Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev Layover Guide (NQZ)

What are you looking for in NQZ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Astana Airport (NQZ) is an international airport located in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. It’s situated about 17 km (10.5 miles) from downtown Nur-Sultan. The airport officially opened in 1931. Nur-Sultan is the capital and second-largest city of Kazakhstan, known for its futuristic architecture and rapid development. The city offers a blend of modern infrastructure and rich culture, making it a dynamic place to live, work, and explore leisure activities year-round.

Can you leave Astana Airport (NQZ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can exit NQZ’s transit area during a layover, but all travelers who plan to enter Kazakhstan (even briefly) must hold a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry (e.g. select passport holders get 30-day exemption). Others can apply for an e-visa online before arrival and pay consular fees. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Bayterek Tower Iconic golden sphere atop a striking white tower representing a folk tale, offering panoramic city vistas from its observation deck with interactive exhibits detailing Astana’s history and modern transformation story. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: by taxi (~25 min) or bus 380 to city center (~40 min))
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation Stunning pyramid-shaped building designed by Norman Foster hosting conferences, exhibitions and concerts inside its glass walls, symbolizing interfaith unity with panoramic city glimpses from its upper glass balconies each level. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: by taxi (~30 min) or bus 380 to city center (~45 min) + short walk)
• Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center Futuristic transparent tent structure housing shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and indoor beach, providing year-round climate-controlled entertainment and retail experiences under its soaring tensile architecture ideal for families and photographers alike. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: by taxi (~20 min) or bus 380 to city center (~35 min) + walk)
• Hazrat Sultan Mosque Majestic modern mosque with six towering minarets and intricately decorated interiors, accommodating thousands of worshipers and visitors eager to admire its vast prayer hall and peaceful courtyard gardens during daylight. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: by taxi (~25 min) or bus 380 to city center (~45 min) + walk)
• Nur-Astana Mosque Elegant Ottoman-inspired mosque by the river featuring white marble domes, arched colonnades and colorful stained-glass windows reflecting light across its serene prayer hall and external pools perfect for photography lovers. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: by taxi (~25 min) or bus 380 to city center (~45 min) + walk)
• National Museum of Kazakhstan Vast contemporary museum showcasing national history, culture and art through engaging interactive exhibits, archaeological artifacts and multimedia presentations in a striking angular building overlooking Independence Square immersive for all ages. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: by taxi (~20 min) or bus 380 to city center (~35 min) + walk)
• Astana Opera House Grandiose opera and ballet theatre featuring exquisite interiors, gilded chandeliers and world-class performances that transport audiences into timeless musical and dramatic masterpieces under luxurious surroundings book tickets online in advance. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: by taxi (~20 min) or bus 380 to city center (~40 min) + walk)
• Ishim River Promenade Scenic riverside walkway lined with modern sculptures, cafes and parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or cycling alongside the calm waters while admiring city skyline reflections at sunset and daybreak. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: by taxi (~15 min) or bus 380 to city center (~30 min) + walk)

Things to Do in Astana Airport (NQZ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are three lounges across both terminals: the International Sapar Lounge (T1, 2nd floor, airside), the Sapar Lounge (T2, 1st floor, airside) and Air Astana’s Shanyraq Domestic Business Lounge (T2, 2nd floor). All offer seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and workstations; access is by invitation or pay-per-use passes. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
On-site options include the CAPS LOCK capsule hotel in T1 and a 16-room transit hotel in T2, both landside. Off-airport, hotels such as Astana Transit Hotel and Wyndham Garden Astana provide rooms, 24-hour front desks, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and complimentary shuttle service to the terminals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated quiet or rest zones, cots, or sleeping pods. Travelers often sleep on benches or the floor; security patrols may be infrequent. It’s advisable to bring an eye mask, earplugs, and a travel pillow, and choose spots near other passengers or information desks for safety.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi covers all public areas and airside zones. Connect to the “OpenWiFi_TSE” network and register using a mobile phone number to receive a PIN. Speeds are generally sufficient for browsing and messaging, though peak times can reduce bandwidth; no registration fees apply.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards are sold landside just past customs on the left. A basic local prepaid SIM costs about 6,500 KZT and includes data, voice, and SMS; top-ups are available at kiosks or via mobile apps. eSIM profiles from Kcell and Beeline can also be activated online before arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis operate 24/7 from the arrivals forecourt. Major app-based services include Yandex.Taxi and inDriver. Fares to the city center are typically a flat 1,650 KZT; journeys take around 25 minutes depending on traffic. Payment can be made by cash or mobile apps.

Train: There is no direct rail link yet; the proposed Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) will eventually connect the airport to Astana-Nurly Zhol station. Until then, passengers use Bus 100 or taxi to reach the rail station. (more info)

Bus: Municipal lines 10 and 12 and Airport Express 100 run from outside both terminals to key city stops, including Nurly Zhol station. Service runs 06:00–22:00, with a flat fare of 180 KZT paid by contactless card or ticket. Buses are frequent and wheelchair-accessible. (more info)

Shuttle: Municipal lines 10 and 12 and Airport Express 100 run from outside both terminals to key city stops, including Nurly Zhol station. Service runs 06:00–22:00, with a flat fare of 180 KZT paid by contactless card or ticket. Buses are frequent and wheelchair-accessible. (more info)

Car rentals: A Rent-A-Car office is located landside in Terminal 2 (1st floor, right side). Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, local firms) operate from 06:00–23:00. Drivers need a passport, international driving permit, and deposit hold; rates include basic insurance, with extras available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-, mid-, and long-term parking areas flank both terminals. Hourly rates start at 500 KZT, with daily caps. Spaces are well marked and security-patrolled. Payment via Halyk Bank or Kaspi QR code is accepted at exits.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage counters and lockers are available 24 hours landside in both terminals. Rates are 900 KZT per item per calendar day; maximum storage is three months. Staff handle oversized bags; retrieval requires the original claim ticket. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Astana Airport (NQZ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks