Astana is an unusual family destination — futuristic architecture, the massive Khan Shatyr mall, and (in summer) surprisingly pleasant weather. Getting from the airport with kids is straightforward if you plan ahead.
The winter factor for families
This is the biggest consideration. Astana's winter temperatures regularly hit -25°C to -35°C. If you're arriving between November and March with children:
- Don't wait outside for buses or app taxis
- Pre-book a transfer so the driver is inside the terminal waiting
- Have warm layers accessible, not packed in checked luggage
- The walk from the terminal door to a car is short but brutal in extreme cold
Transport options for families
App taxi (Yandex Go)
Cheap (5-8 EUR) and practical. Request a Comfort class for a bigger car. But: no child seats, and you'll wait outside for pickup. In summer, fine. In winter, not ideal with small kids.Pre-booked transfer (recommended for families)
| Family setup | Vehicle | Price to city | |---|---|---| | 2 adults + 1 child | Sedan + child seat | 8-15 EUR | | 2 adults + 2 children | Sedan/minivan + seats | 12-20 EUR | | 2 adults + 3+ children | Minivan + seats | 15-25 EUR |
At these prices, there's no reason not to pre-book. The driver waits inside, helps with bags, and has child seats if requested. The cost difference over an app taxi is 3-10 EUR — practically nothing.
Bus 10
A basic city bus. Not recommended for families with luggage or small children, especially in winter.Astana with kids: what to do
- Khan Shatyr — enormous tent-shaped shopping center with indoor beach, entertainment, food courts
- Astana Expo area — futuristic buildings, open spaces in summer
- Duman Entertainment Center — aquarium, cinema, and exhibits
- Baiterek Tower — observation deck, kids love the golden ball at the top
- National Museum — well-designed, interactive for older kids
Practical tips
- Food: Kazakh cuisine is meat-heavy. International restaurants are available in the center. Kids usually enjoy plov (rice dish) and samsa (meat pastries)
- Language: Very little English spoken outside major hotels. Google Translate (download Kazakh and Russian offline packs) is essential
- Safety: Astana is very safe, even at night. Petty crime is rare
- Currency: ATMs everywhere, cards widely accepted in the city center
Our advice
Pre-book a transfer. At 8-20 EUR for the whole family, it's absurdly cheap. The driver handles the bags, you get child seats, and in winter, you don't expose the kids to extreme cold while waiting for transport. This is one of those rare cases where the recommended option is also the cheapest sensible option.