Travel & Accommodations
Getting to the Steppes is an adventure, and we want to make it as smooth as possible for you. Below is the breakdown of how to get there, where to stay, and how to get around once you arrive.
Flights from the US
Most flights to Astana (NQZ) require one connection, usually in Europe or the Middle East. Based on our experience, these are the best options:
From Houston (IAH)
Turkish Airlines: (Via Istanbul) – Often the fastest route at ~18 hours.
United/Lufthansa: (Via Frankfurt) – A great Star Alliance option.
Emirates: (Via Dubai) – Renowned service, slightly longer travel time.
Approximate Economy Roundtrip: $1,100 – $1,300
From Denver (DEN):
Lufthansa/United: (Via Frankfurt or Munich).
Approximate Economy Roundtrip: $1,200 – $1,400
From New York (JFK):
Turkish Airlines: (Via Istanbul).
Lufthansa: (Via Frankfurt).
Approximate Economy Roundtrip: $950 – $1,150
Pro-Tip: We really recommend arriving 2 to 3 days early (August 12th or 13th). The 11-hour time difference is no joke, and you’ll appreciate having a couple of days to adjust and see the city before the big day.
Where to Stay in Astana
We recommend staying in the Left Bank area. It’s the modern heart of the city, full of interesting architecture, great restaurants, and it's very safe to walk around.
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana
Located in the Talan Towers, this is a world-class 5-star hotel. Centrally located, plenty of great things within walking distance.
$200/night, which is a steal compared to US prices.
Best Western Plus Astana
Right next door to the Ritz! It’s a familiar brand, very clean, and highly rated. It’s a great way to stay in the center of everything for around
$70 – $80/night.
The St. Regis Astana
Located about 10 minutes away by car in a quieter, beautiful park-like setting. It’s an incredible property if you want a bit more tranquility.
$180 – $250/night.
Getting Around Astana
The LRT (Light Rail): The brand-new Light Rail is now open! You can take it directly from the airport into the downtown area near the hotels listed above. It’s fast, clean, and very cheap.
Taxis & Apps: Uber works here! It will automatically port over to the "Yandex Go" network. You don’t need to download a new app; your US Uber app should handle the transition. Taxis are very affordable—usually just a few dollars to get anywhere in the city.
Tech Tips: We recommend downloading the "Russian" and "Kazakh" offline language packs on Google Translate. The "Camera" feature is a lifesaver for reading menus and signs!