What's the average time to travel across Kazakhstan by train?

Kazakhstan train travel landscape
Asked on: 7/26/2025
This question has been asked2times.
Traveling across Kazakhstan by train typically takes around 3 to 4 days, depending on the route and stops.
Estimated Duration: 3 days
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, spanning vast distances. The Trans-Kazakhstan Railway connects major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan (Astana) to the Russian and Chinese borders. The journey from west to east (e.g., Aktobe to Almaty) covers approximately 3,000 km and takes 3-4 days, depending on train speed and stops. Comfortable sleeper trains with dining cars are available, making it a scenic but lengthy trip. Factors like delays, weather, and specific routes can affect duration. For shorter segments (e.g., Nur-Sultan to Almaty), expect 12-20 hours. Plan for extra time if crossing the entire country.