Bus station Kazakhstan

Semey is linked mainly to Astana via Pavlodar to the west and Ust-Kamegogork (Öskemen) to the east. Even buses to Karaganda, to the south-west, avoid Kurchatov and pass through Pavlodar before heading back down.

Connections to Astana every day: several buses between 8am and 6pm. Cost 6,000 KZT and 15 hours' travel time.

Connections to Ust-Kamenogorsk (Öskemen) 5 to 6 buses/day. (2,500 KZT, 4 to 5 hours' travel time).

Connections to Karaganda: 2 busses/d. (4,500 KZT, 15 hours).

Unlike the well-regulated transport system in the rest of the country, the towns of Aktau and Atyrau are served in a slightly more anarchic way. Don't hesitate to arrive early to find seats on the buses, even if it means waiting for them to fill up. Even if the bus fleet has been renewed, the best solution is still to take a shared cab or minibus, which are faster, more comfortable and more frequent. Cabs to Fort Chevchenko also depart from the bus station.

Most connections are with Uralsk, north of Atyrau, or Beyneu, to the east. From Beyneu, you can travel to Astana, in the north of the country (40h min.), or Almaty (48h). Given the distances involved, you'll need to consider spending a night in the bus if you choose this mode of transport. Shared txis or minibuses are a good, albeit more expensive, option if you want to save a little time and travel more comfortably. Like buses, they leave throughout the day as soon as they've filled up with passengers.