Almaty Airport Guide

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.

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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 the floors.

For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer a shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Almaty Airport Guide.

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.

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.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

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.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are limited on-site and nearby hotel options.

Inside the Airport

CAPS LOCK Airport Hotel – Location: Landside, 1st Floor. This capsule-style hotel offers compact sleeping pods with bedding, lighting, and ventilation, suited to short stays or layovers. Rooms are typically bookable by the hour or for overnight use. Rates: unknown.

Near the Airport

Aksunkar Hotel – Mid-range hotel within walking distance of the terminal. Airport shuttle available.
Radisson Blue Hotel, Almaty Airport (1.7 mi) Upscale hotel.

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.

Terminal 1

Extime VIP Lounge (Domestic Departures) – Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Ground Floor, with a separate entrance near the main terminal entrance. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid booking • VIP service. Includes private check-in/security processing and escort services for departing domestic passengers.

Extime VIP Lounge (Domestic Arrivals) – Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Ground Floor, Domestic Arrivals. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid booking • VIP service. Advance booking is required.

Terminal 2

The Shanyraq Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 201. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Air Astana Business Class passengers • Nomad Club Diamond and Gold members travelling on eligible Air Astana international flights.

Extime Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, Mezzanine Floor, after passport control and security. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (fee may apply). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • DragonPass • LoungeKey • DreamFolks • TAV Passport • Eligible airline premium passengers.

Food & Drinks

The terminal is open 24 hours, but most restaurants and shops do not operate overnight. Dining options run on limited and varying schedules. Vending machines are available on the 1st and 2nd Floors.

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.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is available. Location: 1st Floor.

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) Another reader tells us, “T2 has counters with charging stations on the airside. Note these do not use USB sockets – people will need their electrical adapter and USB converter to connect their device.” (March 2026)

Showers

Public showers are not available. A few lounges offer showers. See Airport Lounges.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “AIRPORT_Almaty” network. A mobile phone number is required to receive an SMS PIN for access.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities and Things to do at the Airport

This is a small airport. There is not much going for it, so bring your own comfort and entertainment. The following is a list of services and facilities available at Almaty Airport:

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit when travelling internationally.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available.
Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange services are available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping and a small selection of shops selling magazines, souvenirs, and basic items are available.
Family Services – A mother and child room is available. Baby strollers can also be borrowed for use within the terminal at no charge.
Information Desk – An information desk is available for general assistance.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available.
Medical Services – A first aid office operates 24 hours.
Pharmacy – A pharmacy is available and operates 24 hours.
Prayer Room – A prayer room is available.

Airlines

Almaty Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot • Air Arabia • Air Astana • Flydubai • Flyarystan • Lufthansa • Qazaq Air • SCAT • Sky Up • Somon Air • Uzbekistan AirAirlines, • Turkish Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Almaty Airport is served by city bus routes #92 and #3 (only at night)

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available on-site: Bay Tau Rent Company, Caspian Rent-A-Car, Dixie, Europcar, Evrasia Car, Garage Taxi Rental, Navigator Auto Rental and Prokatis KZ.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

BlueSkyEnergy provides electric taxi service from Almaty Airport to the city. Rates: 200 tenge per KM. The minimum cost of a trip is 3000 tenge.

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.

Last updated: 2026-02-04

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.