
ALA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Almaty International Airport.
What to Expect
Almaty Airport (code: ALA) is divided into two smaller terminals, International and Domestic, which are not connected on the airside. Travellers have reported long security lines (arrive early!) and a significant language barrier. Facilities are basic, with a few shops and eateries. WiFi is free, but connecting to it can be tricky. For added comfort, economy-class travellers flying internationally can pay to enter a business lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for its location and access information.
Sleeping in Almaty Airport
The airport is busiest at night when most flights depart and arrive. The seating is limited, so few comfortable sleeping options are available. Reviewers also mention a lack of cleanliness.
Locations & Seating
Unfortunately, there are no recommended comfortable seating or sleeping options. One reviewer states that airport officers prevent passengers from sleeping or stretching out on the seats or even floors.
For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer a shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info, or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Almaty Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Almaty Airport:
- Aksunkar Hotel – The hotel is a 3-minute walk to the airport. The hotel offers an airport shuttle service. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Almaty Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!
- Almaty International Business Lounge – Location: Airside, 1st Floor, located after Security Checks and Passport Control. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- VIP Lounge – Location: Unknown. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (Rates: 30,000 Tenge for the Departures Lounge and 22,750 Tenge for the Arrivals Lounge. Rates are per person.)
Related Pages: Almaty Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
At the time of this update, we did not have information about water bottle refill stations or drinking fountains. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Mobile Charging
A reader tells us “There are few opportunities to charge your mobile devices landside. There are some outlets randomly along the walls that can be used. There is also a Beeline counter on the Departures floor (up the escalators on the landside) that has 6 outlets available for people to use.” (September 2023)
Food & Drinks
The airport is open 24 hours but none of the shopping or dining options are. There are a few different restaurants and cafes that operate on varying schedules. Vending machines are available on the 1st and 2nd Floors.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is available. Location: 1st Floor.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Showers
Showers are not available.
Airport WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Almaty Airport. Connect to the “AIRPORT_Almaty” network. You will need to provide a mobile phone number in order to receive a PIN via SMS.
Staff
Reviewers have mentioned that staff can be corrupt and demand bribes for various reasons. One reviewer mentioned being unable to sleep due to an officer pestering him and repeatedly asking to see an ID and boarding pass.
Safety & Security
We have reports of corrupt staff demanding bribes. It’s always best to keep your wits about you, and if you’re not feeling safe, opt for an extra cup of coffee and sleep on the plane! Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay alert, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: 1st Floor.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available.
Currency Exchange – Foreign exchange services are available. Locations: Second Floor.
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free is available, as well as a small selection of shops (magazines, souvenirs, etc.).
Family Services – A mother and child room is available. The airport also offers baby strollers for use within the terminal, free of charge.
Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Information Desk – Need help finding your way? An information desk is available.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Wrapping – Wrapping service is available.
Medical Services – A First Aid office is open 24 hours.
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Pharmacy – Location: 1st and 2nd Floors. Hours: open 24 hours.
Prayer Room – A prayer room is available.
Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
WiFi / Internet – see “WiFi / Internet” above.
Last updated: 2024-02-05
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.