Astana Railway Station Luggage Storage

Astana has two main train stations located on opposite banks of the Yesil River. To avoid confusion and delays, it’s important to understand their key differences. The main rule is to always check the station name on your ticket before traveling.

The modern Nurly Zhol station on the Left Bank, opened in 2017, serves most high-speed Talgo trains and long-distance trains. It’s located away from the historic center, so allow 20–30 minutes by taxi to reach the main attractions.

The compact Astana-1 station on the Right Bank mainly receives transit and suburban trains. It’s located in the old part of the city, from where you can reach the central sites by bus in 30-40 minutes.

It’s best to arrive at either station with time to spare: 40–60 minutes before the departure of a long-distance train. Security checks, finding your platform, and possible queues can take time, and boarding closes 5–10 minutes before the train departs.

The Nurly Zhol station building is a modern multi-level complex. It’s easy to navigate inside: signage is duplicated in Russian and Kazakh, and elevators and escalators run between floors.

Key areas are distributed across floors: the first floor has ticket offices and an information desk, the third floor has check-in areas and departure boards, and the fourth floor has additional ticket offices. A huge advantage of the station is the six covered passages leading directly to the platforms. The tracks are located inside the building, which protects passengers from bad weather.

On the third floor, there’s a mother and child room, and on the first floor, there’s a pharmacy and a medical station. The food court with various cafes is on the second level. Free Wi-Fi is available in all waiting areas, but during peak hours its speed may drop.

The old Astana-1 station is located in the historic part of the city at 1 Goethe Street. Its main advantage is proximity to the Yesil embankment and the old districts of the capital. The layout here is simple and compact: one main waiting hall, where the ticket offices, departure boards, and a small buffet are located.

Exits to the platforms are organized through underground and ground-level passages. Unlike Nurly Zhol, canopies over the tracks only protect from rain, but not from strong winds. The building has retained its recognizable appearance from the Soviet era with mosaic panels on the facade.

The infrastructure here is minimal: there are ATMs, a pharmacy kiosk, and a coffee stand. There’s no mother and child room, and during peak hours the waiting hall can be crowded. It’s recommended to arrive 30–35 minutes before departure to calmly pass through security and find your platform.

The most convenient way to buy tickets is online on the official website bilet.railways.kz or in the app. You’ll need simple registration, after which you can choose your route, date, and type of carriage. Tickets for popular destinations go on sale 45 days in advance.

After payment by card, an electronic ticket with a QR code will be sent to your email. You don’t need to print it — just show it from your smartphone screen when boarding. If there are no tickets available, use the “Waiting List” feature, and the system will offer a seat that becomes available.

You can exchange or return a ticket in your personal account no later than 6 hours before departure. On the day of travel, double-check the station name on your ticket (Nurly Zhol or Astana-1), platform number, and time. Such a simple check will save you nerves and money.

At Astana station, you can use automatic luggage storage lockers. They are located on the first floor, near the main entrance. Lockers come in different sizes, from small ones for backpacks to large ones for standard suitcases. The rate is per day, and payment is accepted by cards and cash through a terminal.

How to Use Automatic Lockers?

1. Select the language, locker size, and storage period on the terminal.
2. Pay for the service by card or cash.
3. Receive a receipt with a QR code and your locker number.
4. Place your luggage inside and close the door tightly.
5. To retrieve your items, scan the QR code on the same terminal.

How Much Do Luggage Storage Lockers Cost at Astana Station?

The price depends on the locker size. Storing a small backpack will cost approximately 500–700 tenge, and a standard suitcase — 800–1000 tenge for the minimum period. The exact cost is displayed on the terminal screen before payment.

Qeepl Luggage Storage Service

Qeepl is a modern alternative to traditional luggage storage. The service operates as a global platform connecting travelers with local businesses — hotels, cafes, and shops ready to safely look after your belongings. This allows you to leave luggage not only at the station but also in any convenient area of the city.

The booking process is completely online and takes a couple of minutes. You go to the Qeepl website or app, find the nearest storage point on the map, and pay for the booking. Immediately after payment, you receive the exact address and a QR code. On-site, you just need to show the code to the employee who will accept your items. The cost starts from ₸2,499, with each bag insured for up to ₸100,000.

Comparison With Traditional Luggage Storage

Unlike station luggage storage lockers that operate on a schedule, Qeepl offers greater flexibility. You can book a spot online in 2 minutes and leave your items in a convenient part of the city: near a museum, park, or restaurant. This eliminates the need to return to the station.

The service also solves the problem of non-standard luggage (such as sports equipment) that may not fit in a standard locker. Security is guaranteed by strict verification of all partners and mandatory insurance already included in the price.

Both stations are easily accessible by public transport. Buses № 2, 11, 14, 21, 48, 50 go to Nurly Zhol. You can get to Astana-1 on routes № 21, 26, 37, 48. Direct route №48 connects both stations, the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Taxis ordered through Yandex Go or Bolt apps are a quick and convenient option. A trip from the center to Nurly Zhol will cost 2000–3000 tenge, to Astana-1 — 1500–2000 tenge. At both stations, the first 5 minutes of parking are free for quick passenger drop-off.

• Near Nurly Zhol:

  • Food court and cafes on the second floor of the terminal.
  • 24-hour pharmacy on the first floor.
  • The nearest supermarket is a 10-minute walk away.

• Near Astana-1:

  • Yesil River embankment is a 15-minute walk away.
  • Museum of the First President and the Military History Museum.
  • “Arbat” pedestrian zone with souvenir shops.

Security and police are on duty 24/7 at the stations, and video surveillance cameras are in operation. Nevertheless, don’t leave your belongings unattended. For reliability, use luggage storage.

How to Get There by Public Transport?

City buses run at 5–20 minute intervals. You can pay for the ride with a transport card or via QR code on board. Traveling with a card is always cheaper. During peak hours, allow an additional 20–30 minutes for the journey due to possible traffic jams.

From Nurly Zhol station, express bus №100 also departs to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), which is convenient for transit passengers.

Taxi, Car Sharing, and Parking

Order taxis through online apps where the price is fixed before the trip starts. This will protect you from overpaying. Official taxi pick-up and drop-off zones are located at the main entrances of both stations.

If you came by your own car, remember that after 5 free minutes, an hourly rate for parking starts. In bad weather, finding a free space can take extra time, so arrive with time to spare.