Car rental at Almaty airport: how to pick up a car upon arrival

How car rental at Almaty Airport works

Almaty International Airport (code ALA) is the country's main air gateway, and many visitors start their trip right here. The taxi queue is not your only option: you can get a rental car right at the terminal. We bring the car to your flight, our specialist meets you with a name sign, you inspect the car together and sign the contract — and then you drive off on your own.

I handle car handovers and most often meet clients right in the arrivals area. The models people usually book for a flight are collected on the “airport car rental” page, together with current prices.

When terminal delivery is especially convenient

• business trips: straight from the airport to a meeting, without waiting for a taxi or changing transport;
• families with children and suitcases — the car arrives with a child seat if you ordered one in advance;
• heading to the mountains or out of town right after landing, without a detour through the centre;
• late-night or early-morning flights when public transport is not running.

How to book a car at Almaty Airport before you fly

The key part happens before you board. Message us on WhatsApp and tell us:

1. your flight number, arrival date and time in Almaty local time;
2. the terminal — international and domestic flights use different terminals, it is shown on your ticket;
3. the car class or a specific model;
4. the rental period and a rough route — city, mountains, intercity;
5. photos of your documents if you want to sign the contract online in advance.

Why it is better to book in advance

Within the city we deliver a car in 30–60 minutes, but for a flight I recommend booking ahead. That gives us time to prepare exactly the model you chose, check and wash it, and arrive when you land rather than after. We need the flight number to track your arrival: if the plane is delayed or lands early, the specialist adjusts to the new time. During holiday season and public holidays fewer cars are available — the earlier you book, the wider the choice.

Meet and greet: car handover at the airport on arrival

Where you will be met

After collecting your luggage, head to the arrivals area. The specialist will be waiting with a sign bearing your name; the day before, we send their name and phone number to your WhatsApp. If you cannot see the sign, just call — it is faster than searching for each other in the crowd. The car is parked nearby, in the car park by the terminal.

Car inspection and contract

The inspection takes a few minutes: we walk around the car together, record any scratches and chips in the handover report and on photos, and check the fuel level and odometer. My tip: film a short video of the body and interior on your own phone. It takes a minute, and there will be no questions on either side when you return the car.

We sign the contract online in advance or when handing over the keys. If you sent your documents before the flight, all that is left on the spot is to sign and take the keys — so the paperwork takes just a few minutes. Finally, I show you the specifics of the car: how the fuel flap opens, where the heating switches on and how to connect your phone to the multimedia system.

Documents you need to rent a car at Almaty Airport

• Citizens of Kazakhstan: national ID card and a category B driving licence.
• Visitors from CIS countries: passport and national driving licence — for example, Russian, Uzbek or Kyrgyz licences are accepted without an international permit.
• Visitors from other countries: passport and a driving licence in Latin script; if your licence uses another alphabet, get an International Driving Permit before the trip.
• Age and experience: from 21 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience.

Your licence must be valid for the whole rental period, and the name on it must match your ID document. All requirements are listed on the “rental terms and documents” page.

Which car to rent at Almaty Airport

The choice depends on how many of you there are, how much luggage you have and where you are going. The table shows the classes most often booked for arrivals, with the lowest daily price in our catalogue and the deposit for each class.

If you travel light and stay in the city, economy class is enough — for example, the Changan Alsvin from 12,990 ₸ per day. For a business trip, comfort class is more convenient: a sedan with a roomy boot such as the Toyota Camry easily takes your suitcases and is relaxed to drive in traffic.

Lots of luggage, children, mountains

If four of you are flying with large suitcases, a sedan may not fit everything — take a minivan, such as the Hyundai Starex. Ask for a child seat in advance: traffic rules require children to travel in a child restraint, and we install it before delivery. If you are heading to the mountains straight after landing, look at the SUV class: higher ground clearance makes a noticeable difference on mountain roads and gravel.

Deposit, mileage and insurance for an airport car rental

How much is the deposit

The deposit depends on the car class: 50,000 ₸ for economy and comfort, 100,000 ₸ for business, SUVs, minivans and commercial vehicles, 150,000 ₸ for premium and 200,000 ₸ for unique models. We tell you the amount before you sign the contract. The deposit is held on your Kaspi or Halyk card and returned within 1–3 business days after you return the car without damage or fines.

Mileage limit

The rate includes up to 200 km per day; beyond the limit there is a per-kilometre surcharge set out in the contract. That is plenty for city driving, but a same-day round trip from the airport to Charyn Canyon easily exceeds the daily limit. Tell us your route when booking and we will calculate the surcharge in advance. For long-distance trips, see the “intercity car rental” section.

Insurance and fines

The cars are insured: comprehensive cover (KASKO) and compulsory third-party liability insurance (OGPO VTS, Kazakhstan's equivalent of MTPL) are included in the rental price. In an accident, switch on the hazard lights, call the police on 102 and then call us. Almaty has many traffic enforcement cameras: fines go to the car owner and we forward them to the renter — it is easier to stick to the speed limit from the start.

How to return a rental car at Almaty Airport

You can return the car at the same place, by the terminal, before your flight. Agree on the time in advance and leave some margin: the return inspection takes a few minutes, but plan to arrive at the airport with enough time for check-in and security.

We record the fuel level in the handover report, and the car should come back with the same level — the easiest way is to fill up on your way to the airport. The specialist checks the mileage and fuel, inspects the body against the handover report and takes the keys, and you are free to go to check-in. If it is more convenient to return the car in the city, we agree on the return location when you book.

FAQ: renting a car at Almaty Airport

What if my flight is delayed?

We track your flight using the number you sent when booking. If the landing time changes, the specialist comes at the new time — no need to warn us separately, though a WhatsApp message after landing still speeds up the meeting.

Can I pick up a car at night?

Yes, we meet night and early-morning flights too — the delivery time is agreed when you book. It is best to send a request for a night arrival in advance, during working hours, so we have time to prepare the car.

How much does it cost to rent a car at Almaty airport?

The price depends on the class: economy from 12,990 ₸ per day, comfort from 15,990 ₸, SUVs from 22,000 ₸. We quote the airport delivery fee when you book, before you sign the contract.

Can I pick up the car at the airport and return it in the city?

Yes. We agree on the return location — the airport, an address in the city or our office — when you book and record it in the contract.